Leg muscle/heart rate question? - Page 2 - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

01-14-2005, 08:44 AM

On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 03:31:39 GMT, "chris c" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> 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.

How long's a string and can it be too long?

Just how old are ya and what kinda shape are you in?

Not that I could give you any specifics anyway, but it's good to know whether
we're talking about a 40yo in crappy shape or a 55yo in pretty good shape.

At 49 and recovering from many years off the bike there are a few things I can
tell you. First your recovery will suck compared to years ago. I can get great
benefits from 2 intense rides a week, much more than that just makes me sore
without any resulting strength or speed payoff. Might as well just whack my legs
with a stick for all the good it does. At least not more than two weeks in a
row.

And it is intensity that you need to increase muscularity and strength. Making
circles with your feet, fast or slow will not do it. There's cycling training
tips and advice all over the internet, some of it actually makes sense and
works. Google.

When I first started back on the bike last year I had recently quit smoking
(again) and the game was having my cardio and legs take turns being the weaker
link. At one point I got into good enough shape that I needed more leg to work
the CP system hard enough to really feel it. I'm riding 4-5 times a week and 2
of those are usually some sort of high intensity work like sprints or intervals.
I'll only do one day of intensity if I do something otherwise draining that week
like an extremely long ride. Or three days of intense work if I know I won't be
pushing it the next week. I think that's probably the sort of thing you're
ready for, get in some strength and speed work.

As for heart attack risks, hell if I know. My guess is that if you've been
pedaling hard enough to max out the heart rate and start losing composure
without dying by now you're probably okay. I do suggest that you keep that sort
of thing on the trainer until your bike handling skills are back to expert.
That's how people get hurt, out riding their brain's oxygen supply.

You know the standard warning "Do not begin this or any other exercise program
without the advice of a physician." Well I figure I didn't ask a doctor before
taking up chain smoking and a sedentary lifestyle, I don't figure I need his
permission to get back in shape. If I'm going to keel over from a heart attack
rather it be after a ride I enjoyed than a cardio stress test that I had to pay
money for.

Ron

01-14-2005, 08:44 AM

On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 03:31:39 GMT, "chris c" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> 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.

How long's a string and can it be too long?

Just how old are ya and what kinda shape are you in?

Not that I could give you any specifics anyway, but it's good to know whether
we're talking about a 40yo in crappy shape or a 55yo in pretty good shape.

At 49 and recovering from many years off the bike there are a few things I can
tell you. First your recovery will suck compared to years ago. I can get great
benefits from 2 intense rides a week, much more than that just makes me sore
without any resulting strength or speed payoff. Might as well just whack my legs
with a stick for all the good it does. At least not more than two weeks in a
row.

And it is intensity that you need to increase muscularity and strength. Making
circles with your feet, fast or slow will not do it. There's cycling training
tips and advice all over the internet, some of it actually makes sense and
works. Google.

When I first started back on the bike last year I had recently quit smoking
(again) and the game was having my cardio and legs take turns being the weaker
link. At one point I got into good enough shape that I needed more leg to work
the CP system hard enough to really feel it. I'm riding 4-5 times a week and 2
of those are usually some sort of high intensity work like sprints or intervals.
I'll only do one day of intensity if I do something otherwise draining that week
like an extremely long ride. Or three days of intense work if I know I won't be
pushing it the next week. I think that's probably the sort of thing you're
ready for, get in some strength and speed work.

As for heart attack risks, hell if I know. My guess is that if you've been
pedaling hard enough to max out the heart rate and start losing composure
without dying by now you're probably okay. I do suggest that you keep that sort
of thing on the trainer until your bike handling skills are back to expert.
That's how people get hurt, out riding their brain's oxygen supply.

You know the standard warning "Do not begin this or any other exercise program
without the advice of a physician." Well I figure I didn't ask a doctor before
taking up chain smoking and a sedentary lifestyle, I don't figure I need his
permission to get back in shape. If I'm going to keel over from a heart attack
rather it be after a ride I enjoyed than a cardio stress test that I had to pay
money for.

Ron

01-14-2005, 08:44 AM

On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 03:31:39 GMT, "chris c" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> 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.

How long's a string and can it be too long?

Just how old are ya and what kinda shape are you in?

Not that I could give you any specifics anyway, but it's good to know whether
we're talking about a 40yo in crappy shape or a 55yo in pretty good shape.

At 49 and recovering from many years off the bike there are a few things I can
tell you. First your recovery will suck compared to years ago. I can get great
benefits from 2 intense rides a week, much more than that just makes me sore
without any resulting strength or speed payoff. Might as well just whack my legs
with a stick for all the good it does. At least not more than two weeks in a
row.

