Cycling is helping my health
12-16-14, 08:46 PM
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Cycling is helping my health
Just got back results of my most recent medical evaluation - seems I can delay taking statins for a bit longer. 
Thanks to my wife ('supportive' about my diet is a good word - although other words also spring to mind!) and last but not least riding my Cannondale Quick SL-1 bike.
Relevant details (compared to two years ago):
~ weight = 173lbs vs 203lbs
~ LDL cholesterol = 3.01 vs 4.51 I understand measuring these levels varies across countries - we use mmol/L units in Canada. In terms of mg/dL, I think numbers are about 120 down from 176. Not sure I really believe how much this has dropped - are these test results really reliable ? But I will take the number if it keeps me away from pills.
~ body fat (using a BodPod) = 17% vs 28%
Thanks to my wife ('supportive' about my diet is a good word - although other words also spring to mind!) and last but not least riding my Cannondale Quick SL-1 bike.
Relevant details (compared to two years ago):
~ weight = 173lbs vs 203lbs
~ LDL cholesterol = 3.01 vs 4.51 I understand measuring these levels varies across countries - we use mmol/L units in Canada. In terms of mg/dL, I think numbers are about 120 down from 176. Not sure I really believe how much this has dropped - are these test results really reliable ? But I will take the number if it keeps me away from pills.
~ body fat (using a BodPod) = 17% vs 28%
12-16-14, 08:48 PM
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That Huffy Guy
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Good for you! In February I was borderline diabetic and 260+ lbs. I dropped 30 lbs and the doctor says I need to just keep doing what I am doing 
12-16-14, 09:16 PM
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Great news! You mean we can have all this fun cycling around and in addition to feeling great while we ride it may actually have long term benefits. I love it! Makes me want to ride more.
Rick / OCRR
! Makes me want to ride more. Rick / OCRR
12-17-14, 05:38 AM
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There's no denying that bicycling can contribute to greater overall health. It helps prevent or even "cure" type 2 diabetes, lowers blood pressure, strengthens the heart, improves blood chemistry and all sorts of other benefits. There's even some evidence that cycling reduces the number and severity of colds.
But, it's not that bicycling is magic or unique in the health benefits. Any regimen of mixed strength and aerobic exercise will do the same if someone outs in the hours. And that's the key bicyclists tend to stay with it and actually put in the hours over long spans of time, whereas most other programs tend to be abandoned within weeks or a few months.
But, it's not that bicycling is magic or unique in the health benefits. Any regimen of mixed strength and aerobic exercise will do the same if someone outs in the hours. And that's the key bicyclists tend to stay with it and actually put in the hours over long spans of time, whereas most other programs tend to be abandoned within weeks or a few months.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
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FB
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
12-17-14, 06:44 AM
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Outstanding news! The line about the support from your wife hits home, Monica's support and love has made all my gains possible. 100+ lbs lost, kidney function slide arrested/lab numbers are all excellent, BP is always around 110/68 and I am managing the PD very well.
Bill
Bill
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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
12-17-14, 07:20 AM
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Beicwyr Hapus
Cycling is just one of many forms of exercise that can benefit your health if carried out regularly, but for me the main benefits are to my mental well-being. It makes me smile
12-17-14, 08:29 AM
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Wonderful news! Improved health is an ideal present to give oneself, and it appears you have done so.
Improved health is an ideal present to give oneself, and it appears you have done so.
12-17-14, 09:17 AM
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Thanks for the thread. We now somehow have to get the pro-exercise message out to John Q. Public.
I did read encouraging news about a local GP, Dave Clayton, who started a gym. He tells his heart and type II diabetic patients they can choose between his or a similar exercise program and likely positive outcomes or a lifelong regimen of medications and unknown, probably negative, outcomes.
I did read encouraging news about a local GP, Dave Clayton, who started a gym. He tells his heart and type II diabetic patients they can choose between his or a similar exercise program and likely positive outcomes or a lifelong regimen of medications and unknown, probably negative, outcomes.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
12-17-14, 11:27 AM
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go, Go, GO! and +1 on the mental health benefits!
