{"id":21249,"date":"2017-02-18T15:11:04","date_gmt":"2017-02-18T23:11:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/?p=21249"},"modified":"2020-09-01T12:56:29","modified_gmt":"2020-09-01T19:56:29","slug":"how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>Are You <a href=\"http:\/\/www.davescheapbikes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Over-Training<\/a>?<\/h3>\n<p>It is possible for athletes to push themselves too much and over-train. The result can be lower levels of testosterone. Lower testosterone levels decrease your body&#8217;s ability to repair and recover, so your fitness improvements may slow down or even stop. This post by Guest Poster Dave Henly describes <strong>3 warning signs of over-training<\/strong> that you should look out for. It also includes<strong> 4 tips to prevent over-training and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.steroidal.com\/buy-steroids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">boost testosterone levels<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_21256\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21256\" style=\"width: 752px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21256\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?fit=752%2C421&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"752,421\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Testosterone is critical for recovery\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;This post describes 3 warning signs of over-training that you should look out for. It also includes 4 tips to prevent over-training and boost testosterone levels. Testosterone is critical for recovery&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?fit=300%2C168&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?fit=750%2C420&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21256 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg\" alt=\"This post describes 3 warning signs of over-training that you should look out for. It also includes 4 tips to prevent over-training and boost testosterone levels. Testosterone is critical for recovery\" width=\"752\" height=\"421\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-21256\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21256\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?fit=752%2C421&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"752,421\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Testosterone is critical for recovery\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;This post describes 3 warning signs of over-training that you should look out for. It also includes 4 tips to prevent over-training and boost testosterone levels. Testosterone is critical for recovery&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?fit=300%2C168&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?fit=750%2C420&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21256 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?resize=752%2C421&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"This post describes 3 warning signs of over-training that you should look out for. It also includes 4 tips to prevent over-training and boost testosterone levels. Testosterone is critical for recovery\" width=\"752\" height=\"421\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?w=752&amp;ssl=1 752w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?resize=300%2C168&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?resize=750%2C420&amp;ssl=1 750w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?resize=150%2C84&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?resize=250%2C140&amp;ssl=1 250w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?resize=320%2C179&amp;ssl=1 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px\" \/><\/noscript> This post describes 3 warning signs of over-training that you should look out for. It also includes 4 tips to prevent over-training and boost testosterone levels. Testosterone is critical for recovery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You did two-a-day workouts in high school. Nobody was talking about over-training then. As long as you weren&#8217;t injured, you played. In my college days, I would typically get up and ride my road bike for two hours before class. I&#8217;d then do a hard ride with the cycling team 2 or 3 nights a week. At what point was I over-trained? At what point should I have started to worry?<\/p>\n<h3>Does Over-Training Exist?<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Many athletes think over-training is the lazy athlete&#8217;s excuse not to work out. (Have you ever noticed how often &#8220;over-training&#8221; is discussed when leg day comes around?) In forums, &#8220;broscientists&#8221; advocate that with enough water and protein powder, you can push through anything. They want the phrase &#8220;overtraining&#8221; abolished from our vocabulary. Of course, you have the other side of the coin with athletes who purposefully shorten their workouts and plan excessive rest days from an irrational fear of overtraining.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>As you can imagine, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>What Causes Over-Training?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Over-training is an imbalance between fitness and recovery<\/strong> (<a href=\"http:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.2165\/00007256-198806020-00003\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sports Medicine, 1988, 6.2<\/a>).\u00a0 It&#8217;s common to over-reach. Athletes re-entering a sport may expect their fitness capacity to be greater than it is.<\/p>\n<p>As a dad, I struggle to maintain a workout schedule and am often tempted to sacrifice sleep to complete my workout. That half-marathon training plan calls for 8 miles, and, by George, I&#8217;m going to complete my 8 miles. Devoted athletes may hold themselves to a high volume workout load without regard to external factors. A new baby in the house, a new job assignment, a divorce, a loss of a family member, a head cold, a move &#8230; all of these things stress the body and must be interpreted as a reduced capacity to train.