Im about to begin biking 12 miles to work 3 times a week.

kaleas

According to MFP, 40 minutes of biking burns about 300 calories, so in total I'd be looking at burning 600 calories on the days I bike. Something about that makes it hard to believe. I've got friends who are biking up to 40 miles a day still with huge guts. I dont' know if I really want to be eating back any of these calories above my 1400, because it's commuting for work and not really exercise. Plus I work a desk job in which I sit all day.

What do you guys think?

Smuterella

Adjust your activity level rather than log and eat back the calories. If it is something you are doing every day (and I'd say 5 times a week counts as every day pretty much) then you should incorporate it in your TDEE really.

sagetracey

Enjoy! I love cycle commuting. My trip is 30 km or about 18.5 miles each way and I feel so refreshed when arrive (into a nice hot shower!) It has helped my cardio and weight loss.

fajitatx

Of their 40 miles on the bike, how much of that is actually pedaling? As looking at how the bikes at the gym work, if you are not pedaling the bike pretty much slows down the whole gear mechanism. Whereas you build up inertia and can coast for long distances on a real bike.

Something to think about when logging your activity as well.

kaleas

We ride fixed gears here, so it's always pedaling. It's even more strenuous because you can't shift gears while going up and down hills. The rides around outside the city are rather hilly, so it's an incredible fitness workout when riding.

I also don't have access to a shower once I get there, so I'm just carrying a ton of baby wipes!

graelwyn

It is exercise, and yes, I have also noticed overweight people cycling, and tried to figure it out, and guess they were still overeating hence cycling wont much help them. I have lost/maintained my weight from cycling a lot, and doing that amount daily will make a difference, and I definitely suggest adjusting your calories or you will get worn down pretty quickly.

Squeeks70

I am gong to begin riding my bike on my off days from the gym. My first ride was only 8.5 miles but it was refreshing. Have fun!

Anonymou5

If it's 12 miles each way your gonna have to eat when you get there and when you get back. Otherwise you will be tired!

tabulator32

I wish I could do that!

My commute has far too much traffic and hazards.

Good luck with it!

Jenncoc86

My Mother did this and she really enjoyed it, i would give it a try

daves160

Unless you are just cruising, you will lose weight (as long as you are running a calorie deficit). Pedaling or not, its all about heart rate when it comes to burning calories. If you have a decent cyclometer with a heart rate monitor such as Garmin Edge, then you will get a more accurate count.
Biking is awesome! I am sure you will love it. Watch out for those @#$%^ drivers who think they own the road!

SirZee

A few years ago I did that for a summer, four days a week, 55 minutes each way for almost two hours a day. AT the time I didn't count calories, its the only time I recall losing significant amount of weight. I was in great shape at the end of the summer.

rgoodearl

Actually 40 minutes on the bike for me will result in about 600 cal burn...but I am 6'5" and 225 lb. I bike 6 days a week and it is not uncommon to have burns way over 1000 cals...also I do still have a bit of a gut (not as large as in my previous life!) I wish I could bike to work...but to far :ohwell:

jasharp021

Slightly off topic but what kind of bike did you get? I've wanted to get a bike but not sure where to start!

Anonymou5

Type of bike is going to depend on what type of riding you are going to do.

If your going to be offroad across fields, mud, loose gravel etc. A mountainbike with front suspension might be the best choice.

If your going to be on roads and lose gravel, some back tracks etc. A Cyclo cross bike would probably suit you best.

If your going to be riding on smooth roads or smooth paths then a road bike would be best.

Which bike depends on budget!!

CleanandLean33

I cycled to work (1.5 hours each way) for 3 months last year and didn't lose any weight which surprised me... although I admit i was not counting kcal at that time.

I did notice my thighs were more toned but also bulked up a bit which was a bit annoying as I am already a little thick there so it might be worth balancing with other exercise to help stretch and get a leaner look.

I did really enjoy getting out on my bike each morning and it was quite addictive and freeing but as I work in central London I found it a bit stressful as well due to road rage and ended up coming off in November which really put me off. I'd strongly reccomend you wear a helmet cos even if it does not protect you from big crashes it certainly stopped my nose and face being dragged on the road when I came off for which I was very thankful.

