Cyclists' physiques
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Missouri
Posts: 336
Bikes: Scott CR1-Gary Fisher Sugar-Litespeed Ultimate
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think what a well trained person looks like {their body type} is 90% due to heredity.
Training and diet can change in degrees, but not large wholesale changes.
Otherwise we could all be pro cyclist, or horse jockys, or basketball stars, depending on our training and diet.
The fact is different body types accell at different sports.
The sport itself doesn't make the body type.
Training and diet can change in degrees, but not large wholesale changes.
Otherwise we could all be pro cyclist, or horse jockys, or basketball stars, depending on our training and diet.
The fact is different body types accell at different sports.
The sport itself doesn't make the body type.
#27
Prefers Aluminum
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Honolulu
Posts: 2,669
Bikes: Wife: Trek 5200, C'dale Rush Feminine, Vitus 979 Me: Felt S25, Cervelo Soloist, C'dale Killer V500, Miyata Pro (fixie)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Contrary to many others, while I enjoy cycling (100+ miles/week, 3 or 4 centuries / year), it is only part of my overall fitness plan and goals, which includes upper body strength, core strength, leg strength, low body fat, and endurance and cardiovascular capability.
I chuckle when I read of those who propose minimal to no weight training and even less upper body training. Some would have you believe that the only way to fitness is through cycling and cardiovascular machines. My brother, alas, is in that group.
Of all the pro athletes' physiques, the one that impresses me the least is the pro cyclist with his non-existent upper body, minimal biceps and triceps and 160# weight. Yes, they have great legs and are lean. But, what do they look like with their shirts off?
My training revolves around achieving the body style that I find most desireable, the middle-weight boxer. Toward that end, I taylor my gym time to include free weights and machines and it has paid off toward this end (15" biceps, 48" chest, 10 pullups, and 225# (with 5 reps) bench press).
Unless you are a pro cyclist, I think most fitness afficionados, including cyclists, would be well advised to pursue full body workouts.
I chuckle when I read of those who propose minimal to no weight training and even less upper body training. Some would have you believe that the only way to fitness is through cycling and cardiovascular machines. My brother, alas, is in that group.
Of all the pro athletes' physiques, the one that impresses me the least is the pro cyclist with his non-existent upper body, minimal biceps and triceps and 160# weight. Yes, they have great legs and are lean. But, what do they look like with their shirts off?
My training revolves around achieving the body style that I find most desireable, the middle-weight boxer. Toward that end, I taylor my gym time to include free weights and machines and it has paid off toward this end (15" biceps, 48" chest, 10 pullups, and 225# (with 5 reps) bench press).
Unless you are a pro cyclist, I think most fitness afficionados, including cyclists, would be well advised to pursue full body workouts.
Perhaps you should save your advice for people who don't exercise at all. Because nothing inspires people to better themselves more than a narcissistic fool on an internet message board.
#28
mateo for short
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Irvine, CA
Posts: 1,973
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
And I'll bet you spontaneously orgasm every time you look at yourself in the mirror.
Perhaps you should save your advice for people who don't exercise at all. Because nothing inspires people to better themselves more than a narcissistic fool on an internet message board.
Perhaps you should save your advice for people who don't exercise at all. Because nothing inspires people to better themselves more than a narcissistic fool on an internet message board.
+1.
What a perfect response.
__________________
<< no sig at this time >>
<< no sig at this time >>
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 195
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
gotta say that I think your intial post came off a bit argumentative... like you wanted to provoke a knee jerk response. that's how it came across to me anyway.
I agree that many cyclists on this forum, paticularly those out of their 20's would be advised to do some weight work. Calcium retention can be a problem in a group of people who do not do weight bearing exercises & do a lot of cardio work leading to high sweat rates & loss of calcium through sweat.
I agree that many cyclists on this forum, paticularly those out of their 20's would be advised to do some weight work. Calcium retention can be a problem in a group of people who do not do weight bearing exercises & do a lot of cardio work leading to high sweat rates & loss of calcium through sweat.
#30
tired
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 5,651
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, U frame
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
+100.
