Cycle question

[horseshowmom]

Hello my knowledgable friends! A quick cycling question?
I am beginning to incorporate 3-4 45minute cycle sessions into my cardio routine which also includes 3-4 treadmill workouts (starting to run, but taking it very slowly b/c I nearly killed myself with shin splints last fall!) I'm also using an elliptical 3-4x a week. The cycle is actually my supplemental PM workout.
My question is about quads? I am not one to worry about bulking up ~ usually~ I'm actually working to put on some muscle mass, but when it comes to my thighs, that's a whole 'nother ballgame! Will cycling bulk up my quads or will the other cardio counteract any bulking effect? It feels like my jeans are already tighter after just a couple weeks. Of course, to be honest, I do have approx 35 pounds to lose so maybe the muscle would be okay without the fat layer??? Thanks for any input and advice!

Becky

 

[meowracer]

Becky - I love to bike and my quads are the biggest part of me but not in a bad way. They are not freakish like you would expect to see in people who live on their bikes, racing and endurance riding. The elliptical will also build your quads, depending on elevation. Your jeans could be feeling tighter as a result of the muscles holding on to some water with the new exertion they are experiencing. Watch your eating and the increased cardio will burn the fat before it bulks up your muscles, and remember also that your lifting style will largely effect your quads. More than anything, I would not go with heavy leg lifting. It is all such a balance thing!! Sounds like a lot of cardio so just don't overdo yourself and either risk injury or burnout, or simply a wornout body

 

[DirtDiva]

Listen to Ms. Banana...she's so cool!

You'd have to cycle under load to gain on quads. I shed muscle when riding all summer (mountainbike) and during the off-season will lift heavy to regain for the next season.

 

[horseshowmom]

Thanks ladies!