SEXUAL HEALTH AND BICYCLING

Relieve stress, restore stamina, exercise muscle and stop to smell the roses if time permits; and it will. As transportation, for exercise, training for the big race or for pleasure you can’t beat the joy, benefits and fun of riding a bicycle. Today people worldwide are improving brain power, connecting with friends and family, improving health and sleeping more soundly thanks to two wheels, two pedals and a leather seat. Below are the pros and cons connecting sexual health and bicycling; research findings, solutions, conclusions and the bottom line.



SEXUAL HEALTH AND BICYCLING

Who knew it could change your sex life? For the better – some say. Scientists worldwide have disagreed on the effect bicycling has on male sex organs. They know and most of us agree it is great exercise and the more you exercise, the more fit you remain, and being fit affects all areas of your life. However, researchers have found in some cases the bicycle seat causes problems:

RESEARCH FINDINGS:  National Institute for Occupational Safety

“Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH) evaluated 17 members of a bicycling police patrol unit in Cincinnati, Ohio. The men averaged nearly 5½ hours in the saddle each workday. Almost all of them experienced genital numbness from time to time. Those who rode the most were at the highest risk for erectile dysfunction, and the men who exerted the most pressure on their bike seats had the most problems. In a follow-up study, the NIOSH researchers found that bike-riding patrol officers who used a no-nose saddle reported penile numbness far less often than those using a standard saddle. A team from NIOSH also looked at bike riding and sexual function in women who rode for an average of two hours several days a week. These women experienced decreased genital sensation compared to women to ran several days a week. In a later study, the team found that narrow seats and so-called cut-out seats increased pressure on the perineum.”

HE DISAGREES - William D. Steers, Urologist, Univ. of Virginia School of

William D. Steers, chairman of the urology department at the University of Virginia, School of Medicine in Charlottesville, believes there isn’t really a problem: “The whole cycling impotence thing is really out of proportion. In China 90 per cent of the male population cycles, and they don’t seem to have a problem maintaining the population.”

  

SOLUTIONS: Harvey B. Simon, M.D., Editor, Harvard Health

You don’t have to give up biking to preserve your sexual function. In fact, you can break the vicious cycle of biking and sexual dysfunction by taking a few simple precautions.

• Don’t use a racing seat with a long narrow nose. Pick a wide seat, ideally with plenty of padding. Special gel-filled and shock-absorbing seats are even available.
• Don’t tilt your seat upward, a position that increases pressure on the perineum.
• Be sure your seat is at the correct height, so your legs aren’t completely extended at the bottom of your pedal stroke.
• For extra protection, consider wearing padded biking pants.
• Raise the handlebars so you are sitting more upright.
• Shift your position and take breaks during long rides.

Above all, be alert for early warning symptoms. If you experience tingling or numbness in your “privates”, get off your bike. If the problem recurs even with a broad, padded, well-positioned seat, consider switching to a recumbent bike.

GOOD NEWS:

University of Chicago Researchers: “It’s a well-known fact that hormones called endorphins are released during and after physical exertion and produce a feeling of satisfaction and extreme well-being. They are sometimes called the body’s own opiates. But did you know that they can also make you feel aroused? Researchers at the University of Chicago discovered that one in four women had experienced sexual arousal while exercising.

Dr. Michael Roizen Wellness Institute Cleveland Clinic  “….the importance of being an athlete in the bedroom as well as on the bike is justified on health grounds. For men, the more the better. The typical man who has 350 orgasms a year, versus the national average of a quarter of that, lives about four years longer. 700 orgasms a year could add up to eight years to your life.

IN CONCLUSION
Safety in any sport is important. Our bodies are strong in so many ways, yet we as humans remain fragile. Cycling Weekly reports:

 “partaking in high aerobic activity such as cycling produces feelings of intense well-being and increased sexual vitality? And according to some research, cycling has the power not only to make you more desirable to the opposite sex, but also to increase your level of sexual satisfaction, and even your lovemaking ability.”

