Cycling for Better Health

by Ward W. Bond, PhD

Well, I went back to my love of cycling. We lived in a metropolitan area which made impossible to ride and not get hit by a car. Living in the country has its advantages so I tuned up the bicycle (Specialized brand) and after a few weeks of getting the lungs full of air and the blood pumping through my veins I feel young again. It’s amazing how simple exercise can help us feel better again.

I’ve always been interested in fitness and like many of you, you have to force yourself to do it or you just avoid it. The few days are the hardest and you wonder why you feel so old, but it’s gets easier and then things just start to click.
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This article focuses on my pre-workout and post-workout regimen. With cycling it focusing on stamina, strength (in the legs) and endurance. This isn’t a race, but sometimes I’m racing in my mind!

In the morning I focus on getting my 10 miles in and longer on the weekends. My pre-workout consists of a scoop of a product called Animal Fury which contains caffeine, but more importantly L-Citrulline which is an amino acid. This amino acid helps to remove the ammonia which is made up of three molecules of nitrogen and can cause fatigue to your muscles. No wonder why it is recommended for athletes so that they can continue their exercise and build muscles. It can help them stay longer during their workouts without feeling tired. As a matter of fact, Citrulline can help them recover faster. I take 6,000mg every morning! 

Studies have shown that taking in Citrulline can improve the condition of the heart as well as the arterial health. Supplying the body with Citrulline can lower blood pressure that allows your heart to function better. The walls of the arteries will not be that hard that can also contribute to having a healthy heart because. It has the ability to widen the vessels by producing more nitric oxide that can help prevent the arteries from clogging. 

Along with L-Citrulline, I take 5 grams of D-Ribose which is like gasoline to a car's engine. Ribose ignites our muscles to work better, work longer and reduce fatigue. I also take another 5 grams after I finish my morning ride. It is good to replenish your ribose stores and get ready for the next time your exercise. D-Ribose has a ton of research behind it and it's found in many of the top cardiology hospitals as it works directly on the heart muscle. I have met people who have recovered from congestive heart failure by taking 10-20 grams of D-Ribose daily. 

One thing cycling as showed me is when we get air deep into our lungs and we are breathing deeply for 30-45 minutes or longer every cell in your body is becoming energized. I have been amazed how breathing more has cleared my head, energized by body and has even given a kick of more enthusiasm about life in general. Sitting in an office in front of a computer can be very damaging to your overall well-being so keep that in mind. 

After my 10 or so mile ride in the morning, it's time to feed the body as your cells are open for feeding time and recovery. 

Here is my recipe for my post-workout drink.
12oz of water
One scoop of D-Ribose (5 grams)
One scoop of BrightCore Nutrition Collagen Protein or a Whey Protein
One scoop of Turmeric Powder
One teaspoon of Maca Root
Two scoops of BrightCore Nutrition Sweet Wheat (wheatgrass)
One scoop of Kyolic's Kyo-Green 

My post-workout recipe focuses on antioxidant support (Turmeric, Wheatgrass, Barley Green), hormonal health (Maca Root) and energy recovery with the D-Ribose. The collagen protein is one I prefer over whey protein as our body need collagen, especially our joints and connective tissue. 

I'll be posting more as I continue my love of cycling. 

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