Will cycling reduce gains?

Mags · 06-25-2007, 05:30 AM

Hi guys.

I need to ask you guys about the effect cycling will have on my mass gains.

I'm presently on around 4500 - 4700 cals a day which maintains my weight nicely as well as supporting gradual growth. Originally being a hardgainer when I started bodybuilding, I refrained from cardio (only playing football every now and then, and when I went to Uni) altogether.

I'm about 224 pounds and don't have a lot of fat on me ( although holding more fat than usual, I still have visable abs - no chiselled cuts, but not covered up by fat). However, although I look okay, I feel I need to start doing some sort of cardio just to become a bit more healthy. This coincides witht he fact I'm moving, and now I will be able to cycle to and from work everyday.

I know this should improve my health, but will it greatly reduce my future mass gains - especially to my legs (will it contribute to an 'overtraining' type situation if I train them on a Monday but cycle everyday for the rest of the week)? Is it simply a case of eating a few more calories to compensate for this new extra enegry expenditure, or will that not work?

Lastly, the distance to and from work is only a 2-3 miles (4-6 overall) so it's not like it's the Tour de France, but I just wanna know if this will prove majorly detrimental to my mass building efforts.

Cheers.

Witchblade · 06-25-2007, 05:43 AM

Covered in the FAQ.

Pianomahnn · 06-25-2007, 08:36 AM

A relaxed 2-3 miles on a bike is easy party. Now, if you're dead out sprinting those 2-3 miles on a bike that's another story.

Keep this in mind, a bike is the most efficient mode of mechanical transportation evar. If I recall, an easy ride on a bike actually takes less energy than walking the same distance, and walking is easy. Food for thought.

You'll be fine. Ride your bike, be happy, enjoy life. And don't forget to wear a helmet!

Pianomahnn · 06-25-2007, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Witchblade

Covered in the FAQ.

Just to be an ass...which FAQ? There's like 40294839839 stickies in this forum.

Witchblade · 06-25-2007, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pianomahnn

Just to be an ass...which FAQ? There's like 40294839839 stickies in this forum.

This one (IM Official FAQ)

**CowPimp** · 06-25-2007, 09:57 AM

I don't think I would do cycling daily. That may very well have an effect on mass gains. A few days a week will probably not hurt you though. Also, I don't know if you are "on" or anything, but that may alter the statement I just made.

Mags · 06-25-2007, 10:25 AM

I'm not on any gear etc, just trib and high cal diet.

I want to improve my cardio vascular health as I get out of breath relatively easy. However, I don't want to hinder my gains.

I reckon I'll have to cycle towards the end of the week as I train legs Monday and they'll be in no state to cycle Tues and even weds at times.

I'll see how I get on. It's hard enough to walk properly the next few days after legs, let alone cycle.

Pianomahnn · 06-25-2007, 04:43 PM

An easy ride to the office really won't help your cardiovascular health. It's not going to hurt it, mind you, but you will probably not notice much increase. It would be like jogging 3 minutes a day.

I'm being serious...sort of.

NeilPearson · 06-25-2007, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pianomahnn

An easy ride to the office really won't help your cardiovascular health. It's not going to hurt it, mind you, but you will probably not notice much increase. It would be like jogging 3 minutes a day.

I'm being serious...sort of.

I would think it would be more like walking 3 minutes a day :P

Pianomahnn · 06-25-2007, 08:39 PM

Nah, more like 7 minutes walking.

**P-funk** · 06-25-2007, 09:26 PM

a) cycling 2-3 miles is nothing. i can't see that hurting your gains at all. you are probably going at a moderate pace. it isn't like running the 2-3 miles

b) if you are trying to improve your work capacity, biking 2-3 miles is not going to do it. that is like a short bike to the store and back.

Bakerboy · 06-25-2007, 09:34 PM

^ And besides that your body will adapt. You will be doing the the same distance every day, so unless you are eating lower than your maintenance you have nothing to worry about.

Mags · 06-26-2007, 04:04 AM

Soz, maybe I haven't been clear enough. It's about 2-3 miles one way to work, so I'd be doing about 6 miles all round (to and from work). That might even become more as I'd have to do an extra mile or two on top, to get to the gym and back too. Overall, I'd probably be nearer to doing 5-7 miles a day?

Does that change things at all, or will all the above still apply up or down abit?

Cheers

Pianomahnn · 06-26-2007, 06:08 AM

Don't worry about it, mang. Ride the bike and be happy!

squanto · 06-26-2007, 01:09 PM

I say do it. Worst case scenario you might have to eat a little bit more.