As a USA Certified Cycling Coach I can share a few simple things you can do beyond listening to your body.  Wearing well fitted shorts with chamois or gel inserts will ensure minimum discomfort. Chamois cream used prior to a ride is also advised – Assos, Vaseline, or nappy rash cream can be used, and check your riding position, and the reach of your bicycle. If your seat is properly adjusted, your weight will be carried through your ischial tuberosities.   

Bicycling is one of the best sports for cardiovascular conditioning. Increased energy, taking longer to tire, and being more attuned to your body are just some additional benefits. Join us for a bicycle ride.

 Call Bixby Bicycles for more information.

Nutritional Meal Replacements - Look To The BARS

Ahhh the scent of the holidays!  The season is upon us. Three joyous holidays all involving fatty foods, calorie laden desserts, and sugary treats.  If you’re following a long-range nutrition plan, you’re on the right track, however if you’re like most, healthy eating and nutrition is something you plan and think about but never stick to long term. This makes the holidays even more of a challenge.

Whether you’re a professional cyclist, mountain biker, spinner, or casual rider, you’ll never be at your best if you’re pushing the Reese’s Cups to the back of the bowl hoping the doorbell has rung for the last time. Be strong and trash the extra Halloween candy. Real chocolate, adult beverages, cookies and chips can be built into a healthy diet that includes fresh vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains. But who has time to plan and prepare healthy quick meal substitutes and snacks – you do!  Check out the BARS. 

     Today there is an array of BARS on the market:  Many come with vitamins, protein and calcium and contain less than 200 calories; Luna Bar Chocolate-Dipped Coconut contains 1,000 milligrams of calcium, vitamins, folic acid, fiber, antioxidants and is only 190 calories. The Cliff Crunch Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bar is only 190 calories and the Balance Bar Bare Blueberry Acai contains 15 grams of protein and is just 200 calories. 

     Others suggested by nutritionists include the ThinkThin Crunch Fruit and Nut Cranberry Apple & Mixed Nuts Bar, Corazonas Blueberry Oatmeal Squares, Pure Naturals Peanut-Raisin Crunch Bar, and the Rise Raspberry-Pomegranate Energy Bar. Although most bars contain protein, fight fatigue, and act as snacks and meal replacers, many are no more than sugar and oil.  Read the ingredients! 

     Bars that list whey or casein protein will contain the essential amino acids your body needs; bars with more than 5 ingredients however, should be avoided. Remember you’re replacing real food with a packed snack, if you can’t read the ingredients it’s not real food. Many nutritionist say: 20% of your diet can take a diversion to treats without significant negative consequences.  Make your treat a healthy one – look to the BARS!   

   Bixby Bicycles & Accessories carries a large variety of healthy meal and snack replacement bars. Whether you’re a cyclist or someone wanting to supplement your diet plan, we can meet your specific needs.  Call us for more information. 

Keep Cool With A Spinning Class

Challenged by the Tulsa heat?  It’s hot out there and for many, high temperatures lead to a search for indoor activities. Check out a Spinning Class. A cool, comfortable climate controlled environment, dimmed lights and propelled music make this an effective workout. Look at all the cons; all ability levels, train in the off-season, toss the helmet and it burns calories. Look for a class lead by a certified instructor - safety is a priority. In a Spinning Class you control everything from resistance to the level of intensity to the speed, the more you workout the better you’ll get, don’t force it. It can be as easy or as challenging as you want it to be – you get out of it what you put into it.  Most classes last 40 and 60 minutes. If you’re just starting out, look for a beginner or introductory class.  So lets’ eat early so we’re not hungry, drink lots of water so we’re well hydrated and head off to a spinning class.

Expect Sore Muscles

Your instructor is your guide. Let him/her know your ability level. Standing, sprinting and other movements should be approached with care. Your instructor will tell you how fast to pedal, how much resistance to add and how hard to work, respect your personal level. Listen to your body and pay attention to how you feel. Your not in a race, this is a workout not a competition.  As in any exercise position is important. Keep your knees pointed straight forward – bowed knees increase the potential for injury. Avoid ankle injury by keeping those feet flat.  If you’re new at Spinning Classes pay close attention to body positioning. Keep those shoulders relaxed and use your abdominals to maintain balance (not the handlebars).

