What Has 7 Months Of Cycling Done To My Body? with GCN
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Video What Has 7 Months Of Cycling Done To My Body? with Global Cycling Network
Video What Has 7 Months Of Cycling Done To My Body? with Global Cycling Network YouTube Channel.
What Has 7 Months Of Cycling Done To My Body?
Global Cycling Network
The Transformation: 7 Months of Cycling Training
In today’s fitness-driven culture, many individuals are looking for impactful changes in their body composition and athletic performance. The question at hand is: how much difference does seven months of regular biking training truly make? This article explores the journey of an individual who embarked on this path, evaluating the ups and downs along the way.
Setting the Scene: A Shift in Lifestyle
A pivotal moment occurred 18 months ago when the subject of this exploration decided to change their lifestyle significantly. The focus was on forming new habits, such as reducing alcohol and nicotine consumption while increasing physical activity through gym workouts, running, and cycling. With a newfound commitment to health, metrics like VO2 max, muscle mass, and overall strength became central goals. Over those first few months, significant changes were made, including gaining muscle while losing fat.
The Impact of Cycling: Key Metrics
The subject’s journey took a thrilling turn upon returning to cycling after a long hiatus. Notable achievements during this period included completing the longest ride to date—a 350-kilometer charity event, which showcased not only endurance but also strength gained from consistent training. With the combination of cycling and other physical activities, the individual managed to double their kilometers covered compared to the previous year.
Measuring VO2 Max: What Does It Mean?
One of the critical metrics for evaluating aerobic fitness is VO2 max—the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can utilize during intense exercise. This measurement serves as a significant indicator of one’s health span and athletic capability. Upon testing at Bath University, the subject discovered that their VO2 max had registered a small decline to 54.4 from a previous 54.8. Though disappointing at first glance, professionals noted that this minor variation is common among athletes undergoing intensive training.
Body Composition Changes: A New Perspective
Shifting focus from VO2 max to body composition revealed compelling insights. Using a DEXA scan, a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry test, the individual assessed their body fat and muscle mass. Last year, their body fat percentage was recorded at 16.3%, which has now fallen to an impressive 11.7%. Concurrently, lean body mass has increased significantly from 60.6 kg to 62.4 kg. Such changes illustrate the benefits of a consistent cycling regimen and dedication to health.
Benefits of Strength Training Integration
Although cycling took up a considerable amount of training time, the subject also maintained a routine of strength training, averaging around two hours per week. Despite cycling being the primary focus, this additional strength work played a vital role in building and retaining muscle mass while shedding unwanted fat.
Understanding Body Fat Composition
With the reduction of body fat percentage comes the important concept of visceral fat—the type of fat surrounding internal organs. Despite some fluctuations in weight, the individual’s visceral fat remained within the normal range, showcasing the overall health benefits of committing to an active lifestyle.
Consistency and Lifestyle Changes
Beyond the numbers, the journey highlighted the importance of consistency. While holidays and family commitments can complicate training efforts, regularity in workouts and adherence to healthy eating habits proved crucial in achieving noticeable progress. The aim is not perfection but rather striving for gradual improvements over time.
Navigating Diet and Nutrition
The subject’s dietary habits remained largely unchanged throughout the training period. A focus on consuming whole foods and maintaining high protein intake was emphasized. With occasional indulgences in alcohol, the overarching theme was moderation rather than deprivation. This balanced approach has helped facilitate physical transformation without the stress of strict dieting.
The Unpredictability of Fitness Transferability
An interesting revelation was that improvements in cycling did not always translate to enhanced performance in running. Initial experiences showed slower speeds and decreased ease in running, despite previous cycling gains. This highlights the specificity of training and the need for a varied approach when aiming to excel in multiple physical disciplines.
Key Takeaways: Lessons Learned from 7 Months
As the year progressed, the subject of this study learned essential lessons in health, fitness, and the relationship between long-term effort and short-term results. The journey showcased how incremental changes lead to large-scale transformations. Achievements included significant reductions in body fat and favorable changes in muscle composition, backed by just over seven and a half hours of combined exercise per week.
The Lasting Impact of an Active Lifestyle
Ultimately, this endeavor proved beneficial not just in physical composition but in overall well-being. One striking outcome was the subject’s increased resistance to illness—having not caught so much as a cold during this transformation period. It underscores the notion that physical fitness not only enhances aesthetic results but is also pivotal for achieving robust health.
The Path Forward: A Call to Action
For those intrigued by embarking on a similar journey, the message is clear: consistency yields incredible results. By focusing on sustainable habits and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, anyone can achieve their fitness goals over time. Whether your preference leans towards cycling, running, or a mix of activities, the key lies in making gradual improvements that cumulatively lead to a significant lifestyle transformation.
Conclusion: The Journey Isn’t Over
As this exploration comes to a close, it’s essential to remember that the journey of self-improvement is ongoing. The commitment to fitness becomes a lifelong endeavor, adapting and evolving along the way. With cycling being a central component, it has sparked not only personal growth but also a robust community around shared interests. Readers are encouraged to pursue their own training journeys and share their experiences, realizing that everyone possesses the potential for remarkable transformation.
The opinions expressed in this space are the sole responsibility of the YouTube Channel Global Cycling Network and do not necessarily represent the views of Bicycles4ever Cycling Culture.