Sorry that sounds a little negative... if you live anywhere with nice cycle paths/ quiet roads and away from stressed pedestrians and car drivers I would highly recommend it as as well as being great exercise its good fun and cheap which can't be said about many forms of communting to work!! :-)

KC4800

I think its great that you're riding to work, my wife just did this morning, her first time. I disagree with those thay say you need to eat more, its only 12 miles. Just eat your normal breakfast, and that should energize you. Pack lunch and carry water, of course.

I bike a lot, and I log anything over 10 miles. I use 30 or 35 calories/mile as my estimate, depending on intensity and amount of hill climbing involved. I am a 190 lb male.

Anonymou5

If you ride hard over 12 miles you are going to need to replenish any glycogen lost from your muscles so your ready to ride home!!

jammasterduggs

i cycle to work everyday and its only 3 miles - it takes less than 15 minutes and i put in the generic info ...if i was you i would eat back the work done as it will re fuel you and either eat back again later (on the way home) or before you set out to give you a nice positive energy so u dont feel tired/sluggish and grasping at energy stores.

im office bound too so as long as you hit it hard on the way to work you have all that raised metabolism kicking over for the next few hours

neilisfat

I commute 10 miles each way 3 to 4 times a week. A couple days a week I will stretch it out to a 35 or 40 mile trip.You will feel better mentally on the days you ride. Do it for that. The benefits on your diet will be a secondary bonus. The bike is the primary tool for my weight loss, I don't count calories. MFP does help me stay a little more honest with it. The riding is the instigator. I am down 25 since Febuary, with several pounds of lean mass built back up.

Enjoy the exposure, enjoy getting out of your 4 wheel cage.

Good job and good luck!.

g0tr00t

Slightly off topic but what kind of bike did you get? I've wanted to get a bike but not sure where to start!

Hi jasharp021, I noticed you were in Tampa. If I was you, I would go here:
http://flyingfishbikes.com/

A friend of mine went to the Westchase store. Tell them you are new to biking. You will first off need to get measured so they can properly fit a bike to you, then decide what type of riding you want to do. There are quite a few choices. After deciding on "type of bike" factor into the cost the following:, computer for miles/speed, clothes, shoes, clips, water bottle cage(s), water bottle(s), seat back, flat repair kit w/Co2 cartridges, spare inner tube and lights. A lot of people get turned off by the cost of accessories, so plan ahead. I "pre-shopped" my accessories from Amazon, so my hit was pretty on target when I bought my road bike.

The cool thing about this store, is they have discounted bikes from last year and they also do a free fitting after you buy the bike. My local bike shop charges $150 for the fitting AFTER you buy it. They do a quick fitting for free, but the more detailed one is $150. Flying fish didn't charge my friend at all.

Any question, ask here or shoot me a message. I ride about 14 miles round trip 2 days per week. Then do about 40 on the weekends.

allisonrozsa

According to MFP, 40 minutes of biking burns about 300 calories, so in total I'd be looking at burning 600 calories on the days I bike. Something about that makes it hard to believe. I've got friends who are biking up to 40 miles a day still with huge guts. I dont' know if I really want to be eating back any of these calories above my 1400, because it's commuting for work and not really exercise. Plus I work a desk job in which I sit all day.

What do you guys think?

Commuting on a bike is GREAT! Although my work is close, twice a week I do a 10 mile round trip for a second job. It would probably be a good idea to get a heart monitor to check that your MFP calorie log is actually correct (mine was vastly different once I put on the monitor). Even though you think commuting isn't exercise, it still is quite a bit of work to do 12 miles and should consider adding just a little extra to your daily intake. It doesn't have to be more (not even all of it), but giving yourself a little treat or extra glass of OJ just to keep things moving.

g0tr00t

My ride to work is 7 miles each way most of it on a bike trail. Pre-ride, I eat 2 fig newtons and a cup of water. When I get to work, I eat my normal food. I track my ride with my Motoactv watch and burn about 300-400 calories according to it. I wear a heart rate monitor and have a speed/cadence sensor. I guess it depends on the wind...lol..I average between 16-20MPH again, depending on wind. At times I push it to 23 to 25 MPH for a few minutes to give myself that burn.

