Fitness

I always thought walking at a brisk pace was the bomb, but I just recently started riding my bike.  For some reason I always thought it would burn less calories because it seemed "easier" or more "fun" I don't know.

So I have this Old School Broadway Bianchi that I bought brand new back in 1988 when I first entered the work force.  It was sort of my big purchase for having graduated and gotten a job.  I think I rode it a total of 15 miles and then my Dad borrowed it for a while and put on maybe 25 more miles.  The bike is still in great shape but sat around for so long and looked sad. 

My friend who road bikes faithfully recently overhauled the bike with all new tires (road vs mountain) and cables, new tubes, etc.  Just the basic stuff  I had not been riding it all these years.  Plus, the seat was kind of high and too small for my large ass, it kind of hurt.  So he also put on somewhat of a modified cruiser seat that we found at Target.  Now the bike is really comfy and plush and fun to ride.

So I look up on CC the calories burned for Moderate Bicycling vs Brisk Walking and I was amazed at the incredible difference!!! 

Its over 900+ and hour for the bike and about 400+ an hour for walking.

WOW!

I would make sure and wear a heart rate monitor when you bike.  I have found the calorie burned estimates here to be way off especially if you have a road bike that is fairly light.  I think they are estimating speed and calories based on a heavier bike that you would have to work harder with.  For me it can be up to 300-500 calories over what my HR says.  Just be careful when you are figuring your daily intake after riding.  

Thanks for the reply lorime.  The bike does not "feel" light as it is a twenty year old model...but I will take your advice and get a better estimate.  I checked a different website for calories burned and it appeared the same.  I figured as heavy as I am right now (258) I probably burn more than the average.  A heart rate monitor sounds like a good idea for any activity, including walking.

Any reco's on heartrate monitors?

 

 

I bought the F11 but I think it is overkill.  I only use the heart rate monitor part and calorie counter - not all the other options so if I were to do it again I would buy a simpler model and save some money.  

One more question for you please!!!  I just did some quick research and think I want the Polar F6.  I found one on ebay that I like but it only comes with the wrist watch.  What does that mean?  Does this take the pulse from the wrist?  I can do without the chest strap thingy I see in other ads.  Is that how most of the heart rate monitors work (wrist version)?  I just want to make sure I'm not missing a major component of the F6. 

Thanks much.

As far as I know you definitely need the chest strap.  The Polar F series watches read the heart rate from the chest strap.  There are watches that read the pulse from the wrist but I have heard that they aren't as accurate.  I am 99% sure that the F6 needs the chest strap so I wouldn't buy it without it.  Check the polar website to be sure.  

You are going to want to use heartrate monitor. When your fitness level increases you will burn less calories while riding. I ride 30 miles every day ( Bike Commuter) to work and back. When I first started riding my moderate speed was 12 mph. Now my moderate speed is 18 mph for the same effort.

Wow!  I could have written this post myself!  I just "found" my bicycle too and am wondering why I haven't done this before?  I went on our bike path and was able to exercise for 65 minutes yesterday and about 55 today.  I'm amazed how much I enjoy it.  Now I need to go buy some accessories like a water bottle holder and some more comfortable grips.  You cover so much more ground on a bike so it really feels like I've accomplished something.

 

Cheers!

Soobie in Vermont  SW:  209  CW:  207  GW:  139

 

I love my bike!   My BF and I went for a 10-mile ride on the 4th and my arse was sore (can't figure out why since I have so much padding there - LOL).

If you're ever up for cycling on the weekends, let me know!  We could meet up halfway somewhere.

may I join you????? 

I was looking for a way to spice up my workouts, and mykanos inspired me to try my stationary bike tonight!!!  I rode 10.5 miles, 30 minutes, and supposedly 389 cals burned.    WOO HOO    usually I can;t stand riding the bike, but I made myself keep going and it was great!!!!

I feel like between my jogging 3-5 miles a day and adding biking and the Bowflex he just bought, I can get to goal before school starts again.    : D

Yay, its my Girls,  Michelle and Olivia!!!   Michelle, I can totally bring my bike on BART and meet you in the City?  Olivia, we can do a Virtual?  You ride 10 miles the day that Michelle and I do a ride in SF???  Michelle, Can we do the Great Highway?