**CowPimp** · 06-26-2007, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mags

Soz, maybe I haven't been clear enough. It's about 2-3 miles one way to work, so I'd be doing about 6 miles all round (to and from work). That might even become more as I'd have to do an extra mile or two on top, to get to the gym and back too. Overall, I'd probably be nearer to doing 5-7 miles a day?

Does that change things at all, or will all the above still apply up or down abit?

Cheers

Oh, at that kind of distance I sincerely doubt it would have any effect on your mass gains. I didn't read you first post 100%, which always turns out to be a mistake. Heh.

Pianomahnn · 06-26-2007, 02:24 PM

I was playing around the calories burned estimator, and you're looking at burning, at most, around 300 calories over the course of the day with this riding. That's also probably being quite generous.

I'm such a bicycle fanboy it's not even funny.

DOMS · 06-26-2007, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowPimp

Oh, at that kind of distance I sincerely doubt it would have any effect on your mass gains. I didn't read you first post 100%, which always turns out to be a mistake. Heh.

Wouldn't a low-level ride like that after a workout be good? Such as speeding up waste removal and replenishment.

**CowPimp** · 06-26-2007, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DOMS

Wouldn't a low-level ride like that after a workout be good? Such as speeding up waste removal and replenishment.

Yes, it should be. However, my thought was that doing a more significant volume daily would lead to adaptations with the oxidative energy system and various other adaptations that occur from endurance training, which could very well impede on progress in the mass gaining department.

TrojanMan60563 · 06-26-2007, 10:16 PM

2-3 miles doesn't even take long enough to count as cardio training. I highly doubt that would have any ill effect on gaining muscle. I know that is each way, but you probably have 8 hours between trips...so yet again...never even considered cardio.

xnxbass · 06-27-2007, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowPimp

Yes, it should be. However, my thought was that doing a more significant volume daily would lead to adaptations with the oxidative energy system and various other adaptations that occur from endurance training, which could very well impede on progress in the mass gaining department.

Would 6 - 7 miles done twice daily (rollerblading) be concidered a significant volume?

**P-funk** · 06-27-2007, 03:22 PM

rollerblading 6-7 miles twice daily (12-14 total miles) would be more fatiguing than biking.

06-25-2007, 05:30 AM	#1
Mags We ate the toys eddie! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: East London, UK Posts: 884 Photos: 8	Will cycling reduce gains? Hi guys. I need to ask you guys about the effect cycling will have on my mass gains. I'm presently on around 4500 - 4700 cals a day which maintains my weight nicely as well as supporting gradual growth. Originally being a hardgainer when I started bodybuilding, I refrained from cardio (only playing football every now and then, and when I went to Uni) altogether. I'm about 224 pounds and don't have a lot of fat on me ( although holding more fat than usual, I still have visable abs - no chiselled cuts, but not covered up by fat). However, although I look okay, I feel I need to start doing some sort of cardio just to become a bit more healthy. This coincides witht he fact I'm moving, and now I will be able to cycle to and from work everyday. I know this should improve my health, but will it greatly reduce my future mass gains - especially to my legs (will it contribute to an 'overtraining' type situation if I train them on a Monday but cycle everyday for the rest of the week)? Is it simply a case of eating a few more calories to compensate for this new extra enegry expenditure, or will that not work? Lastly, the distance to and from work is only a 2-3 miles (4-6 overall) so it's not like it's the Tour de France, but I just wanna know if this will prove majorly detrimental to my mass building efforts. Cheers.
	BUILD IT, AND THEY WILL COME. THE ONLY TIME SUCCESS COMES BEFORE WORK IS IN THE DICTIONARY. DO OR DO NOT - THERE IS NO TRY.

06-25-2007, 05:43 AM	#2
Witchblade Succinct Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Holland Posts: 4,285 Photos: 2	Covered in the FAQ.
	My Linkdump [LSFW] IM Official FAQ [WORK IN PROGRESS]

06-25-2007, 09:57 AM	#6
CowPimp Fueled by Testosterone Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 15,405	I don't think I would do cycling daily. That may very well have an effect on mass gains. A few days a week will probably not hurt you though. Also, I don't know if you are "on" or anything, but that may alter the statement I just made.
	The only time it's bad to feel the burn is when you're peeing... CowPimp Picks Up Heavy Shit MySpace YouTube Videos

06-25-2007, 10:25 AM	#7
Mags We ate the toys eddie! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: East London, UK Posts: 884 Photos: 8	I'm not on any gear etc, just trib and high cal diet. I want to improve my cardio vascular health as I get out of breath relatively easy. However, I don't want to hinder my gains. I reckon I'll have to cycle towards the end of the week as I train legs Monday and they'll be in no state to cycle Tues and even weds at times. I'll see how I get on. It's hard enough to walk properly the next few days after legs, let alone cycle.
	BUILD IT, AND THEY WILL COME. THE ONLY TIME SUCCESS COMES BEFORE WORK IS IN THE DICTIONARY. DO OR DO NOT - THERE IS NO TRY.