__________________
"Real wars of words are harder to win. They require thought, insight, precision, articulation, knowledge, and experience. They require the humility to admit when you are wrong. They recognize that the dialectic is not about making us look at you, but about us all looking together for the truth."
"Real wars of words are harder to win. They require thought, insight, precision, articulation, knowledge, and experience. They require the humility to admit when you are wrong. They recognize that the dialectic is not about making us look at you, but about us all looking together for the truth."
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: northern California
Posts: 5,603
Bikes: Bruce Gordon BLT, Cannondale parts bike, Ecodyne recumbent trike, Counterpoint Opus 2, miyata 1000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think what a well trained person looks like {their body type} is 90% due to heredity.
Training and diet can change in degrees, but not large wholesale changes.
Otherwise we could all be pro cyclist, or horse jockys, or basketball stars, depending on our training and diet.
The fact is different body types accell at different sports.
The sport itself doesn't make the body type.
Training and diet can change in degrees, but not large wholesale changes.
Otherwise we could all be pro cyclist, or horse jockys, or basketball stars, depending on our training and diet.
The fact is different body types accell at different sports.
The sport itself doesn't make the body type.
#32
Splicer of Molecules
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: A less cold place
Posts: 1,723
Bikes: Giant
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Not everyone wants to be able to do a pullup and that's their choice. But...
Just because you do upper body weight lifting, doesn't mean you gain much muscle. Even at my strongest and being able to bench 1x my body weight (120lb), I never looked ripped or buff.
Just because you do upper body weight lifting, doesn't mean you gain much muscle. Even at my strongest and being able to bench 1x my body weight (120lb), I never looked ripped or buff.
#33
Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 44
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
as alluded above, pro cyclist's upper bodies are probably a lot stronger than people realise, and i reckon most of them could crank out 10 chinups without breaking a sweat. while some people hit the gym and build muscle size to "look good with their tops off", others (people who, as has been mentioned before, have a higher purpose in their taining) hit the gym and learn to activate/recruit more fibres and increase strength without putting on weight.
that said, good luck in achieving your goals. like most things in life, its a compromise... dont be suprised next time you get dusted on the roads by some very unimpressive looking riders
that said, good luck in achieving your goals. like most things in life, its a compromise... dont be suprised next time you get dusted on the roads by some very unimpressive looking riders
#34
OM boy
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Goleta CA
Posts: 4,348
Bikes: a bunch
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 503 Post(s)
Liked 630 Times
in
430 Posts
The general drift of the OP's comments have some merit in discussion/consideration, inspite of the condescending tone and the expected vitriolic retorts.
What brought it on is not so obvious, if you're a regular reader of this forum. Seems like weight and similar training is a fairly often discussed topic.
As for the comment that the cycling physique is not so nice/good, that depends on your view and who you;re lookin at. Generally, out on the road I see a LOT of seemingly well-proportioned specimens, both female and male. I also see a lot of riders who obviously are working to improve themselves. This all seems good to me.
I don;t see that on the golf course (I walk a local course fairly often).
as for Gym Rats, I see a LOT (prolly most) of those who hang in the local Spectrum club who work their Biceps, Delts and Lats to the full exclusion of any real core stuff, forget thinking about those sticks they call legs.
Pro- cyclists - say what you want about Armstrong, but he was not a twig in upper body. Nor are many other pro roadies. See much in the way of Track Riders? Even The 'Cricket' isn;t an emaciated waff. Not all are Rasmussen. Given their focus, roadies pros are still pretty well balanced.
As to most cyclists, unlike many other sports, they generally don't seem to want to fully emulate 'The Pros'. They appreciate the degree of cycling prowess, but are focused enough to look to what suits themselves best.
As an aging guy, upper body strength with a modicum of muscle mass is important to me. Fragility increases as we age and from easy observation, oldsters have a real problem in not becoming too fragile.
Muscle, both strength and mass, help counter that as the whole body structure remains stronger and able to absorb impacts better. So, Yes, muscles all over the body are important. But for functional reasons.
225 #s doesn't impress me, 15" biceps, 48" chest doesn't impress me and 10 pullups certainly doesn;t impress me.