And it is intensity that you need to increase muscularity and strength. Making
circles with your feet, fast or slow will not do it. There's cycling training
tips and advice all over the internet, some of it actually makes sense and
works. Google.

When I first started back on the bike last year I had recently quit smoking
(again) and the game was having my cardio and legs take turns being the weaker
link. At one point I got into good enough shape that I needed more leg to work
the CP system hard enough to really feel it. I'm riding 4-5 times a week and 2
of those are usually some sort of high intensity work like sprints or intervals.
I'll only do one day of intensity if I do something otherwise draining that week
like an extremely long ride. Or three days of intense work if I know I won't be
pushing it the next week. I think that's probably the sort of thing you're
ready for, get in some strength and speed work.

As for heart attack risks, hell if I know. My guess is that if you've been
pedaling hard enough to max out the heart rate and start losing composure
without dying by now you're probably okay. I do suggest that you keep that sort
of thing on the trainer until your bike handling skills are back to expert.
That's how people get hurt, out riding their brain's oxygen supply.

You know the standard warning "Do not begin this or any other exercise program
without the advice of a physician." Well I figure I didn't ask a doctor before
taking up chain smoking and a sedentary lifestyle, I don't figure I need his
permission to get back in shape. If I'm going to keel over from a heart attack
rather it be after a ride I enjoyed than a cardio stress test that I had to pay
money for.

Ron

01-14-2005, 11:02 AM

RonSonic wrote:
> On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 03:31:39 GMT, "chris c" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>
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.
>
> How long's a string and can it be too long?
>
> Just how old are ya and what kinda shape are you in?
>
> Not that I could give you any specifics anyway, but it's good to know
whether
> we're talking about a 40yo in crappy shape or a 55yo in pretty good
shape.
>
> At 49 and recovering from many years off the bike there are a few
things I can
> tell you. First your recovery will suck compared to years ago. I can
get great
> benefits from 2 intense rides a week, much more than that just makes
me sore
> without any resulting strength or speed payoff. Might as well just
whack my legs
> with a stick for all the good it does. At least not more than two
weeks in a
> row.
>
> And it is intensity that you need to increase muscularity and
strength. Making
> circles with your feet, fast or slow will not do it. There's cycling
training
> tips and advice all over the internet, some of it actually makes
sense and
> works. Google.
>
> When I first started back on the bike last year I had recently quit
smoking
> (again) and the game was having my cardio and legs take turns being
the weaker
> link. At one point I got into good enough shape that I needed more
leg to work
> the CP system hard enough to really feel it. I'm riding 4-5 times a
week and 2
> of those are usually some sort of high intensity work like sprints or
intervals.
> I'll only do one day of intensity if I do something otherwise
draining that week
> like an extremely long ride. Or three days of intense work if I know
I won't be
> pushing it the next week. I think that's probably the sort of thing
you're
> ready for, get in some strength and speed work.
>
> As for heart attack risks, hell if I know. My guess is that if you've
been
> pedaling hard enough to max out the heart rate and start losing
composure
> without dying by now you're probably okay. I do suggest that you keep
that sort
> of thing on the trainer until your bike handling skills are back to
expert.
> That's how people get hurt, out riding their brain's oxygen supply.
>
> You know the standard warning "Do not begin this or any other
exercise program
> without the advice of a physician." Well I figure I didn't ask a
doctor before
> taking up chain smoking and a sedentary lifestyle, I don't figure I
need his
> permission to get back in shape. If I'm going to keel over from a
heart attack
> rather it be after a ride I enjoyed than a cardio stress test that I
had to pay
> money for.
>
> Ron

Hey, a nuclear cardio stress test is a great thing. My brother was a
chain smoker all his life...he decided to go for the test and they
found two blocked arteries. He would have had a heart attack. They
roto rootered the blockages and now he is fine. I would never suggest
anyone do anything without getting a stress test first if they are over
40. I have another friend who never smoked, he is active, he lives a
decent lifestyle of exercise and diet and he had two blockages as well.
He is only 44 years old. He had the blockages cleared and now he is
back to exercising. They both prevented heart attacks by getting that
test. It's fairly easy to go in and roto rooter a blockage to prevent
a heart attack down the road. Its not that easy recovering from a
massive one. A little prevention is a good thing. Go getted Nuked in
that stress test. This is your Mommy speaking. Its a few hours out of
your life and could save your life. Now that you changed your life
around, you want to keep living, don't you?
Maggie.

