Weights and Bones

Martha just emailed me this story with respect to weight training, competitive cycling and bone loss;

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/01/is-bicycling-bad-for-your-bones/?_r=1

The main take-away from the story is:

“For competitive riders, I’d recommend spending some time weight-training.”

Don't worry about becoming Hans and Franz

Despite 35 years of serious running I suffer from osteopenia (early stage osteoporosis) a situation that came to light after six stress fractures in three years.  I'm gambling that a regular regimen if weight training will keep me upright for another few decades.

Personally I think that the idea of avoiding weight training in order to "not bulk up," is a little misguided.  It's about the strength-to-weight ratio.  If you begin a weight training program now you could see a 15-20% increase in your strength by the time the spring races come around.  How many of us could lose an equivalent amount of weight (while maintaining current strength levels) by spring.  Not many.  In other words focus your attention on what's going to deliver the biggest bang for the buck.