A real oldster who can knock out a bunch of pullups and pushups, then go out and bang out a solid 20 mile hike over terrain, or ride a century and help younguns do it, or punch their way out through some heavy surf on a solid ocean swim - That impresses the **** outta me!
Weight training, ok, so what else?
What brought it on is not so obvious, if you're a regular reader of this forum. Seems like weight and similar training is a fairly often discussed topic.
As for the comment that the cycling physique is not so nice/good, that depends on your view and who you;re lookin at. Generally, out on the road I see a LOT of seemingly well-proportioned specimens, both female and male. I also see a lot of riders who obviously are working to improve themselves. This all seems good to me.
I don;t see that on the golf course (I walk a local course fairly often).
as for Gym Rats, I see a LOT (prolly most) of those who hang in the local Spectrum club who work their Biceps, Delts and Lats to the full exclusion of any real core stuff, forget thinking about those sticks they call legs.
Pro- cyclists - say what you want about Armstrong, but he was not a twig in upper body. Nor are many other pro roadies. See much in the way of Track Riders? Even The 'Cricket' isn;t an emaciated waff. Not all are Rasmussen. Given their focus, roadies pros are still pretty well balanced.
As to most cyclists, unlike many other sports, they generally don't seem to want to fully emulate 'The Pros'. They appreciate the degree of cycling prowess, but are focused enough to look to what suits themselves best.
As an aging guy, upper body strength with a modicum of muscle mass is important to me. Fragility increases as we age and from easy observation, oldsters have a real problem in not becoming too fragile.
Muscle, both strength and mass, help counter that as the whole body structure remains stronger and able to absorb impacts better. So, Yes, muscles all over the body are important. But for functional reasons.
225 #s doesn't impress me, 15" biceps, 48" chest doesn't impress me and 10 pullups certainly doesn;t impress me.
A real oldster who can knock out a bunch of pullups and pushups, then go out and bang out a solid 20 mile hike over terrain, or ride a century and help younguns do it, or punch their way out through some heavy surf on a solid ocean swim - That impresses the **** outta me!
Weight training, ok, so what else?
#36
Splicer of Molecules
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: A less cold place
Posts: 1,723
Bikes: Giant
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What I see most is someone doing 4 different chest routines, bicep curls (using way too much momentum), and then flexing in front of the mirror. Please do not do curls in the power cage, thanks!
#38
Insect magnet.
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Devon UK
Posts: 465
Bikes: Trek 2008 Madone 5.5 Pro, Bianchi 2008 Axis
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Cross training is very important but you don't carry your message over diplomatically greyg8r. At all.
If you can't adopt a tone that understands every one has different opinions and that upper body strength is not that important for cycling fast then your posts will be paid no attention.
Frankly though, I call troll.
If you can't adopt a tone that understands every one has different opinions and that upper body strength is not that important for cycling fast then your posts will be paid no attention.
Frankly though, I call troll.
#39
www.fattiretour.org
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: on the road
Posts: 29
Bikes: 2007 Surly Long Haul Trucker, 2003 TitanFlex Veteran, 2005 Bianchi Axis, 2006 Trek 1500
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
So, Yes, muscles all over the body are important. But for functional reasons.
225 #s doesn't impress me, 15" biceps, 48" chest doesn't impress me and 10 pullups certainly doesn;t impress me.
A real oldster who can knock out a bunch of pullups and pushups, then go out and bang out a solid 20 mile hike over terrain, or ride a century and help younguns do it, or punch their way out through some heavy surf on a solid ocean swim - That impresses the **** outta me!
Weight training, ok, so what else?
225 #s doesn't impress me, 15" biceps, 48" chest doesn't impress me and 10 pullups certainly doesn;t impress me.
A real oldster who can knock out a bunch of pullups and pushups, then go out and bang out a solid 20 mile hike over terrain, or ride a century and help younguns do it, or punch their way out through some heavy surf on a solid ocean swim - That impresses the **** outta me!
Weight training, ok, so what else?
