Hi all. I've been a member of this forum for about 10 years but really only come here when I'm looking to buy a new bike. I've now decided to change my cycling habits a bit and would like some advice from some knowledgeable people here. Thanks in advance!
I'm in my late 40s and have always thought of myself as being in fairly good health, not overweight and quit smoking at least 5 years ago. I tend to do a medium length club ride (60k ish) on Sundays and, weather permitting, do a ride or two before work on my own for an hour (25k) . That has broadly served me well for the last 10 years and when I did a tour of the Pyrenees this year with some work colleagues I thought I'd be fine. I was wrong. My fitness levels weren't what I thought they would be and I really struggled. I've now signed up to another tour next year, this time in the Dolemites, and want to up my game for it.
I think it's more than just getting the miles in though, as that's what I did last year. Aside from cycling I don't do any other kind of exercise, so I expect my core strength is pretty poor and flexibility is terrible. Improving both would probably help. Also, my diet isn't perfect. I try to eat fruit and veg each day, but that's often just an apple with lunch and a green vegetable as part of dinner. I also eat a lot of sugary foods and drink a little more alcohol than is recommended (probably 25 units a week, if I'm honest).
So, I want to start the new year off in a positive way and give myself at least 6 months to prepare for the event in July, but also make some more permanent changes to my health. Of course, it's difficult to know where to start. My general thoughts are:
Also, any recommendations for books, YouTube subscriptions or paid video content that would help with those. I'd love to have a personal trainer that could spend the time to guide me through all of this but I don't think I could afford that and the gym membership. Or would one session be really helpful?
Cheers
I'm in my late 40s and have always thought of myself as being in fairly good health, not overweight and quit smoking at least 5 years ago. I tend to do a medium length club ride (60k ish) on Sundays and, weather permitting, do a ride or two before work on my own for an hour (25k) . That has broadly served me well for the last 10 years and when I did a tour of the Pyrenees this year with some work colleagues I thought I'd be fine. I was wrong. My fitness levels weren't what I thought they would be and I really struggled. I've now signed up to another tour next year, this time in the Dolemites, and want to up my game for it.
I think it's more than just getting the miles in though, as that's what I did last year. Aside from cycling I don't do any other kind of exercise, so I expect my core strength is pretty poor and flexibility is terrible. Improving both would probably help. Also, my diet isn't perfect. I try to eat fruit and veg each day, but that's often just an apple with lunch and a green vegetable as part of dinner. I also eat a lot of sugary foods and drink a little more alcohol than is recommended (probably 25 units a week, if I'm honest).
So, I want to start the new year off in a positive way and give myself at least 6 months to prepare for the event in July, but also make some more permanent changes to my health. Of course, it's difficult to know where to start. My general thoughts are:
- Join a gym and try to focus on some exercises that will help with core strength, a balance of weights and light cardio like rowing machine. Maybe do a yoga class or just stretches on floor mats.
- Try to change my diet a little to have a healthier start to the day, rather than cereals and toast. Drink less and cut down on the chocolate.
- Continue with the cycling, but maybe mix in a few HIIT training sessions at the gym (I don't have an expensive turbo trainer at home and don't really have the space for it).
Also, any recommendations for books, YouTube subscriptions or paid video content that would help with those. I'd love to have a personal trainer that could spend the time to guide me through all of this but I don't think I could afford that and the gym membership. Or would one session be really helpful?
Cheers