6-Months In But Getting Fatter

[Doc333]

Just short of 500-miles covered now since December, when I decided to get myself fit. I feel like taking the bike back because of a misprint (Fit/Fat)

I think I know what the problem is though, and maybe some of you experienced guys can confirm: I am getting fitter, and climbing longer, and going further all the time and my average speed has gone from 8 to 14 mph. I sometimes have a 2-week gap between rides, so thinking that may be some of the problem, and if I could get out more, I would see my body shape change in the right places.

 

[Ganymede]

Do you mean you're getting fatter or getting heavier? If fatter (or both!) you might be over-compensating with your grub, you know: "I've just ridden 50 miles, I can have an extra 3 pints and and chips all week". If just heavier, you might just be more muscley

 

[Shaun]

I think exercise is most beneficial when carried our regularly, so yes it would help to get out more often - but just out of interest, have you made any adjustments to improve your diet to go along with the exercise? If so, are you (honestly) sticking to it?

 

[HLaB]

Do you have more muscle and therefore heavier ? If so thats certainly not a problem, in fact IMO its a good thing, you'll certainly be healthier.

Or are you getting flabbier (eg is your waistline getting bigger) ? That is unhealthy and you are probably eating more calories than what you are burning; try to cut back.

On the whole though cycling is an healthy activity and will be a benefit to you.

 

[Effyb4]

Just short of 500-miles covered now since December, when I decided to get myself fit. I feel like taking the bike back because of a misprint (Fit/Fat)

I think I know what the problem is though, and maybe some of you experienced guys can confirm: I am getting fitter, and climbing longer, and going further all the time and my average speed has gone from 8 to 14 mph. I sometimes have a 2-week gap between rides, so thinking that may be some of the problem, and if I could get out more, I would see my body shape change in the right places.

You are describing exactly what is happening to me. I started cycling at the end of December and I have gone from doing 2 miles to 40 miles at a time. My average speed has improved from around 10 mph to around 15 mph (if I'm pushing it). I can also get up hills that I wasn't able to get up previously.

However I have also put on half a stone. I don't seem noticeably fatter around the middle as my clothes still fit and some friends have said that it looks like I'm losing weight. I can only conclude that I am gaining muscle. I hope so anyway. Perhaps you are doing the same.

 

[Ganymede]

You are describing exactly what is happening to me. I started cycling at the end of December and I have gone from doing 2 miles to 40 miles at a time. My average speed has improved from around 10 mph to around 15 mph (if I'm pushing it). I can also get up hills that I wasn't able to get up previously.

However I have also put on half a stone. I don't seem noticeably fatter around the middle as my clothes still fit and some friends have said that it looks like I'm losing weight. I can only conclude that I am gaining muscle. I hope so anyway. Perhaps you are doing the same.

Yes, you're toning up! I have a piece of knotted string which shows where my waist was so I can see it getting smaller!

 

[Archie_tect]

Cycling doesn't seem to affect my weight as much week on week as I'm cheating on the snacking when I get home in the evening! ...but, before we did the C2C 5 years ago, I got a pedometer and made sure I kept to a regime of walking at least 10000 steps a day [works out at about 5 miles] which, with cycling regularly 3 times a week and eating salads during the summer, I went from 15 stones to 13.5.... gained muscle cycling and got less flabby with the walking. Walking briskly definitely did it for me! Back up to 14.4 again and feeling fed-up!

 

[Doc333]

Whilst putting my cycling jersey on today, and filling my back pockets with the usual pump etc, I managed to see myself in the mirror and it looked like Chanel 4 were going to make a program about me "Too fat to get out of bed". In all honesty though, I have always been fairly active, fairly well toned but last year I stopped smoking and now I see my waste growing, my man-boobs growing and I've gained half inch around my neck too. I agree that a lot of this is down to not getting out enough on the bike and wrong diet (2nd helpings) I'm turning into a munter.

 

[ianrauk]

Cycle more, eat less and eat healthier. Oh yes, and cut right back on the booze.

Then watch the weight drop off.

 

[potsy]

I can sympathise Doc, I think I'm heavier now than before I started 5 years ago, too much eating is my only excuse

 

[Ganymede]

I admit this only shamefacedly, but I am an occasional viewer of the Channel 4 show "Secret Eater", and I've noticed that the most pernicious adder-on of calories is alcohol consumption. People just seem to have no idea how many calories drink has - it's hilarious, they go on and on about eating salads and then are filmed downing 16 tequilas on a night out. I've often thought it would be better named "secret drinkers".

This might come in handy: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/understand-your-drinking/unit-calculator

eg 1 pint of 4% alcohol beer = 182 calories and 2.3 units.

By the way, OP, if you're not a drinker I hope you don't think I'm implying you're an old lush. Just posting useful facts!

 

[Deleted member 35268]

It is so easy after a long ride to think you can just eat everything, I do it. I over eat, I am greedy.
I can't get rid of my tummy and I have moobs too, despite thousands of miles or riding, they are slowly being eradicated thankfully.
I actually do not look at my weight at all, I just look in the mirror and see how my clothes are fitting - all my jeans are too big now.

 

[WellyWonkey]

I think the key point you included there was the "last year I stopped smoking..." I'm not going to pretend to be an expert, but I would hazard a guess that this is your main issue? The amount of free time that you have with your now redudant hand is possibly negating all of your hard work on the bike? Snacking is too easy now? Just a guess? I have quite a few work colleagues who have found themselves in exactly the same dilemma as yourself. You have made the most important decision out all though by quitting smoking
Keep up the good work. Maybe try and get out more frequently, shorter more intense rides rather than a more elaborate 30-40 miler. Have a 5km power ride instead? Just a suggestion . Don't quit the bike though, I think you just need to tweak your usual routine, you will find a natural fit for yourself if try a few alternative rides .

 

[Cycleops]

Sounds like you are consuming more calories than you are burning, maybe over compensating. You really need to look at your intake, perhaps writing it down. Cutting out booze, especially beer can make a big difference. Also cutting out oil and fat gives dramatic results. Sugar is a no no too. Good luck!

 

[Hacienda71]

Don't eat closer than two hours before going to bed.