06-25-2007, 09:26 PM	#11
P-funk Patrick Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: AZ Posts: 30,377	a) cycling 2-3 miles is nothing. i can't see that hurting your gains at all. you are probably going at a moderate pace. it isn't like running the 2-3 miles b) if you are trying to improve your work capacity, biking 2-3 miles is not going to do it. that is like a short bike to the store and back.
	http://pwtraining.blogspot.com/.....come and see what is on my mind! http://ivonneberkowitz.blogspot.com/....check out Ivonne's new blog! Optimum Sports Performance "In the beginners mind there are many possibilities, in the experts there are few." -Buddha's Little Instruction Book

06-25-2007, 08:36 AM	#3
Pianomahnn I bike to work. Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,224 Photos: 6	A relaxed 2-3 miles on a bike is easy party. Now, if you're dead out sprinting those 2-3 miles on a bike that's another story. Keep this in mind, a bike is the most efficient mode of mechanical transportation evar. If I recall, an easy ride on a bike actually takes less energy than walking the same distance, and walking is easy. Food for thought. You'll be fine. Ride your bike, be happy, enjoy life. And don't forget to wear a helmet!

06-25-2007, 04:43 PM	#8
Pianomahnn I bike to work. Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,224 Photos: 6	An easy ride to the office really won't help your cardiovascular health. It's not going to hurt it, mind you, but you will probably not notice much increase. It would be like jogging 3 minutes a day. I'm being serious...sort of.

06-25-2007, 08:39 PM	#10
Pianomahnn I bike to work. Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,224 Photos: 6	Nah, more like 7 minutes walking.

06-25-2007, 09:34 PM	#12
Bakerboy cat burglar Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: the city of champions Posts: 4,146 Photos: 3	^ And besides that your body will adapt. You will be doing the the same distance every day, so unless you are eating lower than your maintenance you have nothing to worry about.
	No strength within, no respect without - Kasmiri Proverb

06-26-2007, 04:04 AM	#13
Mags We ate the toys eddie! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: East London, UK Posts: 884 Photos: 8	Soz, maybe I haven't been clear enough. It's about 2-3 miles one way to work, so I'd be doing about 6 miles all round (to and from work). That might even become more as I'd have to do an extra mile or two on top, to get to the gym and back too. Overall, I'd probably be nearer to doing 5-7 miles a day? Does that change things at all, or will all the above still apply up or down abit? Cheers
	BUILD IT, AND THEY WILL COME. THE ONLY TIME SUCCESS COMES BEFORE WORK IS IN THE DICTIONARY. DO OR DO NOT - THERE IS NO TRY.

06-26-2007, 06:08 AM	#14
Pianomahnn I bike to work. Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,224 Photos: 6	Don't worry about it, mang. Ride the bike and be happy!

06-26-2007, 01:09 PM	#15
squanto Fitness Celebrity Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cheese Cottage Posts: 1,461	I say do it. Worst case scenario you might have to eat a little bit more.

06-26-2007, 02:24 PM	#17
Pianomahnn I bike to work. Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,224 Photos: 6	I was playing around the calories burned estimator, and you're looking at burning, at most, around 300 calories over the course of the day with this riding. That's also probably being quite generous. I'm such a bicycle fanboy it's not even funny.

06-26-2007, 10:16 PM	#20
TrojanMan60563 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: The U-S of A Posts: 2,927 Photos: 1	2-3 miles doesn't even take long enough to count as cardio training. I highly doubt that would have any ill effect on gaining muscle. I know that is each way, but you probably have 8 hours between trips...so yet again...never even considered cardio.

06-27-2007, 03:22 PM	#22
P-funk Patrick Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: AZ Posts: 30,377	rollerblading 6-7 miles twice daily (12-14 total miles) would be more fatiguing than biking.
	http://pwtraining.blogspot.com/.....come and see what is on my mind! http://ivonneberkowitz.blogspot.com/....check out Ivonne's new blog! Optimum Sports Performance "In the beginners mind there are many possibilities, in the experts there are few." -Buddha's Little Instruction Book

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