I'm GAME!!!

OMG ----> so JEALOUS!!!!!

I will be there with bells on, mykanos! 

I jogged my 4 miles today, rode 1 and plan to make it 25 minutes or 8 miles, whichever comes faster. 

I ended up riding 20ish minutes and gettign to 10 miles!!!!   granted, I was cruising on 2 or 3 and upping it to a paltry 4 out 6, but still! 

mp3 player = easier and fun!  ( :

It is a totally different workout than running and I want to make my knees stronger.... 

YAAYYYY Olivia!!  I wen't on my "skank ride" at 6:30 this morning.  That is when I just pull on yesterdays undies and my sweats, don't brush my teeth or comb my hair, just pile it up on top of my head with a scrunchie.  Then go hop on the bike and GOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  hahahah!!! 

I did 27 minutes before I took a shower and got ready for work and it felt great!!!

Skank Ride!  LOL  Good for you!  I skank out occasionally in our gym in the building where we live (don't even wear a bra because no one ever uses the gym early in the morning!)

Sure, Nat, I'm up for a ride real soon!  I think the "closest" BART station to me is Balboa Park or Daly City.  We can meet there and ride to the beach via Lake Merced.

it is so awesome you get to meet!

I thought i might do another couple of miles after dinner, but I might have lied.  Whatever the muscle on the front of my leg, up by my bikini line is screaming!  I even went for a walk to try and loosen her up.   I am sure tomorrow all will be well as I plan to continue , but woo!

I am proud of you for skank riding.  is that an oxymoron???   =P

Original Post by olivia77:

it is so awesome you get to meet!

 

Olivia, Michelle and I met in May when a group of us met for the Bay to Breakers Walk in San Francisco!! I got to meet Moogiesue, her roomate, and Nasuoni and her b'friend too!  Sorry you pulled a muscle.  Ever try Ben Gay Vanishing Gel?

Michelle, maybe I will just put the bike in the Tahoe and drive over.  I want to save all my energy for the actual "ride" haha!   I'll wear clean undies.

Anyway, I am hot on the trail of my Polar F6.  I went to Big5 Sporting goods today after work and tried one on.  I wanted to actually see the colors of the women's watches but they only had Polar Ice.  I'm kinda set on either Pink Coral or Green Tea.  The women's ones seem kind of dainty though.  I like the looks of the larger version made for men but they don't come in Pink.

LUCKY!!!!!!!!!!!    I would give my left arm to meet my cc girls!

I rode my bike for 10 miles/26 min/370 cals already this morning AFTER jogging 3.5 miles!!!!

Planning to get back on there and do a few more in a minute -- needs a butt cheek rest break.  (blush)

Hopefully not a muscle pull ---  just tight and not used to working like that.   Note to self--> stretch more after!

more deep thoughts.....

I am curious.  do any of you ride a stationary bicycle AND a real one outside??????

I did a total of 15 miles on my bike this morning.   I HATE HATE HATE riding outside (or used to) because of the cars, having to get off and walk, etc.   

How do you think I would do now, I guess is what I am asking....?

Is it comparable OR is it like I feel about running outside for real vs. on a treadmill inside?  (not the same)

Olivia, have you tried trails?  If you're in the bay area, there are some great trails where you can ride offroad, no interference with cars, no/minimal stoplights or hills to walk.   You might enjoy that more.  I enjoy the trail by the bay occasionally, especially in the winter when there are lots of migratory birds.

(Personally I love road riding, but everybody's different)

 

I WISH I was in the Bay area....  I am in southeast Kansas.   ( :

I could ride the same 10 block circle I walk the dog on.... 

I have never been one to ride a bike for fun, let alone exercise.   The last bicycle I had was my first 10 speed and I maybe rode it 3 times, maybe.... and I just mean like up the block and back. 

I just wanted to know if when I get to where I can do lots of miles cardio wise inside, do you think a road bike would still be the same kind of workout?   or will I be miserable because i can only ride a block outside and then have to walk home? 

( ;     I wish I had some trails close to home.  that would ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!