Plugging Energy Leaks
11-23-20, 06:34 AM
#27
Drip, Drip.
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Many of the gym fanatics that I (saw when there were gyms)
tend to have extreme grimace/ jaw tension, and others seem to count extensive time looking at their phone as part of the workout,
so a gym may not be the best place to look for efficiency and endurance...
I find that scanning for and relaxing any muscle tension that is not needed at that time to be a good practice.
tend to have extreme grimace/ jaw tension, and others seem to count extensive time looking at their phone as part of the workout,
so a gym may not be the best place to look for efficiency and endurance...
I find that scanning for and relaxing any muscle tension that is not needed at that time to be a good practice.
All depends on how serious and disciplined you are. don't let the distractions get to you
11-23-20, 07:04 AM
#28
Senior Member
I'm mostly just reading this thread. I think it's funny, too, that the newbie is trying to school the guys who have been doing this for 20, 30, even 40+ years. Me, I just turn the pedals.
11-23-20, 07:09 AM
#29
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11-23-20, 07:16 AM
#30
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Was hoping that these "pro cyclists" with "20, 30 40 years" experience would be willing to teach the "newbie" some tips on how to become a better biker.
Oh wait, all of these "pro cyclists" commenting on here have never lifted a dumbbell in their life, and the newbie can easily outpace most of them, everyday of the week.
I'm shocked to see this general trend of having zero interest in increasing your physical conditioning or improving yourself. Speaks volumes as to how inhibiting this mindset is with your everyday life.
11-23-20, 10:33 AM
#31
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Well, I would assume that if you managed to make your way through the original post in its entirety, you're probably smart enough to ride a bike. Right?
Was hoping that these "pro cyclists" with "20, 30 40 years" experience would be willing to teach the "newbie" some tips on how to become a better biker.
Oh wait, all of these "pro cyclists" commenting on here have never lifted a dumbbell in their life, and the newbie can easily outpace most of them, everyday of the week.
I'm shocked to see this general trend of having zero interest in increasing your physical conditioning or improving yourself. Speaks volumes as to how inhibiting this mindset is with your everyday life.
Was hoping that these "pro cyclists" with "20, 30 40 years" experience would be willing to teach the "newbie" some tips on how to become a better biker.
Oh wait, all of these "pro cyclists" commenting on here have never lifted a dumbbell in their life, and the newbie can easily outpace most of them, everyday of the week.
I'm shocked to see this general trend of having zero interest in increasing your physical conditioning or improving yourself. Speaks volumes as to how inhibiting this mindset is with your everyday life.
Yes, the gym weight lifter will handle heavier weights than the non-gym goer,
but I've watched (guys) perform poorly in multiple sports in spite of, or possibly because of, bulging muscles.
11-23-20, 10:38 AM
#32
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Many of the gym fanatics that I (saw when there were gyms)
tend to have extreme grimace/ jaw tension, and others seem to count extensive time looking at their phone as part of the workout,
so a gym may not be the best place to look for efficiency and endurance...
I find that scanning for and relaxing any muscle tension that is not needed at that time to be a good practice.
tend to have extreme grimace/ jaw tension, and others seem to count extensive time looking at their phone as part of the workout,
so a gym may not be the best place to look for efficiency and endurance...
I find that scanning for and relaxing any muscle tension that is not needed at that time to be a good practice.
Last edited by rydabent; 11-23-20 at 10:41 AM.
11-23-20, 10:41 AM
#33
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Well, I would assume that if you managed to make your way through the original post in its entirety, you're probably smart enough to ride a bike. Right?
Was hoping that these "pro cyclists" with "20, 30 40 years" experience would be willing to teach the "newbie" some tips on how to become a better biker.
Oh wait, all of these "pro cyclists" commenting on here have never lifted a dumbbell in their life, and the newbie can easily outpace most of them, everyday of the week.
I'm shocked to see this general trend of having zero interest in increasing your physical conditioning or improving yourself. Speaks volumes as to how inhibiting this mindset is with your everyday life.
Was hoping that these "pro cyclists" with "20, 30 40 years" experience would be willing to teach the "newbie" some tips on how to become a better biker.
Oh wait, all of these "pro cyclists" commenting on here have never lifted a dumbbell in their life, and the newbie can easily outpace most of them, everyday of the week.
I'm shocked to see this general trend of having zero interest in increasing your physical conditioning or improving yourself. Speaks volumes as to how inhibiting this mindset is with your everyday life.
11-23-20, 10:42 AM
#34
Drip, Drip.
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Obviously, genetics also plays a major role here. Bodybuilders (lets refer to ones who do not use steroids) have huge muscles because they eat enough calories to gain this much mass.
