What does "get back in shape" mean?

I'm hoping someone can define it for me.


-Tim-

How about this?

Getting back in shape can mean being able to do the types of rides in next Spring time as you did in late Summer like August and September, the year before. Types of rides means those distances, those speeds, those climbs.


Doing those rides in a similar manner, without cramps, running out of gas, vomiting, nausea, etc.

Some of us simply dont like to ride in the cold. For me one reason is the fact that pretty much the only way I like to ride is in shorts and a T-shirt. I simply do not like anything on my legs when I ride.

This winter Im going to a gym and mainly riding the recumbent cycle trainer, since I ride bents. Hopefully next spring things will come along faster.

Figuring out your temperature-based apparel strategies is a real challenge, but with planning you can ride with relative comfort most of the year. Certainly road conditions or lack of daylight are factors, but again, planning can resolve.

"I'm in shape- round is a shape."

However mine wasn't planned. The infamous dog attack and subsequent broken pelvis in early November took care of that one. I'm finally getting around without crutches, and doing PT, which is enormously helpful. No doubt my right leg has suffered, so I'll start slow, and take it from there....I miss my long jaunts and look forward to group rides.

I am always uneasy with a thread where the OP asks a question and then disappears. Probably it's unintentional, and maybe others see it differently, but it strikes me as a bit rude for the OP to ask a question, get a ton of feedback, and then not bother to write back so much as to say, "thanks for the feedback/advice/etc."

Maybe not all OPs know this? Particularly those new to the forum? So, OPs asking questions:, please contribute to your own thread.

The terms, "California" and "winter break" are mutually exclusive. What're you off for, a week?

[MENTION=424846]RockiesDad[/MENTION] posted more recently, asking about clipless pedals, so he may be pedaling and participating.

I didn't suspect him of being a troll or anything - I'm just pointing out that probably OPs shouldn't simply post a question and then re-lurk whilst people provide so much feedback. I have a feeling that a new forum member may not "get" this, not that they are being deliberately rude. That's my opinion, anyway. Others may see it differently.

What is this "winter break" of which you speak?

As for me, atm I am going "pear shaped". As soon as my pressure would fully heals I will start the process of getting back into my "normal" shape as I have a 3 or 4 week unsupported tour to "do" in outback Queensland, Australia - during the "dry season".

BTW, woodcraft, a round shape just shows you as well balanced and equally proportioned - aka pretty stable

I'm still around but was put off by some of the not so nice comments posted by a few here. Overall, most of you offered comments that did answer my question and thanks for your encouraging thoughts.

Yes, my thoughts of getting back into shape meant to getting to a place where I could do the same things/milage as to when I last rode.

Also, as far as being in the Bay area it has been cold and raining on many weekends (can't ride during the week due to still working full time) so had not been doing any riding and thought about taking a break for awhile. I don't like being cold and wet. This is not my idea of fun... sorry...

So there you have it. My appologies if I have been rude by not posting back. But again "thanks for the feedback/advice/etc."...

Ten years ago this February, I had a skiing accident and was forced to use my car to get to work. It took about a month before I was able to walk short distances without a cane. After another month, I was able to ride again. After a month of riding to work and back, I felt I was back where I had been.

The flu kept me off my bike for 3 weeks. When I got back on I was in horrible shape. Stuff that was easy 3 weeks ago was making my heart rate soar.

I don't know how long it takes to get back in shape. I guess it depends on how you work at it. As I age, I realize I'll get to a point where I'll never get back into some shape I was in before.

"winter break"?.... what is this "winter break you speak of???


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Honesty - look into Zwift, great way to keep in shape and on the bike. As a huge fan of riding the cold and snow, I love Zwift.

I rode 130mi last week, and at 90 mi already this week.
Cedar pollen does slow us down a bit.
Our next shock will be the first humidity day in May when we have to breathe steam again.

How long it takes to get back into shape depends on what shape you were in before and how long you're off. Hence your generic question got answers all over the board.

In my book, if it's warm enough to rain, it's not "cold." Rain is unpleasant, though, regardless of the temperature.

I think a lot depends on what you do in the off-season. I lift 3 days/wk. and do some spinning, usually 3 days/wk. This year I will be adding time on my rollers to my routine. But, nothing can really get you back to riding shape except riding. I think of the winter as a time to cut my losses.

When I don't ride but have stairs to climb, I always take the stairs two at a time, briskly. I used to work in a six story building and needed to visit all the floors frequently. For a couple of years, it was the only exercise I got. It made a difference.

Where I live we are forced to put the bikes, boats, fancy cars, camps, golf clubs etc away for a true Winter (November thru April) which can consist of 2-8 feet of snow on the ground throughout that timeframe. We can and do however substitute those fun forms of life and exercise for others like snowboarding, skiing, shoveling (which is the best exercise on the planet imo) snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing etc..

There should be plenty in your life to do regardless of the season you are in. I have a stationary bike I ride during the Winter between snowboarding days just to keep me in shape for anything..

I find that even though I work out frequently I still have to get back into "current" shape for that particular recreation. My first bike ride usually tires me out pretty quick just as my first day on a snowboard can be tiring. But once your in the groove its all good...

Lol. Its all about what you do lol

It all depends on your goals, your age, and your physical condition (NOT just fitness, for us old guys). Until about 4 years ago, I could and would take a couple months completely off the bike and realize no ill effects from it. Those days are gone.

I like riding with the fast young bucks. If I ride through the winter, I can stick with the fast group through the spring. That's a combination of my sustained fitness and their time off the bike.

If I took time off the bike, I know my fitness level would plummet. In winter 2016, shoulder reconstruction surgery required me to stay off the bike for three months. My FTP dropped from 280 to about 220. (I have since only recovered up to 250.)

Another consequence of the months off the bike is that severe arthritis attacked my knees during the time of relative inactivity. Once I got back on the bike, my left knee couldn't take it. I had to have knee surgery. And my surgeon has advised me not to ever take another break like that one. Another three month break, for me, might mean never riding again. So I ride.