Keep Pedaling

Nothing is worth doing if it’s not done well. If you’re completely out of breath and in pain, slow down. Never suddenly stop!  Like any other exercise stopping suddenly can lead to lightheadedness. Allow your heart rate and pulse to slow – reduce resistance, pedal slowly and catch your breath. If you still feel overwhelmed, stop.  Although most coaches will tell you to keep moving slowly – you know your body. If you’ve followed these rules and your body has had all it can take, honor that. If you feel yourself recovering keep pedaling. Slowly rebuild your speed and resistance. If that offers a challenge, continue pedaling slowly until the class is over.  The objective is to keep those legs moving.

Spinning Classes are a low impact exercise with a long list of benefits: low impact, unlimited cardiovascular benefits, group motivation, great for all age groups and all fitness levels are welcomed.  However Spinning Classes aren’t for every one. If you’re like me and prefer the Tulsa heat, scorching sun, and breezless afternoons and evenings, join us for our Group Rides. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 7:00am. We also offer a Cycling 101 Class for new cyclist.

Buster Brown - Cycling Coach

Are you continually coming in at the back of the pack – fourth, fifth or sixth place?  Perhaps you’re blaming it on the bike, the wheels, your own ability or poor performance.  It’s true, poor equipment could be the answer, coupled with a lack of ability and poor performance – or you just might need a coach.  Your race prep and career trajectory is your responsibility.  If your goal is to carry more speed, improve fitness, and make the move from the back of the pack to the podium, you need a good coach. A cycling coach offers a lot more than a training plan. Coaches offer neutrality, accountability, nutrition guidelines, discipline, and event specific training.

“A good coach is a cheerleader when times are good, a strong figure when you need a kick in the pants, a voice of reason when you’re tempted to go overboard, and a shoulder to cry on when you’re down in the dumps.”  Bicycling; Rambling Man,

CYCLING FOR SUCCESS 

Buster Brown, Cycling Coach

Whether you want to be a more accomplished racer, or you're just getting started as a cyclist I'll provide you with the knowledge, skills and training plan to help you set and achieve your goals. I'll teach you how to train smarter, ride better and understand the dynamics of the sport. You will learn to dramatically improve your pedaling efficiency, sprinting, climbing, time trialing, and racing strategies while increasing your power and confidence. 

Whether you’re a novice looking to understand the basics of cycling for fitness purposes, someone seeking to embark on a new and exciting sport, or an experienced rider driven to take it to the next level competitively, personal attention and a customized coaching plan will help you achieve the highest level of performance possible.  Coaching takes into consideration the multiple aspects of overall health, flexibility, nutrition, strength, and endurance as well as the technical and tactical aspects of the sport.  

Get that extra edge to make it all come together and move to the next level

*My experience in cycling is not only to teach you how to train,

but also to help you learn how to race***

Through the use of technology, your coaching experience can happen in our large newly decorated facility or online using your iPhone, iPad or other online device. Through the use of the web and newly developed apps both our in-house and online clients can receive workouts, analysis, support, and consistent progress monitoring from a world class coach using Training Peaks software. With access to your pace, stroke, power and heart rate I can analyze your fitness and progress, and tweak your performance, meal and training plan based on actual acted upon metrics.

Training Peaks allows me to develop and daily monitor a performance plan designed to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re training for a special event, an upcoming race, or you’re the recreational rider, the monitoring and accountability tools will work for you. Other advantages to you as a client and to me as a coach is 24/7 online access, the ability to create training and meal plans based on actual performance tracking, access to fitness and workout trends, and a seamless line of communication between client and coach. As a world-class cyclist and fitness coach I’ll combine the combination of my knowledge and experience with today’s technology to ensure you reach your goals.

Buster Brown - 918-364-5200 / 479-530-9491, busterbrown2004@gmail.com

Five Myths About Getting A Coach... Busted

Five Myths About Getting A Coach... Busted

Contributed by 

There’s no doubt that as an endurance athlete, nothing will take you to the next level like getting a coach. A coach will customize your training program to your needs based on where you are currently, what you want to achieve, and your unique strengths and weaknesses. A coach also adds a heightened sense of accountability.

