Articles Discovery on the cycling road Mr Old Man Can Cycling Give You a Better Body? By Mr Old Man Posted on May 11, 2025 4 min read 0 0 19 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ Share on Reddit Share on Pinterest Share on Linkedin Share on Tumblr Why People Ask Many beginners come into cycling hoping for a better physique. Mr. Old Man often hears questions like: “I’m 1.7 m tall and 60 kg, but my legs are thin. Will cycling bulk them up?” “I’m 1.65 m, weigh 70 kg, and have a belly. Will cycling help me slim down?” “My body feels out of shape. Can cycling help me tone up?” Truth is, I’m not a fitness trainer or someone with a magazine-cover body. But I do have some honest answers from years in the saddle. Will Cycling Make Your Legs Bigger? Short answer: No. Cycling strengthens and firms up your legs, but it doesn’t make them noticeably bigger. In fact, intense riders often have lean, wiry legs—just look at Tour de France cyclists. Many have legs so thin and veiny they might even look… well, not that great. If you want bulkier legs, pair cycling with strength training (like squats or leg presses). But keep in mind: muscular legs aren’t always as flexible or enduring as cyclist legs. If you want slim, toned legs (especially ladies), cycling daily is your friend. Will Cycling Help You Lose Weight? Absolutely—if you do it right. Cycling burns calories. Pair it with smart eating, and the results come quickly. But here’s the trap: lots of people ride hard, then eat (or drink) even harder. A few beers post-ride? Boom—calorie surplus. No wonder the belly doesn’t budge. What science says: A 70 kg person cycling at 19–22 km/h burns 300 calories in 30 minutes. At the same speed, an 84 kg rider burns 355 calories. At 23–25 km/h, those numbers rise to 372 and 444 calories, respectively. Pro tip: ride farther and faster each week, cross-train, and eat with discipline. Calories out > calories in = weight loss. Can Cycling Improve Your Physique? Yes—but results vary. We’re all built differently. Tall and lean folks often show results faster. Shorter, heavier riders might need more time—but they’ll still see stronger, firmer bodies. Cycling alone won’t give you bodybuilder biceps or sculpted abs, but it will help you become a leaner, fitter version of yourself. Add in strength workouts and you’re on your way to a body you’ll be proud of. Last But Not Least Balance is key. Don’t overtrain. A steady 20–30 km ride daily is excellent for health and fitness. But overdoing it—riding too far, too fast, too often—can lead to exhaustion or injury. Remember: cycling is about the long ride, not a crash course. Ride well. Be kind to your body. ——- – Mr. Old Man ——- Photos: All from Internet