I'm FAT - So what?

djames77

Should i do to shift it??

Hi guys and gals,

I'm big Dave, 6'9'' and about 23 stone. I used to love nothing more than being on my MTB when i was lad, but have not gone near one for about 10 years (now 32). This weekend has seen me buy the 2010 spesh rockhopper comp.

I still feel like i can ride like a pro - but that simply isn't the case. I take delivery of the bike in about ten days and need a plan of attack - this is where you good people come in!

I work stupid hours - Mon - Fri 8.00 till 7.00 (at least, don't finish till 11pm some nights) and it takes me 1 hour to commute either way. With this in mind i really do have limited time available to ride.

What i need to know is what is best, a short blast which gets my heart rate racing or a slower burn?

Any ideas on the best way for me to lose wieght is welcomed.

I am the best man at my brothers wedding in June of next year and would really like to be about 17.5 stone

Thanks in advanced

Dave

johna101

I hate to say it, in my experience diet is far more important to loosing weight than exercise. I have found that I can control what I eat much better when I don't do long rides (althought I enjoy them immensely) . After a long ride it's very hard for me to control what I eat (after a 60 mile ride, EVERYTHING organic is fare game, dead or alive, for up to 3 days)

I would go with the short blasts: easier on your time, gets the heart rate up, but doesn't send you into the fridge in the middle of the night.

But I would stress, you need to limit what you eat. Get used to being peckish most of the time, eat small meals, don't eat at night, and resist the late night snacks. Hunger is not the end of the world.

Richard-Dublin

djames77 wrote:

......I work stupid hours - Mon - Fri 8.00 till 7.00 (at least, don't finish till 11pm some nights) and it takes me 1 hour to commute either way. With this in mind i really do have limited time available to ride.

What i need to know is what is best, a short blast which gets my heart rate racing or a slower burn?

If I'm reading you correctly you will probably only be able to get out on your bike once a week? In that case I would definately be trying to do a decent 2-3 hour spin on either Saturday or Sunday. I would try and ride at a steady pace and keep stops to a minimum. Is there any way you could get out on the bike at lunch-time once/twice during the week even for 45 minutes?
Given that you need to burn approx 3500 calories to lose a pound of weight and assuming that you are not currently gaining/losing weight then you should lose approximately .5 pound per week if you only do one 2 hour spin! This won't get you to your target weight unless you ride more and/or change your diet!
In my personal experience (I've lost 2.5 stone since I started MTBing 12 months ago - from 16.5 to 14 stone) you really need to get out on the bike 3 times per week and cut out the rubbish in your diet. I just gave up dairy spreads, sugary drinks and mid-week beers and the weight is still coming off!
Good Luck!

saltyman

if you are 6ft 9'' you normal weight for your height must be 16-18st?

like mentioned, a healthy eating plan is a must, with 4-6 small meals, that have a good balance of protien/carbs/fat. eat for nutrition not for taste, though dont be mega strict.

fill yourself up on fruit/veg and water.

water is a must. if you aint drinking 2-3 litres a day you will not be able to function 100%.

must hunger cravings are due to dehydration.

when you get your bike, dont give up within the first hour of a ride, you might be knackered, but will be coming into your second wind by then.

first few rides will be the hardest as your body will ache and muscles will be sore after lying dormant for such a long time. get through this and you will be fine.

chick0

I have to agree with whats already been said. To loose weight in a way safe healthy and sustainable way , a change of life style is the only way. Eating a balanced diet, along fitness activity's at least 3 times a week is what u should aim for.


Whats your method and route for commute ? Would it be possible to drive some of the way to work, then park up, and cycle the rest?