However, many of us think “a coach is not for me” for various reasons. Here are the top five reasons we hear athletes say they’re not going to hire a coach...and why you should rethink your assumptions.

1) “It’s too expensive."

Many athletes perceive personal coaching as too expensive. However, there's a wide range in the level of coaching that is available - for example you may decide that all you need is to chat with your coach on the phone once a week, and otherwise communicate within an online platform likeTrainingPeaks or by email. When TrainingPeaks matches athletes with coaches through its Coach Matching Service, the athlete is asked for a monthly budget and is matched according to what they can afford. The range starts at fees of less than $100/month and goes up to over $400/month based on how much of your coach's time you'll want. Think about it - at less than $100 a month, for the same cost of a monthly membership to many gyms, you'll get customized guidance towards your goals.

Also, let’s dig deeper into this, beyond fees. Training for sport is a practice in time management and prioritization skills. Workouts have to be fit around school, work, family, social or other obligations. A coach can help you maximize your time, making sure you use it most efficiently. An effective training program is not just about logging hours and miles. If you structure your training effectively, incorporating intensity in the right way, you can cut your volume down and actually get faster. When you’re training, you invest time away from important life priorities - a coach will help make sure it’s time well spent. It’s too expensive NOT to have a coach.

2) “I’m not a serious enough athlete”.

Coaching is not just for pros and elites. Many coaches specialize in beginner or more recreational athletes. It’s a matter of finding the right coach who will work with your background, your ability, and your goals for the future. Further, you may not think of yourself as a “serious enough athlete” right now, but that could change with targeted training and expert feedback - which only a coach can provide.

We can tell you that one out of four athletes that use TrainingPeaks are coached. They are athletes of varying levels of experience, but what they all have in common is that they are serious about RESULTS. If you are too, you should consider getting a coach.

3) “It’s too much of a time and personal commitment, dictated by someone who doesn’t understand my life”.

Having a coach is a personal relationship. It’s important to interview a few coaches and find the one that is the best fit for you. A good coach will work around your schedule and your life commitments. The right coach will work with you to maximize the time you do have towards your training and racing.

4) “I wouldn’t know where to start looking”.

We know that finding the right coach can sometimes seem like a daunting task, and not everyone has a wide network of friends and family who can make recommendations. USA Cycling offers a free “Find a Coach” function on its website where you can find a USA Cycling-certified coach to meet your needs.

TrainingPeaks also offers a free Coach Matching Service designed to solve this problem for you too. After you answer a questionnaire about your needs, experience level, budget and goals, you’ll be matched with three of nearly 200 TrainingPeaks Certified coaches, who are also certified by national governing bodies like USA Cycling. You can interview each coach and find the one who best matches what you are looking for.

You can also use the TrainingPeaks Coach Directory to start your search, browsing all 3,000 coaches who use the TrainingPeaks platform to deliver their expert advice. This directory will help you find coaches in your area - check it out here.

5) “I can self-coach or work off a plan just fine”.

True, you can. Many athletes attain their goals through self-coaching or following a training plan. But can those goals be set higher when working with a coach? What happens if you get injured or sick? A plan doesn’t know that you’ve had the flu for one week, or that your kids have been sick and out of school. A coach’s job is to work around those things that come up.

So, are you ready to get started?

Try the free TrainingPeaks Coach Matching Service, the TrainingPeaks Coach Directory, or the USA Cycling “Find a Coach” function.

Whichever approach you take towards finding a coach, you'll also be taking a big step towards achieving or even surpassing your fitness and personal goals.

Melissa Schwartz leads the Education Department at TrainingPeaks. In her 3.5 years with the company, Melissa has specialized in educating and supporting endurance sports professionals who use the TrainingPeaks Coach Edition product. She is a former All-American swimmer and water polo player, and now spends her athletic time doing triathlon, running marathons, and harboring a secret love affair with golf. She's also a USAT certified coach and enjoys helping fellow moms see their athletic potential. Follow Melissa on Twitter.

http://www.usacycling.org/five-myths-about-getting-a-coach-busted.htm