DnvrFox

If you are new to bicycling, you might not be aware of the issue of osteoporosis and bicycling. At the very least, one should be aware of the issue. Click this link.

Treefox

So take up triathlon

I wonder if swimming does the same thing - increase in muscle mass at the expense of bone due to lack of impact...

DnvrFox

I don't know. Anyone?

DnvrFox

Here is the answer, which appears to be "yes."

https://www.spma.net/swimosteo.htm

"Swimmers need to supplement their aquatics training with some weight-bearing exercise. The optimal sports for maintaining or increasing bone density, as well as improving overall coordination, are weightlifting, basketball, and volleyball. Running, jumping rope, and hiking, are not quite as effective at building bone, but will help improve coordination. Yoga does not increase bone density. However, it is an excellent way to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination, which are all important in preventing falls."

simonite

I'm sure anytime someone participates in any activity to excess excluding all others, something is going to get out of balance.

Chant with me: Moderation, balance. Moderation, balance.

alanbikehouston

The book "Bike for Life" documents the problems of brittle bones that cyclists can develop. Some pro cyclists had their careers end early due to severe bone problems.

The solutions included more calcium in the diet (yea...pizza), jogging (not me) and lifting weights two or three times a week (well, I'll think about it).

The "Bike for Life" philosophy is that cycling is a great way to stay in shape well into your AARP years, but that cycling MUST be connected to nutrition and load bearing exercise to be truly effective.

tbdean

ABH: I just finished "Bike for Life" last week. Great, great book.

My mother was just diagnosed with Osteoporosis at 55. I don't do any exercise but cycling, and work from home so I don't even walk much.

I'm concerned about it, but not too much. I drink a lot of milk, take a multivitamin plus another calcium pill with vitimin D. I'll probably start running once a week.

Treker

Great thread; something I didn't know although I consider myself in the 'hobby' classification. Still, as already said above, balance and moderation. Maybe I inherently understood that when I set about doing mutiple sets of ab crunches and pushups daily after each ride. Plus, when I ride, my sports drink of choice contains 240mg of calcium in every two scoops + a lot of other electrolytes. (something lacking in Gatorade...)