12-17-14, 11:45 AM
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Keep cycling and together we can set the pharmaceutical INDUSTRY back 40yrs. Good job!
12-17-14, 02:03 PM
#11
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Good for all you guys! I lost 20 pounds over the summer, mostly riding my road bike. I also slept better, had more energy. Unfortunately, like an idiot, I sold that bike and my riding on my other bikes has fallen way off. I blame the cold weather but I'm just lazy. I have gained back most of the weight, not sleeping as well, etc. Sooo, today I bought another road bike (2014 Bianchi Intenso), which I will pick up Saturday in Nashville. Also I have bought a few warm weather riding clothes, so it's back on and I plan to ride all winter, road conditions permitting.
12-17-14, 02:23 PM
#12
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Thanks for the encouragement everyone.
Bill, you are a wonderful guy. I nearly made a flippant comment about my wife nagging me about my diet - but your 'love & support' comment exactly sums up how lucky I am to have had Halina there for me during my journey back to a more healthy lifestyle.
For me, it has been to eliminate pigging out on chocolates; reducing cheese intake & white bread/pasta/rice and also alcohol intake; introducing legumes, fish, ancient grains. More physical activity (mainly the bike, but during a long Canadian winter putting in 5/6 hrs a week in the gym).
FBinNY and Gerryattrick: exactly - because cycling on my lovely Cannondale Quick SL-1 gives me so much pleasure, I look forward to the time on the bike. Long may it put a smile on my face - while it does it is easy to get the fresh air & exercise
For me, it has been to eliminate pigging out on chocolates; reducing cheese intake & white bread/pasta/rice and also alcohol intake; introducing legumes, fish, ancient grains. More physical activity (mainly the bike, but during a long Canadian winter putting in 5/6 hrs a week in the gym).
12-17-14, 04:01 PM
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Cycling may also help with your HDL numbers.
Perhaps other things like blood pressure???
Perhaps other things like blood pressure???
12-17-14, 04:26 PM
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This is a great thread.
Keep in mind however, that cycling should be balanced with weight bearing exercises, such as regular walking, and/or weight lifting, push ups, etc.
Keep in mind however, that cycling should be balanced with weight bearing exercises, such as regular walking, and/or weight lifting, push ups, etc.
12-17-14, 05:24 PM
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Very true. I lift weights 2 or 3 times per week at the Y, to keep up what little upper body strength and bulk I have. I have heard too many horror stories of 50-year-old bicyclists with 20-year-old cardiovascular systems and 80-year-old bone densities.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
12-17-14, 08:13 PM
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This is all very good to hear. I had quit cycling for about seven or eight years. During that time I was under a lot of stress; my job came apart and we had to move the family half-way around the world, back to my home town. When I started riding again I was huffing and puffing and could hardly go one (count 'em, one) mile.
I don't have too many numbers, but in the last two years I've dropped 35 pounds. I sleep better, feel better, breathe better and just generally feel more energetic. My wife jokes that I'm getting younger all the time. Not to mention that riding is also fun.
I don't have too many numbers, but in the last two years I've dropped 35 pounds. I sleep better, feel better, breathe better and just generally feel more energetic. My wife jokes that I'm getting younger all the time. Not to mention that riding is also fun.
12-17-14, 11:10 PM
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Osteoporosis research is mixed, but a little extra calcium is a cheap and easy preventative measure... best to start early.
Maybe I should get back to jogging too. I have thought a bit about upper body strength. I loaned out my Schwinn Airdyne, and never got it back
12-20-14, 06:10 PM
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12-21-14, 09:09 AM
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At 76, I have no doubt that cycling and lifting of hand weights have helped me retain my health.
12-21-14, 09:47 AM
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Good for you but changing your lifestyle is important too and you have done well.
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