And not necessarily in a good way either! With the combination of changes in activity levels, changes in diet in an effort to lose weight, and simply getting older, my once large muscle mass is slowly disappearing. Many years ago I would be very active, working out or doing physical work. But as the years have gone on and my roles have changed I find my body is changing too.
For years I worked out, lifting heavy, determined to have huge biceps. The legs came naturally, so I just had to focus on the top half. And to be fair I did pretty well, all natural too. However the downside was that clothing was always a tight fit, great around the waist, silly tight on thighs and calves. Same for the top half, fine on the body but impossible to get sleeves to fit. So in one respect it is a relief to be able to fit into "normal clothing".
That said, I am very aware of the change my body is going through, and aware that age is starting to play its part too, much to my dissatisfaction. For years I proudly boasted 28" thighs. As time went on and I changed my activities and did more running they shrunk down a little to 25-26". Today after slipping some bib shorts on for my first indoor ride in months, I noticed they fitted much easier than usual. Measuring up I was alarmed that they were now a measly 23.5" !
Now I know this is quite large to some, but I only know my own norms. My arms started shrinking years ago, around the same time my waist started getting bigger actually haha. Maybe it is all just falling inside of me? I doubt that.
On the flip side to all that, my health in general has improved no end, resting heart rate low, rarely ill, and mental health better than it has been for decades, so I guess it is not all bad eh.
I think my main focus here is to get control of it all, understand what is happening to me, and make sure I am the strongest and fittest version of myself I can be. I have said before, when I look around at the people and generation I grew up with, I am in a pretty good place. But having spent my entire adult life heavy set, lots of muscle mass etc, it feels strange to now be shrinking away like this.
Thankfully I am seeing a wellness coach at my GP surgery, and speaking with my GP on quite a regular basis to monitor my uric acid levels, so I have bloods done from time to time, and discuss the results with the doctor. At the same time I am able to discuss my concerns and get advice on what I should be doing. Having seen the hype around testosterone levels etc I asked if it was something I should look at. The answer was a straight no!
While all this is going on, I do think I have taken my eye off the ball with cycling. That alone could be contributing towards the shrinkage of my thighs, so I am keen to get back on the bike even if it is mainly indoors, and put in some work again. I did today and it felt great, but it would be nice to do some outdoor miles before the weather takes a turn for the worst. If I am not riding outdoors by autumn and the cooler weather I won't ride outdoors for the whole winter. That would feel like I have missed the whole of 2025 for cycling!
I know I have said this again and again, but I vow to focus more on my physical wellbeing, especially now my mental health is in such a good place. It only takes one big downturn in my health to throw the whole lot out the window again, so I need to be mindful of that.
Right, I am off to draw up a plan to get my riding back on track. And if I have a good autumn winter, I will buy myself a new bike for 2026 spring summer . How is that for an incentive!