4ucycling

Every day I hear from people who try really hard, and just can't seem to lose weight. There are a number of "hidden" reasons this might be happening to you. A woman's weight can be traced to her emotional well-being, with diet binges occurring during courtship and in the lead-up to weddings, according to a British survey. There's a great many reasons why a woman's weight may fluctuate. Some might say it's a hectic work schedule preventing them from getting to the gym. Others may suggest it is the temptation of the office chocolate machine. But the research suggests that there's only one real reason - their men. A study into the ups and downs of the female weight-cycle showed happiness - or the lack of it - in a relationship is the biggest factor. The report found early courtship usually brings with it a strict diet regime resulting in the loss of around 5lb. After women enter Stage 2, which is the comfort zone, when they feel secure enough to...

Consider the following scenario: Your training schedule includes a weekly track or hill workout. One week, you hit your workout targets right on. You are brimming with confidence. The following week, the identical workout is awful with no apparent reason why. You feel bewildered and discouraged. Knowing where you are in your menstrual cycle can provide valuable insight into your performance. Let's examine why and how to use this knowledge to your training and racing advantage. The menstrual cycle is comprised of three phases. During the Follicular Phase (Days 1-14), estrogen levels are low, except for a spike near Day 14. Ovulation begins on Day 15. The Luteal Phase (Days 16-28) is marked by relatively high but stable estrogen levels. Also, progesterone levels peak, inducing a much-higher-than-normal breathing rate during exercise. Not only does estrogen level affect your cycle, it also impacts what type of fuel is available for working muscles and consequently what type of w...