Training in a smart way while paired with the correct diet will help tone your muscles, tighten up your posture, improve your metabolism, etc. All of which will carry over wonderfully to sports such as cycling.
It all depends on how you wish to take advantage of your genetics, and partly whatever goals you may have in place.
Plus, weight lifting pays significant dividends to your cardiovascular endurance.
Last edited by Moisture; 11-23-20 at 10:47 AM.
11-23-20, 10:46 AM
#35
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Its even funnier to those who saw the photo he posted of his bike. It's impossible to take him with any seriousness now.
11-23-20, 12:03 PM
#36
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11-23-20, 12:27 PM
#37
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I was taught "firm grip, relaxed wrists and arms" as a health measure benefiting a racing cyclist directly. Firm grip - not tight - to ensure the hands stay on the handlebars when unseen potholes are hit or a fellow rider bumps our handlebars. Relaxed wrists and arms so that same contact, only (say) elbow to elbow, doesn't knock us too far off course.
All this so we don't crash because crashes can cost us broken bones (or worse) and weeks or months off training.
Much of the rest of the OPs advice can be had by doing miles on fix gears in low gears like we used to do and observing our position in storefront windows. (I'll admit, I was looking more for "is my back flat - ie low and streamlined" but that has benefited me to this day.
All this so we don't crash because crashes can cost us broken bones (or worse) and weeks or months off training.
Much of the rest of the OPs advice can be had by doing miles on fix gears in low gears like we used to do and observing our position in storefront windows. (I'll admit, I was looking more for "is my back flat - ie low and streamlined" but that has benefited me to this day.
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11-23-20, 01:15 PM
#38
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If you have a prejudice against recumbents, please take it elsewhere. This thread is in the General forum, in which all bikes are supposed to be accepted. But you're right in one respect - most of the 'advice' that OP posted such as hovering over the saddle or keeping my back flat doesn't apply to me. I just lie down and spin the pedals.
11-23-20, 01:29 PM
#39
Drip, Drip.
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I was taught "firm grip, relaxed wrists and arms" as a health measure benefiting a racing cyclist directly. Firm grip - not tight - to ensure the hands stay on the handlebars when unseen potholes are hit or a fellow rider bumps our handlebars. Relaxed wrists and arms so that same contact, only (say) elbow to elbow, doesn't knock us too far off course.
All this so we don't crash because crashes can cost us broken bones (or worse) and weeks or months off training.
Much of the rest of the OPs advice can be had by doing miles on fix gears in low gears like we used to do and observing our position in storefront windows. (I'll admit, I was looking more for "is my back flat - ie low and streamlined" but that has benefited me to this day.
All this so we don't crash because crashes can cost us broken bones (or worse) and weeks or months off training.
Much of the rest of the OPs advice can be had by doing miles on fix gears in low gears like we used to do and observing our position in storefront windows. (I'll admit, I was looking more for "is my back flat - ie low and streamlined" but that has benefited me to this day.
If you have a prejudice against recumbents, please take it elsewhere. This thread is in the General forum, in which all bikes are supposed to be accepted. But you're right in one respect - most of the 'advice' that OP posted such as hovering over the saddle or keeping my back flat doesn't apply to me. I just lie down and spin the pedals.
11-23-20, 01:42 PM
#40
Senior Member
If you have a prejudice against recumbents, please take it elsewhere. This thread is in the General forum, in which all bikes are supposed to be accepted. But you're right in one respect - most of the 'advice' that OP posted such as hovering over the saddle or keeping my back flat doesn't apply to me. I just lie down and spin the pedals.
11-23-20, 01:55 PM
#41
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11-23-20, 02:15 PM
#42
Drip, Drip.
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As such, have since upgraded to a bike which fits me properly. Do not fear.
11-23-20, 03:21 PM
#43
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Hey, or maybe Ive been doing its all wrong and Moist is a savant.
11-23-20, 03:30 PM
#44
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Well, if you didn't enjoy cycling through the backwoods of Montana in 2019, you've got another eight months before you can try again. Maybe this time you'll enjoy it. 
See, if you'd stop turning the pedals and turn the crank, you might get there faster!
11-23-20, 09:56 PM
#47
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11-26-20, 12:05 PM
#48
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A tight grip makes sense if you’re on an unstable surface or seeking to build your forearm strength.
I ride on on the road for enjoyment so almost never use a tight grip.
I ride on on the road for enjoyment so almost never use a tight grip.
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11-26-20, 02:31 PM
#49
Drip, Drip.
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I actually tend to use a pretty loose grip over rough surfaces to let the front end float over the bumps.
By tight grip, I meant doing so in a way which allows the various stabilizer muscles in your body to activate.