01-14-2005, 11:02 AM

RonSonic wrote:
> On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 03:31:39 GMT, "chris c" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>
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.
>
> How long's a string and can it be too long?
>
> Just how old are ya and what kinda shape are you in?
>
> Not that I could give you any specifics anyway, but it's good to know
whether
> we're talking about a 40yo in crappy shape or a 55yo in pretty good
shape.
>
> At 49 and recovering from many years off the bike there are a few
things I can
> tell you. First your recovery will suck compared to years ago. I can
get great
> benefits from 2 intense rides a week, much more than that just makes
me sore
> without any resulting strength or speed payoff. Might as well just
whack my legs
> with a stick for all the good it does. At least not more than two
weeks in a
> row.
>
> And it is intensity that you need to increase muscularity and
strength. Making
> circles with your feet, fast or slow will not do it. There's cycling
training
> tips and advice all over the internet, some of it actually makes
sense and
> works. Google.
>
> When I first started back on the bike last year I had recently quit
smoking
> (again) and the game was having my cardio and legs take turns being
the weaker
> link. At one point I got into good enough shape that I needed more
leg to work
> the CP system hard enough to really feel it. I'm riding 4-5 times a
week and 2
> of those are usually some sort of high intensity work like sprints or
intervals.
> I'll only do one day of intensity if I do something otherwise
draining that week
> like an extremely long ride. Or three days of intense work if I know
I won't be
> pushing it the next week. I think that's probably the sort of thing
you're
> ready for, get in some strength and speed work.
>
> As for heart attack risks, hell if I know. My guess is that if you've
been
> pedaling hard enough to max out the heart rate and start losing
composure
> without dying by now you're probably okay. I do suggest that you keep
that sort
> of thing on the trainer until your bike handling skills are back to
expert.
> That's how people get hurt, out riding their brain's oxygen supply.
>
> You know the standard warning "Do not begin this or any other
exercise program
> without the advice of a physician." Well I figure I didn't ask a
doctor before
> taking up chain smoking and a sedentary lifestyle, I don't figure I
need his
> permission to get back in shape. If I'm going to keel over from a
heart attack
> rather it be after a ride I enjoyed than a cardio stress test that I
had to pay
> money for.
>
> Ron

Hey, a nuclear cardio stress test is a great thing. My brother was a
chain smoker all his life...he decided to go for the test and they
found two blocked arteries. He would have had a heart attack. They
roto rootered the blockages and now he is fine. I would never suggest
anyone do anything without getting a stress test first if they are over
40. I have another friend who never smoked, he is active, he lives a
decent lifestyle of exercise and diet and he had two blockages as well.
He is only 44 years old. He had the blockages cleared and now he is
back to exercising. They both prevented heart attacks by getting that
test. It's fairly easy to go in and roto rooter a blockage to prevent
a heart attack down the road. Its not that easy recovering from a
massive one. A little prevention is a good thing. Go getted Nuked in
that stress test. This is your Mommy speaking. Its a few hours out of
your life and could save your life. Now that you changed your life
around, you want to keep living, don't you?
Maggie.

01-14-2005, 11:02 AM

RonSonic wrote:
> On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 03:31:39 GMT, "chris c" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>
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.
>
> How long's a string and can it be too long?
>
> Just how old are ya and what kinda shape are you in?
>
> Not that I could give you any specifics anyway, but it's good to know
whether
> we're talking about a 40yo in crappy shape or a 55yo in pretty good
shape.
>
> At 49 and recovering from many years off the bike there are a few
things I can
> tell you. First your recovery will suck compared to years ago. I can
get great
> benefits from 2 intense rides a week, much more than that just makes
me sore
> without any resulting strength or speed payoff. Might as well just
whack my legs
> with a stick for all the good it does. At least not more than two
weeks in a
> row.
>
> And it is intensity that you need to increase muscularity and
strength. Making
> circles with your feet, fast or slow will not do it. There's cycling
training
> tips and advice all over the internet, some of it actually makes
sense and
> works. Google.
>
> When I first started back on the bike last year I had recently quit
smoking
> (again) and the game was having my cardio and legs take turns being
the weaker
> link. At one point I got into good enough shape that I needed more
leg to work
> the CP system hard enough to really feel it. I'm riding 4-5 times a
week and 2
> of those are usually some sort of high intensity work like sprints or
intervals.
> I'll only do one day of intensity if I do something otherwise
draining that week
> like an extremely long ride. Or three days of intense work if I know
I won't be
> pushing it the next week. I think that's probably the sort of thing
you're
> ready for, get in some strength and speed work.
>
> As for heart attack risks, hell if I know. My guess is that if you've
been
> pedaling hard enough to max out the heart rate and start losing
composure
> without dying by now you're probably okay. I do suggest that you keep
that sort
> of thing on the trainer until your bike handling skills are back to
expert.
> That's how people get hurt, out riding their brain's oxygen supply.
>
> You know the standard warning "Do not begin this or any other
exercise program
> without the advice of a physician." Well I figure I didn't ask a
doctor before
> taking up chain smoking and a sedentary lifestyle, I don't figure I
need his
> permission to get back in shape. If I'm going to keel over from a
heart attack
> rather it be after a ride I enjoyed than a cardio stress test that I
had to pay
> money for.
>
> Ron

