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I ride my bike to work through the week, 20 minutes each way. I have been trying to get to the gym 3 days a week for 30 minutes just to add a little extra cardio. People keep saying I'm doing to much. Any thoughts?
How do YOU feel? Listen to your body & make sure you are fueling it, giving it enough recovery time, etc. When I bike commute, it's often 18 mi each way & I push it pretty hard--I often cut back on spinning classes during the week if my legs are beat--but I still hit the gym a few days & climb 3-4 days a week, as well as hike, walk the dog, throw a little yoga & pilates in there, etc.
My primary struggle is low energy, but once I gauge what I've eaten that day, I realize it's not enough. I just eat more, nutritionly-dense foods more often throughout the day & the energy goes back up. I also eat more seeds & nuts than the average person who is less active. The only other suggestion I have is to add weight training. This helps my legs from fatiguing as easily; also, we need the high impact (that most cardio doesn't supply) to build bone density. Nobody wants osteoporosis!
I'm anxious to hear how YOU feel. Keep me updated.
I think you are right about the weight trainning, my legs get really tired some mornings on the commute. I also sometimes feel like my energy is low, I probably need to increase my intake a bit. Thanks for the suggestions. Don't you love riding your bike to work? It just makes me feel so energized, and like I'm doing something good for myself and the planet. I live in Oregon and we have quite a bit of rain, I love the mornings when it is just a bit misty, it is just very refreshing. Thanks.
I agree that you have to decide how your body feels. I run 4-5 miles 5 days a week and do a kickboxing class on the 6th day. I also life weights. It just depends on your body.
Michelle, definitely listen to your body like everybody else is saying. If you feel good then you're doing something right. Instead of the 3 extra days of cardio, add in 2 days of weight training. One day focusing on your lower body and the other day your upper body. This will burn even more fat than cardio because muscles burns fat 24/7 and will get you firm and lean. You're bike rides are enough cardio already :) hope that helps.
I agree with all the commenters above. Whatever works best for you! If it were me I would add in a couple days of weightlifting and/or one or two days of yoga. Yoga is like strength training to me! I might add in one extra day of cardio some weeks if I felt like it.
P.S. you are so lucky you can ride your bike to work. I wish I could!
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