I'm a lot like Bradley Wiggins
03-26-13, 01:34 PM
#1
Beicwyr Hapus
Thread Starter
I'm a lot like Bradley Wiggins
I've got skinny legs!
I think it must be an age thing. When I was younger I used to have fairly thick thighs, but in the last 5/7 years I've lost a lot of bulk on the legs, especially the left leg following a couple of serious injuries.
This doesn't worry me too much as I've always been quite slim and it doesn't seem to affect my cycling, which is a mix of trail and XC, with a fair amount of hills, and I'm not into racing so don't need a lot of explosive power. But it's contrary to how most people envisage cyclists.
I'll just have to accept looking (as my wife describes it) "like a hairpin in tights" when I'm on the bike.
Am I right in thinking it's an age thing?
I think it must be an age thing. When I was younger I used to have fairly thick thighs, but in the last 5/7 years I've lost a lot of bulk on the legs, especially the left leg following a couple of serious injuries.
This doesn't worry me too much as I've always been quite slim and it doesn't seem to affect my cycling, which is a mix of trail and XC, with a fair amount of hills, and I'm not into racing so don't need a lot of explosive power. But it's contrary to how most people envisage cyclists.
I'll just have to accept looking (as my wife describes it) "like a hairpin in tights" when I'm on the bike.
Am I right in thinking it's an age thing?
03-26-13, 02:10 PM
#2
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Skinny legs? Not me and I'm 68.
Skinny legs? Not me and I'm 68.
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The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
03-26-13, 02:18 PM
#3
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This, to me is an interesting question. 10 years ago I was playing lots of tennis and was very quick on the court and legs were moderately thin. These days, tennis is too tough on the body so I ride the bike 3000 miles per year and find I'm putting muscle on my legs that tennis did not. I think it may have more to do with individual response to exercise than age.
03-26-13, 02:22 PM
#4
Senior Member
My legs are massive muscular pillars of steel. When people see my legs, they don't ask "Who is that?". They ask "What is that?".
The Androgel helps a bit, I think.
The Androgel helps a bit, I think.
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Momento mori, amor fati.
Momento mori, amor fati.
03-26-13, 03:25 PM
#6
Oh! That British Bloke ..
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They call me Wiggo on our local rides ...
I sense a hint of irony ... even though this is America.
I sense a hint of irony ... even though this is America.
03-26-13, 03:26 PM
#7
Beicwyr Hapus
Thread Starter
03-26-13, 10:40 PM
#8
Senior Member
Aerobic exercise doesn't really build bulk or strength. Hit the gym. I notice that my calves remain pretty much flaccid when cycling, so if I didn't cross-train with other sports plus weight-training I think they'd be pencil-thin!
03-27-13, 12:40 AM
#9
Time for a change.
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Have always had calves that ripple with every indentation of the muscle that is there. Comes from the active and sports life I have always had. Thighs and the Shorts are getting tighter around the legs. Now the Midriff is where the big gain is being had.
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How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
03-27-13, 03:21 AM
#10
Beicwyr Hapus
Thread Starter
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to bulk up in any way. In fact I prefer the Wiggo type legs to the Hoy type, especially as I'd look even more odd with big legs. I always associate fitness and longevity with the wiry, marathon runner type of physique rather than the muscly sprinter.
If you have to work hard to bulk up then you've got to continue to work hard to maintain the bulk and there are more important things in life - like riding a bike.
I was just interested in how much regular cycling contributes to body shape, but I suppose it's just like running where long-distance runners are (generally) slim, while short-distance and sprints need more muscle power.
If you have to work hard to bulk up then you've got to continue to work hard to maintain the bulk and there are more important things in life - like riding a bike.
I was just interested in how much regular cycling contributes to body shape, but I suppose it's just like running where long-distance runners are (generally) slim, while short-distance and sprints need more muscle power.
03-27-13, 02:48 PM
#12
Beicwyr Hapus
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03-27-13, 03:21 PM
#13
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No one's ever accused me of having skinny anything!
My legs are ... kinda stubby. I really admire people with longer, slimmer legs.
My legs are ... kinda stubby. I really admire people with longer, slimmer legs.
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Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
03-27-13, 07:32 PM
#14
Semper Fi
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I'm with Vic and having stubby legs, I have a 31" inseam but I'm 6'-1" in height. I leg press over 300, easily.
Not sure if this is wise but these are what get me around and make riding possible:
The cat is Carl , my personal trainer and companion in everything, neat little cat. I'll never be mistaken for Wiggo or any other cycling pro.
Bill
Not sure if this is wise but these are what get me around and make riding possible:
The cat is Carl , my personal trainer and companion in everything, neat little cat. I'll never be mistaken for Wiggo or any other cycling pro.
Bill
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Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Last edited by qcpmsame; 03-27-13 at 07:36 PM.
03-28-13, 09:55 AM
#15
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Forest of Dean, eh! Met and married my wife down there. Never did MTB, but knew the roads around there pretty well 50 years ago - some steep hills, like the one by Speech House.
03-28-13, 01:05 PM
#16
Senior Member
It could get really weird around here.
I'd post a picture of my legs, but I've misplaced my wide angle lens.
I'd post a picture of my legs, but I've misplaced my wide angle lens.
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Momento mori, amor fati.
Momento mori, amor fati.
03-28-13, 01:31 PM
#17
Beicwyr Hapus
Thread Starter
If it's any consolation to you, the fastest guys ain our group, aged 74 and 79 are very spindly.
Forest of Dean, eh! Met and married my wife down there. Never did MTB, but knew the roads around there pretty well 50 years ago - some steep hills, like the one by Speech House.
Forest of Dean, eh! Met and married my wife down there. Never did MTB, but knew the roads around there pretty well 50 years ago - some steep hills, like the one by Speech House.
The Forest is also popular with roadies, but not like the wide open spaces in much of the U.S.
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