I have found two more people at work with an interest in cycling. Both do not have bikes currently but say that they are looking into getting one in the near future. I have yet to go on anything that closely resembles a group ride. I have found myself at a stop light with other cyclist and that is about the extent of it. Outside of work I have a couple of people who have also expressed interest in getting a bike and riding with me but as of yet nothing has come to fruition. I would really enjoy making some friends with common interest with whom I could ride.
I was speaking with one of my co-workers and mentioned my weight loss goal and motivation. She does not believe that I would ever part with my television but none-the-less is impressed with the goal. She brought to my attention something that seems to be a very valid point and I thought maybe someone out there could offer some additional insight.
She mentioned that working towards an aggressive goal like that might require more than one type of exercise. Right now I have all my eggs in one basket - cycling/spinning - and she is concerned that my body might adapt, become efficient, and not continue to give the same results I am getting now. Does any of that make sense?
I am going to continue riding that is for sure but should I introduce more activity? She suggested hiking, walking, running, swimming, etc. I am not much of a runner and like swimming better than I can actually do it. I have not done much in the way of strength training and feel I need to do much more there.
Questions:
Do you agree? Should I add some variety to my workouts? What works for you? What would you suggest for me?
"She mentioned that working towards an aggressive goal like that might require more than one type of exercise"
ReplyDeleteShe is absolutely correct! When you focus on one excercise or one area of the body at first you will see results almost immediatley, but soon after you will plateau. Soon after the frustration will start because you will not see results like you had in the past. A large percentage of people will start a work out program and quit after a short time because the patience is gone and the understanding on why is not there. Good luck
Problem 4. The 'Adaptation' Phase Ends
ReplyDeleteWhen you start a new exercise program, your body responds because it is required to make numerous changes to adjust to different workloads. So, your muscles are rebuilding themselves and this consumes all kinds of calories. But, at some point your body will stop adapting to the new workload and, as a result, you burn less calories for the same activities.
Solution:
Don't let your body get used to the exercise. Maintain your body's adaptation period by changing the intensity, duration, frequency and/or the mode of exercise and include interval training if necessary.
http://exercise.about.com/cs/weightloss/a/weightplateaus.htm