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Energy for cycling? |
I have been getting into cycling lately, I was looking for a product that increases energy/endurance... but the other reason I bike is to get a tighter more ripped look... I think this stuff would create more bulk. http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/bsn/xp... Suggestions? Do they make creatine that I can use for energy but will not create bulky muscle? If you want a 'tighter, more ripped' look, then essentially you have to reduce the amount of fat between your skin and your muscle, since that layer of fat will pretty much 'soften' the externally visible definition of your muscle. So that's essentially a fat loss question. I'm not expert on it, but the basics seem to be: While exercising (in this case for you, cycling - keep it up) aim to burn slightly more calories than you consume, and you'll essentially be burning off that fat. A calorie counting book is your best friend in this regard. However if you don't consume enough calories in an attempt to burn off more fat, then you risk running out of energy. Once you've got this happening, if you end up losing most of this fat and start looking 'more ripped' as you put it, but find you're lacking muscle in certain parts where you want it, then obviously you have to build/grow those muscles. Weight/resistance training those muscles will be the best bet. So that leave the energy part (the crux of your question), with is basically what you put in your mouth, which comes back to the calories in part. The calories you consume in order to excercise enough to achieve the above - this is where overall diet, energy drinks, protein powders, etc come into play. Personally, for cycling, it's my belief that the amount and variation of these products you use should be proportionate to the level of athlete you are. If you're a full-time athlete who trains 5 days a week with trainers, dieticians etc monitoring your every move and meal, then I'm sure things like Creatine, Carnitine, every other 'ine', protein powder, carbo gel, magnesium suplement, etc etc etc ... they'll all be great for you. But how many of us are ever likely to ride that much, at that level? I find that with a healthy diet high in protein, low in processed carbs, low in sugar and no saturated fats, combined with the right vitamin & mineral supplements for an active lifestyle (things like Magnesium supplements are good for your muscles), and protein supplements after heavy resistance training and after long hard rides, and plenty of hydration before and after rides, with all this I find I am able to stay slim and still have fuel to burn for day long rides on the weekends plus the weekly commutes. I also take diluted Gatorade before, during and after a ride, and occasionally a 50/50 carb/protein powder before a long ride. But that's only if I feel like I don't have enough fuel. I know there are _heaps_ more powders and gels out there, but just be careful you're not choosing ones that are basically mountains of sugar. It will do you no good whatsoever. Good luck. Dude, put that stuff down and run away. It doesn't contain anything your body needs while cycling. It only has 30 calories and hardly any carbs. When cycling your body is burning calories like crazy so once those are used up and gone your body is running on empty which leads to fatigue, poor attitude and an all around bad experience. Also, if this product has a WARNING label that should tell you something. And I quote, "Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, prone to dehydration or exposed to excessive heat." If you are cycling you will be prone to dehydration and unless you'll be riding in a meat locker...you may be exposed to excessive heat. Here's a solution. Go to your local bike shop. They most likely carry energy gels and drinks that will help. I personally order gels online at www.cranksports.com and I swear by e-Gel. Find a flavor you like and get accustomed to the taste and one that sits well in your stomach. If going on long rides eat a gel every 45 minutes to an hour. It will keep your muscles from cramping and give you the energy you require. If you want something solid (which will breakdown slower in your body) eat a Clif bar. They are healthy and all natural. Speaking of natural, I heard Dave Scott (6-time Ironman World Champ) said he used to eat figs before gels and sports drinks were ever invented. 20 years of cycling I suppose there's a difference between "energy" and "fuel". Caffeine might give you "energy", but your body doesn't run on caffeine. It runs on calories. In long races, pro cyclists actually eat regular food early in the race (like pb&j sandwiches), then energy bars and gels later because they're easier to digest quickly near the end of the race. They'll also drink de-fizzed Coke near the finish becuase is has fuel (sugar) and energy (caffeine). If you're riding to get a "tighter more ripped look", you just need to do a ton of miles and eat fewer calories than you burn. (easier said than done...) raced for 10+ years and was mktg manager for a pro cycling team all that stuff is junk......eat healthy and drink plenty of fluids......don't waste your money on that suppliment garbage....... |
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