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Jimmy Callard
Yahoo User
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 Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 10:53 am Post subject: What's a more efficient workout: Cycling through dirt or on asphalt? |
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| Also, what's a good biking schedule if I'm trying to get in shape? |
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Tyler L
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 11:05 am Post subject: |
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| They are both good cardiovascular workouts. Mountain biking is a little bit more extreme as there is a lot more variety in the biking such as climbing up a steep hill and then going down one and back up, etc. I personally enjoy mountain biking more. However road biking is an excellent way to burn some calories and can be a lot of fun. I would have to say that they are both fairly equal as when you usually go road biking you go for 5-10 miles or more and mountain biking you don't ride as far, but it is a bit more intense. All depends on the person. Anyways I would say to go biking about 3 or 4 times a week for about 5 miles on the road or on a mountain bike trail for a couple miles or so. |
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beelnite
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 11:22 am Post subject: |
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| It really depends on the kind of workout you are looking for. For an aerobic heavy workout - probably asphalt or smooth terrain so you can practice elements of "spinning".Dirt riding is different - a lot of interval training at best - a lot of stop-starts and power moves required - so you might typically build more muscle that way.But aerobic is best for overall fitness. Most folks gear up too high when they ride and force their legs to strain pedaling slowly and pushing too hard thinking they're getting a better workout. It's actually better to get up to speed and then drop down a gear so you can "spin". A faster rate of spin = a more aerobic workout. Practice spinning smoothly - you shouldn't rock from side to side - try and make complete circles with your feet.You will love this workout -low impact, but with results!As for a schedule - I recommend riding everyday - why not get a bonus return and commute by bicycle? Not always possible, though.Eric Haar - a pro cyclist wrote in his book that you should figure on a 4-5 day a week schedule. Give your body a chance to rest for two days a week seems a good rule of thumb. Since I ride to work 5 days - I use Monday as a sort of warm up ride - nice and easy. Tuesday I attack like an animal and use stoplights and stops as take off points - interval training!Wednesday - hit it hard, but steady.Thursday - Take it easy.Friday - As fast as humanly possible.I take it easy or skip the ride Friday if I have a long weekend ride planned for Saturday.You'll find your groove - there's a ton of good books for beginners at the library too! |
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