riderforlife

I ride for total fitness but usually when winter come along i would put my bike away but this time i plan to ride year round and i was wondering about winter weight loss is it better when the temp drop

Closed Office

There was a survival show on the Discovery Channel. In the winter survival situation, they mentioned that the body can burn up to 5000 calories a day keeping warm at those very low temperatures. (Can't remember for sure, but I think it was around -40.) So winter riding might be a bit more help losing weight.

But I don't know. I've never tried to lose weight like that. A person might feel more like eating after a cold ride.

Gordy748

As an ex international lightweight rower who had to deal with losing pounds to get to race weight every spring, I can confidently say that losing weight in winter is the last thing your body wants to do.

As the temperature goes down, the body burns more fat trying to maintain core temperature. That (as well as the colder environment) sets off an urge to eat heartier, fattier foods to make sure you have enough fat stored for winter (biologically it's the same as a bear fattening up for winter). In fact, putting on a few pounds is preferable. Fat insulates against the cold and makes being outdoors that little bit more enjoyable.

Losing that fat will cause you to feel perennially cold (like, really cold) and will give you an urge to eat, eat, eat that will drive you mad. It also reduces your ability to fight off the inevitable winter colds. By spring you will be so fatigued and demotivated you'll struggle just to get out the door. You'll hate the bike, hate your life and will just want to crawl inside the world's biggest chocolate donut for the rest of the year.

Ok, ok, I'm exaggerating a little. But what we all did was allow a little weight gain through the winter... you should accord yourself the same too. Work on long distance, basic miles for fitness, then when the weather starts to warm up start piling on the work. You will find your weight dropping off a lot quicker and easier than if you tried to do it months earlier.

(My 2 cents worth based on a decade of weight obsession)

Bearhawker

I can tell you to the week when the fall weather will change and get cooler/colder as I eat like I've just discovered food. I mean I literally feel like I'm starving to death and will eat anything - and everything.

I *hate* the fact that it happens and I *hate* the fact that I know about it with every mouthful, but I'm coming to terms with it, slowly.

All I can hope is that by continuing to push my commute into the fall (winter?) will be my best bet long-term to fight the additional calories I'm consuming.

Some of us must have stronger Neanderthal links or something. (sidenote - males in my family get and extra set of wisdom teeth... so the link may go back to australopithecus or something - LMAO) My Granny always said we weren't long from the trees. :0

riderforlife

ok thanks i will see if i can find this episode on the net

riderforlife

Yes this is some of the same thing i go through in the winter months not even the weight training help i am at a loss of what to do some i have purchased the px90 workout set will try to make this work

riderforlife

[QUOTE=Gordy748;14803759]As an ex international lightweight rower who had to deal with losing pounds to get to race weight every spring, I can confidently say that losing weight in winter is the last thing your body wants to do.

As the temperature goes down, the body burns more fat trying to maintain core temperature. That (as well as the colder environment) sets off an urge to eat heartier, fattier foods to make sure you have enough fat stored for winter (biologically it's the same as a bear fattening up for winter). In fact, putting on a few pounds is preferable. Fat insulates against the cold and makes being outdoors that little bit more enjoyable.

Losing that fat will cause you to feel perennially cold (like, really cold) and will give you an urge to eat, eat, eat that will drive you mad. It also reduces your ability to fight off the inevitable winter colds. By spring you will be so fatigued and demotivated you'll struggle just to get out the door. You'll hate the bike, hate your life and will just want to crawl inside the world's biggest chocolate donut for the rest of the year.

Ok, ok, I'm exaggerating a little. But what we all did was allow a little weight gain through the winter... you should accord yourself the same too. Work on long distance, basic miles for fitness, then when the weather starts to warm up start piling on the work. You will find your weight dropping off a lot quicker and easier than if you tried to do it months earlier.

(My 2 cents worth based on a decade of weight ob

riderforlife

it make very good sense i will very much consider this

hyhuu

If one got plenty of excess fat then there is no reason not to loose it even in winter. Being very lean would make one feels cold but unless you spend time idling outside then it's not really a problem. Once moving, you are going to be warm no matter what. Cycling in the winter isn't going to burn more calories than any other season.

Black Jaque

I have never, never in my life ever heard of anyone getting too fat by spending time being active outside. Period.

Now there are some folks, like wrestler's and models, who worry about dropping that last 5 pounds. But I don't think you'll find a doctor out there who'll tell you that is good for your health.

Besides even if you gain a few pounds by eating rich foods to keep warm while outside, you're muscles and cardiovascular system will be all set come spring to drop those pounds in a hurry.

fietsbob

Bears put on more for winter.