Do you make the assumption here that active people do not use weights and you are just comparing folks that use aerobic activity-type exercises (cycling only or running only) vs. athletes that actually use weights and weight bearing activities to increase muscle exercise?

I am not sure if we are both on the same page- I got the feeling you were saying using weights to increase muscle strength would not do anything for athletes involved in endurance based activities. I am saying that athletes involved in endurance based activities would be able to benefit from using weight training to increase strength. Additionally, plyometrics would be useful for these athletes for the times when they would need explosive power (ie- sprinting in the Tour de France at the end of a long stage).

I do think we are saying some of the same stuff- I think riders would lose muscle by the end of the Tour de France too- it is true that they would be primarily performing aerobic type activity just as you described. BUT during the off season, athletes would be working to increase muscle growth by emphasizing weight training, and this is where I am not sure we are talking about the same thing. I think if an endurance athlete is NOT doing weight training and is specifically only doing aerobic based activity, I could see your assertions. But if the endurance athlete is doing a specific weight training periodization program in the off season, and building up muscle, while at the same time, training the aerobic, then I can see how an athlete can have more muscle strength by the start of their season- but yes... I think their muscle strength will decline over the season, since the main emphasis of the season is not with weights, it's with aerobics. Therefore, muscle mass would be compromised in favor of aerobic activity.

I may be losing you here, but I'm always interested to hear what the professionals say.

For what it's worth, I will read your article, but unfortunately, I have to run out and meet up with one of my friend's idiot boyfriend and do a little business. If you could clarify some of what I said with what you know, then I will re read your response and the article you posted and ask any additional questions.

BTW, are you familiar with Joe Signorile? He has a number of articles he's written from his research with working with aging exercising populations. Being in Florida, he has a rather large population to choose from! He is cool, though. Very intense, great lecturer, hard as hell to take tests with, but very cool. I enjoy listening to him lecture every time he's in town.

Koffee