I love it, the weather here is getting pretty hot (Florida) but it does allow for year round riding, just have to have the proper clothing.

IronmanPanda

According to MFP, 40 minutes of biking burns about 300 calories, so in total I'd be looking at burning 600 calories on the days I bike. Something about that makes it hard to believe. I've got friends who are biking up to 40 miles a day still with huge guts. I dont' know if I really want to be eating back any of these calories above my 1400, because it's commuting for work and not really exercise. Plus I work a desk job in which I sit all day.

What do you guys think?

Cycling is great exercise. The reason you see those guys with the big guts is because losing weight has more to do with diet than it does exercise. Exercise is great if you want to be healthy and fit but if you're not eating at a calorie deficit you won't lose weight.

myfitnessnmhoy

I bike about 15 miles each way, it takes me an hour, and MFP says it's burning about 850 calories for my height and weight. I've been eating most of them back and it hasn't slowed my weight loss that I've noticed.

Especially when you start out with a long cycling regimen, PLEASE FEED THE MACHINE. You don't want low glycogen stores when you are cycling, particularly if you are on the road with cars. You want to be well-fed, energetic, and alert. Try eating back the calories and see what happens. Give it a few weeks or a month, because adding cycling is going to give you some initial weight gain as you retain water to repair muscle and recover from the ride. Feed that recovery or you're going to find cycling very discouraging and painful.

If it slows your weight loss for a couple of weeks, so be it - the benefit of cycling is well worth it. The scale is not the whole story. But please trust me that you do NOT want start a new cycling regimen on a big calorie deficit - you won't be able to recover quickly enough and you're looking at another 40 minutes in the saddle at the end of the day, your body needs to be fueled to recover.

Best bet is to have a carb snack about a half hour before cycling, then a carb and protein snack within a half hour of stopping. And hydrate.

After 3 weeks of eating them back, if you're feeling good about the cycling and your weight loss has stalled, cut the "eat back" calories in half and see how you feel then.

myfitnessnmhoy

Cycling is great exercise. The reason you see those guys with the big guts is because losing weight has more to do with diet than it does exercise. Exercise is great if you want to be healthy and fit but if you're not eating at a calorie deficit you won't lose weight.

There's also the fact that cycling as an exercise does very little for the core. I've been cycling a lot this year and losing weight, I've still got a bit of a belly, but my legs look like a sculpture of a Greek God with muscles the size of school textbooks.

There's also a lot to be said for "you get out of it what you put in it". I have a cheap hybrid/entry-level road bike as my commuter, I carry cargo, and I attack hills like a knight attacks dragons (which, as you might expect, means the dragon wins and I look like I've been on fire, but I leave no caloric prisoners!).

If you get a Cruiser and ride around at 6mph on a level trail, or drop $5,000 on a bike whose weight is measured in mouse farts to ride ten miles a day, you aren't going to burn a whole lot of calories (more than sitting on the couch, so it's all good, but MFP is going to badly overestimate your burn).

cydonian

My husband used to do 8 miles a day or so when he lived in England and he was pretty skinny, and his legs were BUILT. I think you need to adjust your intake accordingly. Why wouldn't it burn calories? You're doing cardio and getting your heart rate up, and flexing the muscles in your legs.

kaleas

Thanks everyone for the input!

As a bit of my own background, I got into biking last spring when I got a cheap 25 dollar bike on the side of the road. I put about 200 dollars into it and it became my way of getting around. I live in an urban area, so every day I'd just run errands on my bike. At minimum it was 2 miles a day, sometimes 10 just running around. I'd bike to bars, the store, to friends houses.

When the semester started, I began biking to class twice a week, which was 10 miles round trip. I didn't really change my eating habits, but noticed I was starved on the days I would bike, however I would never count those miles rode into my exercise calories on MFP.

I'm done with class now so I wanted to switch out my bike rides to school with bike rides to work. it is dangerous. I have to ride across a highway and on roads with no shoulder. I attack hills like a beast. I've now invested in a 300 dollar fixed gear. It's light weight, but I carry a load all the time. It makes the hills harder and I can't coast, but you're more in tune with the bike.

I did great today on the ride. I did eat a little more than usual to keep me fueled, but it was more protein than anything. I think I'll only count half of it as my exercise so I don't end up over eating.