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Old 01-14-2005, 04:33 AM   #4 (permalink)
Maggie
 
Posts: n/a
Re: Leg muscle/heart rate question?


chris c wrote:
> I am a newbie. Just got into cycling last summer (again) but did it

when I
> was younger (10 yrs. ago). I am trying to do at least 10 miles per

day now.
> I did more during the summer sometimes. Schedules are so hectic of

course. I
> ususally use a stationary cause of the crappy weather. I am riding a
> comfort bike but would like to get a racer this spring. I used a

cannondale
> racer in my younger days when 50 mile rides were nothing. I lost a

lot of
> weight since summer which keeps me very interested and I feel great!
> My first question is ... how long does it take to get some leg muscle
> definition? My legs are not muscular, but they are skinny now. I try

to use
> a harder setting on the bike sometimes. Does this increase muscle

faster?
> Second question..... Can you overdo a workout by getting your heart

rate up
> too fast (ex: heart attack) ? Sometimes I push myself hard , I think

almost
> to the limit. I never get faint , but I think I get borderline dizzy
> sometimes.
>
> thanks a lot



I would say go get a complete physical before you get into a heavy
workout program. That was the first thing I did when I started
exercising after a long period of time. If you are worried about a
heart attack if you push too hard, you need a physical. Plus I don't
think borderline dizzy is a good thing. I was told to stop exercising
if I ever felt like that. Maybe I am wrong, but if I were you I would
definately get a physical. Alot of things can change in 10 years. I
don't know your definition of younger and older as you don't give your
age....but if you are 40 or above, get a physical first. If you are
only in your 20's or very early thirties, borderline dizzy could be
nothing but pushing too hard. Get a physical anyway. But if you are 40
or more....DEFINATELY GET A PHYSICAL. I know everyone on this NG
reminds me that age is not that important..but in reality, age makes a
big difference. No one is the same at 40 as he or she was in their
twenties. I am assuming you are 40 or more because of the heart attack
worry. Thats when most people start to think about it.
Maggie.

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