I Need the Obvious Explained.....

[StlBarbie]

As usual, I am sure there is a really easy explaination that I am missing!
Why with cycling, does the upper body mass disappear and the lower mass grow or remain at a constant? In my mind, I would thing the endless revolutions performed by the legs would tear down muscle mass and that the legs woud diminish while the upper body would be preserved. Especially, if the upper body is getting stimulation through heavy weight training. Thanks.. all input appreciated!

[someday]

upper body mass shouldn't dissapear. when you cycle hard you burn tons of calories....period. if i recall, it's somewhere between 400-600 calories in a 45 minute spinning class, depending on how hard you cycle. everyone loses weight in different places. cycling does not spot reduce legs, however your legs may become more muscular or at least look that way as your weight decreases. i love cycling, i've always said in regards to cardio, it's the best bang for your buck!

[1stindoor]

She pretty much nailed it. Your burning calories not necessarily working the legs. Your legs look as if they're growing mostly due to the pump they're getting.

[body2big]

I don't cycle but I do a LOT of cardio to lose weight. My legs do seem to thin out so to speek quicker than my upper body. Not sure if it is just the gain of muscle or just my body but every time I start to lose weight my jeans get lose in the thighs first then the waist(below the naval) then my shoulders then chest then the belly slowly starts to go down. and then I give up put all the weght back on then start up and do it all over again.

Shawn

[KingWill]

One other thing that might play a factor. Your legs have been carrying your bodyweight around for thousands of reps every day and it would take more than cycling to make them lose mass. They are also, generally speaking less fat than the rest of your body for the sme reason. Especially for men who carry most of their fat in their stomach area. Wouldn't touch the subject of where most women carry their fat with a ten foot pole. LOL.

[GameDayDog]

Wouldn't touch the subject of where most women carry their fat with a ten foot pole. LOL.

See.. we do get wiser with age... Smart man.. very smart man...

[StlBarbie]

Thanks for "ALL YOUR WISDOM" guys! I think I am going to try throwing in a little more protein on spinning days.. I always feel like a science experiment!

[1stindoor]

Thanks for "ALL YOUR WISDOM" guys! I think I am going to try throwing in a little more protein on spinning days.. I always feel like a science experiment!

That's normal...I think most of us feel like a science experiment when we're trying new things or trying to get the new W/O, diet, etc. nailed down. Everybody responds a little bit differently.

[Minotaur]

upper body mass shouldn't dissapear. when you cycle hard you burn tons of calories....period. if i recall, it's somewhere between 400-600 calories in a 45 minute spinning class, depending on how hard you cycle. everyone loses weight in different places. cycling does not spot reduce legs, however your legs may become more muscular or at least look that way as your weight decreases. i love cycling, i've always said in regards to cardio, it's the best bang for your buck!

Actually, if a person devotes most of their training to running or cycling, and little to no training for the upper body, the upper body mass WILL disappear. It's a matter of "use it or lose it". More specifically, the body will jettison any muscle that is not being used, because muscle is very expensive tissue to maintain, in terms of energy. Most long distance cyclists and marathoners have poor upper body development, yet their lower bodies have fantastic development. Typically they don't want to carry any more weight than absolutely necessary.

[someday]

Actually, if a person devotes most of their training to running or cycling, and little to no training for the upper body, the upper body mass WILL disappear. It's a matter of "use it or lose it". More specifically, the body will jettison any muscle that is not being used, because muscle is very expensive tissue to maintain, in terms of energy. Most long distance cyclists and marathoners have poor upper body development, yet their lower bodies have fantastic development. Typically they don't want to carry any more weight than absolutely necessary.

you may be right, but reread her original post. she said she was doing heavy upper body works, that is why i stated what i did!

[Minotaur]

Oops, I missed that last line. I've been sick this week. My bad. In this case, her upper body should remain intact.

[StlBarbie]

Minotaur,
I am a long distance cyclist and during cycling season when I am not lifting upper body, it usually does lose a lot of mass. Typically, I rely on the off season to lift heavy and build back my upper body mass. However, this year I am also teaching spinning at the gym 4 times a week and am losing muscle mass even with the heavy lifting. I am going to try increasing calories and especially protein on the days that I am "spinning" and see if this helps. I hate to start the cycling season with little mass on top.

Thanks so.. much all of you!
Barb