Hey, a nuclear cardio stress test is a great thing. My brother was a
chain smoker all his life...he decided to go for the test and they
found two blocked arteries. He would have had a heart attack. They
roto rootered the blockages and now he is fine. I would never suggest
anyone do anything without getting a stress test first if they are over
40. I have another friend who never smoked, he is active, he lives a
decent lifestyle of exercise and diet and he had two blockages as well.
He is only 44 years old. He had the blockages cleared and now he is
back to exercising. They both prevented heart attacks by getting that
test. It's fairly easy to go in and roto rooter a blockage to prevent
a heart attack down the road. Its not that easy recovering from a
massive one. A little prevention is a good thing. Go getted Nuked in
that stress test. This is your Mommy speaking. Its a few hours out of
your life and could save your life. Now that you changed your life
around, you want to keep living, don't you?
Maggie.

01-14-2005, 12:23 PM

chris c wrote:
> Actually I am 35 , but feel like 25.
>
> "Maggie" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> news:1105709590.268665.222010@f14g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> >
> > 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.
> >

35 feeling like 25? OK....I don't see alot of difference in that one.
Now if you were 45 and felt 25....then I would say you were one lucky
dude. Somehow I can't see much difference between 35 and 25. Maybe
35 and 20....or even 40 and 35....or...55 and 35...(get my drift?) I
felt fabulous at 35. I think I started feeling and thinking about my
age around 40. Plus every doctor visit would include...NOW THAT YOU ARE
OVER 40 YADA YADA YADA.... Thats when I went into a major midlife
crisis. I was 40 acting like a 20 year old. I have no clue how I
survived my 40's. So when you are 40...let me know how you feel. A 35
year old that feels 25 doesn't seem like such a big deal. My kids age
from 22 to 30. I don't see any huge difference in them physically at
this point. I truly believe 40 is a milestone thus, the midlife crisis.
So be on the alert. At 40 you may revert to behaving like a teenager
who does not want to grow up, but whose body is saying....hey, take
care of me....I'm getting older...please!!!!!
Maggie

01-14-2005, 12:23 PM

chris c wrote:
> Actually I am 35 , but feel like 25.
>
> "Maggie" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> news:1105709590.268665.222010@f14g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> >
> > 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.
> >

35 feeling like 25? OK....I don't see alot of difference in that one.
Now if you were 45 and felt 25....then I would say you were one lucky
dude. Somehow I can't see much difference between 35 and 25. Maybe
35 and 20....or even 40 and 35....or...55 and 35...(get my drift?) I
felt fabulous at 35. I think I started feeling and thinking about my
age around 40. Plus every doctor visit would include...NOW THAT YOU ARE
OVER 40 YADA YADA YADA.... Thats when I went into a major midlife
crisis. I was 40 acting like a 20 year old. I have no clue how I
survived my 40's. So when you are 40...let me know how you feel. A 35
year old that feels 25 doesn't seem like such a big deal. My kids age
from 22 to 30. I don't see any huge difference in them physically at
this point. I truly believe 40 is a milestone thus, the midlife crisis.
So be on the alert. At 40 you may revert to behaving like a teenager
who does not want to grow up, but whose body is saying....hey, take
care of me....I'm getting older...please!!!!!
Maggie

01-14-2005, 12:23 PM

chris c wrote:
> Actually I am 35 , but feel like 25.
>
> "Maggie" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> news:1105709590.268665.222010@f14g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> >
> > 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.
> >

