Blog article on cycling and bone density
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#2
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"From their studies they have found that body mass is a central factor. In Smathers’ study, the lightest riders had the lowest bone density." This is to be expected.
The note about calcium loss is interesting. Substitution effects, like those when milk is replaced in the diet, are likely a big part of the cause. Cycling certainly doesn't do much to maintain bone density. Going for a run every once in a while couldn't hurt.
The note about calcium loss is interesting. Substitution effects, like those when milk is replaced in the diet, are likely a big part of the cause. Cycling certainly doesn't do much to maintain bone density. Going for a run every once in a while couldn't hurt.
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That pretty much confirms what I have been saying. Just replace what you are losing. Doesn't need to be much, a Cal/Mag/Zinc twice a day would prob do it.
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Although the riders in both Smathers’ and the Colorado study were ingesting more than the recommended daily allowance of calcium for their age, they may still have had a deficit of the mineral, which is essential to bone-building. Some researchers theorize that calcium must be taken during exercise to be most effective. A 2004 laboratory study of cyclists who were given either tap water or calcium-enriched water during a 50-minute, stationary-bicycle ride found that the riders drinking the tap water had much higher levels of blood chemicals related to bone loss than did the riders swigging the calcium. Researchers suspect that drinking calcium-enriched waters or sports drinks during long, hot bike rides may help to stave off some bone loss.
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"may still have had"?
If you are really concerned, get to a gym and have some fun. I do.
I still think supplementation will do the trick. I used to backpack and I still
lift, although the weights I lift these days are tiny. I have a lot of things to worry
about, but bone density just isn't on the list.
Once you find a good gym and learn how to work out (that can take a while), the gym is fun. Personally, I loved hiking and backpacking more than anything.
That would be a great way to build up some bone density.
Btw, a study with old fogies like me showed bone density increasing after exercising for a while.
If you are really concerned, get to a gym and have some fun. I do.
I still think supplementation will do the trick. I used to backpack and I still
lift, although the weights I lift these days are tiny. I have a lot of things to worry
about, but bone density just isn't on the list.
Once you find a good gym and learn how to work out (that can take a while), the gym is fun. Personally, I loved hiking and backpacking more than anything.
That would be a great way to build up some bone density.
Btw, a study with old fogies like me showed bone density increasing after exercising for a while.
#6
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