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,333
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I ride for fitness only. Works well as I sure am not going to win any races. But the measurements I use are a little different than yours, more along the lines of cholesterol, blood pressure, heart rates, etc. But, to each their own, I applaud your goals. Good luck.
#41
Senior Member
Pro- cyclists - say what you want about Armstrong, but he was not a twig in upper body. Nor are many other pro roadies. See much in the way of Track Riders? Even The 'Cricket' isn;t an emaciated waff. Not all are Rasmussen. Given their focus, roadies pros are still pretty well balanced.
#42
multi-sport junkie
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Sunny South Florida
Posts: 36
Bikes: Cervelo P2C, Cannondale SixThirteen
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
First off I would like to say that its great to have goals and dreams its what keeps us all going, but I dont believe that you should push your goals on others. If you put a pro cyclist or any other endurance athlete in the weight room its not very likely that they would come out looking like a boxer due to their inability to add weight to actually build bulk.
I spend 3 days a week in the gym working on upper, lower and core stregnth on top of my very intense triathlon training that has me at (as of this week) 4+ miles swimming, 35 miles running and 145 miles on my bike per week. I am at it for atleast 2 hours a day but mostly around 3. I consume 5000+ calories a day and cannot gain an ounce, I am 6'5" and 170lbs. I have the upper body of an 8 year old and my legs are full of muscles. I have great upper body stregnth even though it doesnt show.
I dont really care how i look with my shirt off and you shouldnt care how i look either this is my life and i feel really good about myself. Maybe you would be better served preaching to the people in line at McDonalds.
I spend 3 days a week in the gym working on upper, lower and core stregnth on top of my very intense triathlon training that has me at (as of this week) 4+ miles swimming, 35 miles running and 145 miles on my bike per week. I am at it for atleast 2 hours a day but mostly around 3. I consume 5000+ calories a day and cannot gain an ounce, I am 6'5" and 170lbs. I have the upper body of an 8 year old and my legs are full of muscles. I have great upper body stregnth even though it doesnt show.
I dont really care how i look with my shirt off and you shouldnt care how i look either this is my life and i feel really good about myself. Maybe you would be better served preaching to the people in line at McDonalds.
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Peterson Iowa
Posts: 765
Bikes: Trek 7000 and a Trek 1200
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#44
Disgruntled Planner
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Tillamook, Oregon
Posts: 882
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This very well may be the stupidest thread anyone has ever started on bikeforums. I don't cycle so that I can impress others with my physique. I doubt many on here do. I cycle so I don't have to go to the gym to stay in shape. I abhor the gym, the people that I've met there, and the stinky, cold, stark walls that contain everything in it. When I became single again, my friends implored me to go to the gym and work my upper body so that i could "get with the hotties". To me, that whole attitude is such a joke, as I would rather not draw a girl who's into me for my upper body muscles, anyway. And, I certainly have no interest in impressing the OP.
#45
mateo for short
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Irvine, CA
Posts: 1,973
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#46
Very Senior Member
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 6,410
Bikes: Scapin EOS7 sloping, 10v Record, Ksyriums
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Peterson Iowa
Posts: 765
Bikes: Trek 7000 and a Trek 1200
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This very well may be the stupidest thread anyone has ever started on bikeforums. I don't cycle so that I can impress others with my physique. I doubt many on here do. I cycle so I don't have to go to the gym to stay in shape. I abhor the gym, the people that I've met there, and the stinky, cold, stark walls that contain everything in it. When I became single again, my friends implored me to go to the gym and work my upper body so that i could "get with the hotties". To me, that whole attitude is such a joke, as I would rather not draw a girl who's into me for my upper body muscles, anyway. And, I certainly have no interest in impressing the OP.
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,277
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I do not think it is unreasonable that many people expect different results from their workouts. Consequently, neither is more appropriate than the other. Some want a more balanced workout while others wish to excel in one thing. I have more of a cycling build and do not particularly find upper body workouts that entertaining beyond a few core exercises and a bit of circuit training. Too each his\her own.
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 328
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I find it heart warming and breathtaking that an internet stranger cares more for my overall fitness and physical appearance than I do I know I'll be up early in the morning with a new outlook towards my conditioning protocol