35 feeling like 25? OK....I don't see alot of difference in that one.
Now if you were 45 and felt 25....then I would say you were one lucky
dude. Somehow I can't see much difference between 35 and 25. Maybe
35 and 20....or even 40 and 35....or...55 and 35...(get my drift?) I
felt fabulous at 35. I think I started feeling and thinking about my
age around 40. Plus every doctor visit would include...NOW THAT YOU ARE
OVER 40 YADA YADA YADA.... Thats when I went into a major midlife
crisis. I was 40 acting like a 20 year old. I have no clue how I
survived my 40's. So when you are 40...let me know how you feel. A 35
year old that feels 25 doesn't seem like such a big deal. My kids age
from 22 to 30. I don't see any huge difference in them physically at
this point. I truly believe 40 is a milestone thus, the midlife crisis.
So be on the alert. At 40 you may revert to behaving like a teenager
who does not want to grow up, but whose body is saying....hey, take
care of me....I'm getting older...please!!!!!
Maggie

01-14-2005, 12:27 PM

Maggie wrote:
> RonSonic wrote:
> > On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 03:31:39 GMT, "chris c"
<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>
> 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.
> >
> > How long's a string and can it be too long?
> >
> > Just how old are ya and what kinda shape are you in?
> >
> > Not that I could give you any specifics anyway, but it's good to
know
> whether
> > we're talking about a 40yo in crappy shape or a 55yo in pretty good
> shape.
> >
> > At 49 and recovering from many years off the bike there are a few
> things I can
> > tell you. First your recovery will suck compared to years ago. I
can
> get great
> > benefits from 2 intense rides a week, much more than that just
makes
> me sore
> > without any resulting strength or speed payoff. Might as well just
> whack my legs
> > with a stick for all the good it does. At least not more than two
> weeks in a
> > row.
> >
> > And it is intensity that you need to increase muscularity and
> strength. Making
> > circles with your feet, fast or slow will not do it. There's
cycling
> training
> > tips and advice all over the internet, some of it actually makes
> sense and
> > works. Google.
> >
> > When I first started back on the bike last year I had recently quit
> smoking
> > (again) and the game was having my cardio and legs take turns being
> the weaker
> > link. At one point I got into good enough shape that I needed more
> leg to work
> > the CP system hard enough to really feel it. I'm riding 4-5 times a
> week and 2
> > of those are usually some sort of high intensity work like sprints
or
> intervals.
> > I'll only do one day of intensity if I do something otherwise
> draining that week
> > like an extremely long ride. Or three days of intense work if I
know
> I won't be
> > pushing it the next week. I think that's probably the sort of
thing
> you're
> > ready for, get in some strength and speed work.
> >
> > As for heart attack risks, hell if I know. My guess is that if
you've
> been
> > pedaling hard enough to max out the heart rate and start losing
> composure
> > without dying by now you're probably okay. I do suggest that you
keep
> that sort
> > of thing on the trainer until your bike handling skills are back to
> expert.
> > That's how people get hurt, out riding their brain's oxygen supply.
> >
> > You know the standard warning "Do not begin this or any other
> exercise program
> > without the advice of a physician." Well I figure I didn't ask a
> doctor before
> > taking up chain smoking and a sedentary lifestyle, I don't figure I
> need his
> > permission to get back in shape. If I'm going to keel over from a
> heart attack
> > rather it be after a ride I enjoyed than a cardio stress test that
I
> had to pay
> > money for.
> >
> > Ron
>
>
> Hey, a nuclear cardio stress test is a great thing. My brother was a
> chain smoker all his life...he decided to go for the test and they
> found two blocked arteries. He would have had a heart attack. They
> roto rootered the blockages and now he is fine. I would never
suggest
> anyone do anything without getting a stress test first if they are
over
> 40. I have another friend who never smoked, he is active, he lives a
> decent lifestyle of exercise and diet and he had two blockages as
well.
> He is only 44 years old. He had the blockages cleared and now he is
> back to exercising. They both prevented heart attacks by getting
that
> test. It's fairly easy to go in and roto rooter a blockage to
prevent
> a heart attack down the road. Its not that easy recovering from a
> massive one. A little prevention is a good thing. Go getted Nuked
in
> that stress test. This is your Mommy speaking. Its a few hours out
of
> your life and could save your life. Now that you changed your life
> around, you want to keep living, don't you?
> Maggie.

Funny, you go get the test and they find problems and they fix them.
But where were the symptoms? There's some data coming out that all this
intervention leads to very little improvement in life expectancy but a
big improvement in the interventionists bank account.
Sure, if you have problems intervention works-but there is a lot of
evidence that the number of surgeries is more related to the number of
surgeons than to the incidence of desease. (And I hereby lump invasive
cardiologists in with the surgeon even though they are technically not)