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When to rest

Posted: 19 Nov 2017, 6:21pm
by brychan
Hi

I’ve been riding now for about 16 weeks to lose weight and get fit. I started 3 times a week on average between 10 - 14 miles each trip.

Over the past month I’ve been riding every other day riding 16 - 24 miles per trip, but over the past week I’ve been experiencing muscle fatigue in my legs so should I take a longer rest if so for how long.

I know it’s more about using your common sense but I want to make sure I get enough rest that when I do go out again I feel right to carry on with my routine.

Re: When to rest

Posted: 19 Nov 2017, 6:50pm
by NUKe
Its a personal thing, but if you are riding all out, try on alternate rides using lower gears and a higher cadence. Or if you think yo need a break take one.

Re: When to rest

Posted: 20 Nov 2017, 2:04pm
by whoof
A general guide is rest if you feel tired but rest doesn't necessarily mean doing nothing.
The advice above is pretty sound, the body can recover better from 'active recovery' which can mean riding but for timescales that are shorter and at an intensity a fair bit lower than your standard rides.

Re: When to rest

Posted: 20 Nov 2017, 3:11pm
by Vorpal
It's difficult for someone else to say what's best for you, but if you feel you need to rest, I would try skipping one ride, so leave three days between rides, instead of one. If you find you are still fatigued, take a week off.

When you start again, increase gradually, or try a different pattern; perhaps shorter rides (10 miles?) 3 days per week, then one long ride on a day, that you can leave at least two recovery days afterward. The long ride, you can gradually increase (5 or 10 miles at a time?) as you improve.

Or you can go back to 3 days per week, instead of every other day. so that you have a set recovery period of two or three days once per week.

If you can't figure out something that works for you, it's possible that the source is in a lack of calories or nutrition (vitamin D, potassium, etc.). You might want to consult a GP to be sure there isn't an underlying medical reason.

If you also restricted calories that same time that you started cycling, it may just be that your body is still adapting to the changes.

Re: When to rest

Posted: 20 Nov 2017, 3:48pm
by JohnI
One thing I tend to do is have an "easy" week every 3-4 weeks. So if you're building up say by adding 10% to your mileage each week, when you get to the easy week you drop down by about 30% compared to the previous week and also lower the intensity. If you want to take more days off in your easy week as well that's fine - you've earned it!

Another thing is to maybe do some stretching or yoga/pilates.

Re: When to rest

Posted: 20 Nov 2017, 7:27pm
by go4it
Things may have advanced, but I had read of a Delta Heart Rate(Greek for change) also known as Orthostatic test,simple enough to do. Lie down and remain still for 2 mins. noting lowest heart rate number in this position. As you slowly stand, note the spike in heart rate.
Subtract prone from standing..that is your Delta heart rate. Higher number the more stress on body. Delta HR over 30 bpm take day off 20-30 Cautionary THIS IS HIGH make it a recovery day
10-20bpm Normal. 0-10 Excellent
NB as a disclaimer, I take no responsibility for above stats, medical advice should be sought for any physical activity

Re: When to rest

Posted: 20 Nov 2017, 9:05pm
by gbnz
brychan wrote:
Over the past month I’ve been riding every other day riding 16 - 24 miles per trip, but over the past week I’ve been experiencing muscle fatigue in my legs so should I take a longer rest if so for how long..


It sounds like you may merely be going through the motions of exercise I.e. It's easy thinking that getting on the bike every other day and doing the same routine must be beneficial, personally I've always found 2-3 days intensive exercise, followed by a 1-2 day break is far more effective. I gave the bike a miss during a cold spell two years ago and noticed an improvement in cardio fitness by having 4-5 intense gym sessions per week instead.

Also worth considering working other forms of exercise into your routine. I.e. Take a two day break, but do a ten mile run, or 1.5 Hr swim on the second day

Re: When to rest

Posted: 20 Nov 2017, 10:28pm
by Vorpal
gbnz wrote:Also worth considering working other forms of exercise into your routine. I.e. Take a two day break, but do a ten mile run, or 1.5 Hr swim on the second day

It might be better to do something for muscle tone & flexibility, like yoga, pilates, or martial arts.

Re: When to rest

Posted: 21 Nov 2017, 8:17am
by JohnI
There's also quite a lot of useful stuff on the British Cycling website, for example:
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/knowledge/article/izn20130108-Sportive-R-R--Maximise-your-post-ride-recovery-0

Re: When to rest

Posted: 21 Nov 2017, 1:30pm
by fatbelly33
For me rest days are very important. On Sunday I did a 27 mile ride (I'm semi retired so for me thats a lot). I went out again yesterday & I wish I hadn't my legs had nothing, so after just 5 miles I gave up & came home & rested. I went out again today after resting and felt great.

Re: When to rest

Posted: 21 Nov 2017, 7:00pm
by ianrobo
brychan wrote:I know it’s more about using your common sense but I want to make sure I get enough rest that when I do go out again I feel right to carry on with my routine.


Rest is key and if you are tired you are benefiting, so if you do not have to ride for commuting reasons, then for one of the rides take it real easy.

What I found really helped was getting a HRV monitor and seeing how it impacts you for physical stress. It is key not to overdo or any benefit you gain will be lost.

Re: When to rest

Posted: 23 Nov 2017, 2:09pm
by mercalia
brychan wrote:Hi

I’ve been riding now for about 16 weeks to lose weight and get fit. I started 3 times a week on average between 10 - 14 miles each trip.

Over the past month I’ve been riding every other day riding 16 - 24 miles per trip, but over the past week I’ve been experiencing muscle fatigue in my legs so should I take a longer rest if so for how long.

I know it’s more about using your common sense but I want to make sure I get enough rest that when I do go out again I feel right to carry on with my routine.


have you lost much weight?