Is 2 x 10 miles a day enough?

[dontcallme]

I've recently started cycling after a year of the gym and not enough results. I'm 29 and just under 16st.

I've started cycling to work and back which is 10 miles each way. I play football on Sundays and sometimes go out on my bike on Saturdays.

Is 20 miles a day during the week enough exercise for weight loss?

 

[Rob3rt]

Yes, if you are eating less than you are burning.

No, if you are eating a whole lot more too.

 

[ianrauk]

Stick to a sensible diet, cut out the crap foods. Cut right back on the booze if you drink. Get your heart rate going on the bike ride and the weight should start to come off. It does take time though.

I was also 16 stone 5 years ago. My initial commute was 1 mile each way and it was tough. I gradually built it up so now it's a 30 mile round commute. Slowly but surely the weight came off and I became much fitter. I am now 12&half stone.

 

[Zoiders]

Don't let people dazzle you with the amount of miles they do.

We all do different jobs and not all of us have the luxury of sitting at a desk all day or working at an unhurried pace, so 2x10 miles could be more than enough for you. Some of the figures you see quoted for commuting miles make you wonder what they do when they get to work apart from eat, have a twiddle on the forum and have a bit of a nap until it's time for the return journey again.

 

[jowwy]

I did my first commute today it was a 26 mile round journey - and YES i do sit at a desk all day thats why i ballooned upto 18st 9lbs - 5 months of training, change of diet and i am now 15st 5lbs.

Go for it and enjoy!!!

 

[alecstilleyedye]

i found 2 x 5 miles on fairly flat terrain, day in, day out, worked wonders.

don't forget that fat weighs less than muscle, so your weight may go up even if your body tone improves.

good luck

 

[Norm]

IMO, it's fitness not fatness that should most concern people, and 2 aerobic 40 minute sessions every day will help that hugely.

 

[funnymummy]

I've recently started cycling after a year of the gym and not enough results. I'm 29 and just under 16st.

But how tall are you...?

16 stone on someone 5' 3" is a bit differnt to someone over 6'

 

[Moodyman]

If you get out of breath and sweat, then yes, it's plenty.

Soon you'll get fitter and find you want to extend your commute

 

[2Loose]

Don't let people dazzle you with the amount of miles they do.

We all do different jobs and not all of us have the luxury of sitting at a desk all day or working at an unhurried pace, so 2x10 miles could be more than enough for you. Some of the figures you see quoted for commuting miles make you wonder what they do when they get to work apart from eat, have a twiddle on the forum and have a bit of a nap until it's time for the return journey again.

Nice to know some people think that is a luxury, I am less knackered after helping my brother shovel 2 tons of aggregate than a normal day at my 'luxurious desk' .

Nonetheless, you have a point, 20 miles a day is a very respectable amount of exercise (I do half that on a normal day), IF it is done at a reasonable pace - ie. heart rate elevated and not dawdling - calories in must be less than calories burnt for it to make a difference to your weight, but just the miles will make a big difference to your general fitness and health.

 

[dontcallme]

But how tall are you...?

16 stone on someone 5' 3" is a bit differnt to someone over 6'

I'm 5ft9.

I'm not struggling with it though my legs are a little tired at the end of the day.

 

[Andrew_P]

As someone said earlier weight is not always the main thing. In some ways I am quite glad I cannot eat like horse as it means I have always been careful with my diet (of and on) and when off have spent long periods excercising to get it off.

Back on subject if you are raising your heart rate its great doing 10 miles x 2, infact I would say 10 miles would be my utopia it will mean when you get used to it you will be able to really motor and hammer it out.

 

[ColinJ]

2 x 10 miles a day will work wonders for your fitness and will help with weight loss, but controlling what you eat and drink is the main thing for that.

 

[BrumJim]

As above.
Weight loss is a combination of more calories out and less calories in. The tricky bit is reducing the calorie intake part.

Cut out snacks, fatty food, sweet stuff. And don't expect miracles quickly.

Oh, and also agree with the fitter is more important than thinner argument too. Enjoy increased fitness, lower heart rate, quicker recovery times. Don't eat more, and whilst you are enjoying your new body, weight will come off too.

 

[screenman]

I see the old muscle weighs more than fat thing pop up, how much more? how many calories would you burn building a kilo of muscle? how many miles would you have to ride to build a kilo of muscle. How much more does a kilo of muscle weigh compared with a kilo of fat?

16 stone January 2010 now only 12 1/2 negative calories worked for me.