<\/p>\n<p>Because the brain is such an amazing thing, it is possible for athletes to &#8220;push through&#8221; and continue to complete impressive workouts well after they&#8217;ve begun down the slope of overtraining. After all, &#8220;no pain, no gain&#8221; is our greatest slogan. In short, <strong>overtraining occurs when the stress of life and your workout schedule requires more recovery time than your diet and sleep schedule currently allow<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_19581\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19581\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"19581\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-use-perceived-rate-of-exertion-to-get-fit\/how-to-use-pre-750-x-4201\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/how-to-use-PRE-750-x-4201.jpg?fit=750%2C421&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,421\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"how-to-use-pre-750-x-4201\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/how-to-use-PRE-750-x-4201.jpg?fit=300%2C168&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/how-to-use-PRE-750-x-4201.jpg?fit=750%2C421&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-19581 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/how-to-use-PRE-750-x-4201.jpg\" alt=\"Try to make your training bike rides as much fun as possible. This will help you to stick to your training plan\" width=\"750\" height=\"421\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19581\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"19581\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-use-perceived-rate-of-exertion-to-get-fit\/how-to-use-pre-750-x-4201\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/how-to-use-PRE-750-x-4201.jpg?fit=750%2C421&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,421\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"how-to-use-pre-750-x-4201\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/how-to-use-PRE-750-x-4201.jpg?fit=300%2C168&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/how-to-use-PRE-750-x-4201.jpg?fit=750%2C421&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-19581 size-full lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/how-to-use-PRE-750-x-4201.jpg?resize=750%2C421&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Try to make your training bike rides as much fun as possible. This will help you to stick to your training plan\" width=\"750\" height=\"421\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/how-to-use-PRE-750-x-4201.jpg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/how-to-use-PRE-750-x-4201.jpg?resize=300%2C168&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/how-to-use-PRE-750-x-4201.jpg?resize=150%2C84&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/how-to-use-PRE-750-x-4201.jpg?resize=250%2C140&amp;ssl=1 250w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/how-to-use-PRE-750-x-4201.jpg?resize=320%2C180&amp;ssl=1 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript> Because the brain is such an amazing thing, it is possible for athletes to &#8220;push through&#8221; and continue to complete impressive workouts well after they&#8217;ve begun down the slope of overtraining<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>The Impact of Over-Training on Your Hormones<\/h3>\n<p>Endurance sports can be especially hard on your testosterone. In a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1724199\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>British Journal of Sports Medicine<\/em> study<\/a>, men who ran 90 kilometers a week (seriously, though, who does that?) had lowered testosterone compared to those who &#8220;only&#8221; ran 65 kilometers a week. Their testosterone was within the normal ranges, but lower than the men who ran the lower mileage.<\/p>\n<p>We know that <strong>increased testosterone gives us the ability to recover faster, add more muscle, burn fat better and even boost our thinking ability<\/strong>. Keep in mind that these athletes were experiencing lower testosterone but were not considered to be &#8220;overtraining.&#8221; Long, intense cardiovascular sessions increase your body&#8217;s cortisol output. Professional endurance athletes experience enlarged adrenal glands from their body&#8217;s constant need for more cortisol.<\/p>\n<h3>Cortisol Depresses Testosterone<\/h3>\n<p>It is not just endurance athletes who can suffer from overtraining. Strength training can put you there as well. The body&#8217;s response to too much stress is the same, no matter the trigger. <strong>When stress increases, the body produces more cortisol<\/strong>. It doesn&#8217;t matter if that cortisol comes from your boss yelling at you or from starting a new workout plan that is too ambitious.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Cortisol is cortisol, and it will kill your testosterone levels every chance it gets.<\/p>\n<h3>3 Easy Ways To Know if You Are Over-Training<\/h3>\n<h4>#1 Resting Heart Rate can be Increased by Over-Training<\/h4>\n<p>One of the first things I do every morning is check and chart my heart rate. I have a fitness watch that can check the heart rate with a couple of taps on the screen, and I want to get three readings before checking my phone or moving too much. This gives me an average baseline. If I notice one morning that my resting heart rate starts is above the baseline, I&#8217;ll first push for more hydration.<\/p>\n<p>Hydration is one of the biggest causes for heart rate increase. If my hydration and rest are on point, then an increase of 6 bpm over my baseline averages is a likely sign that my body needs more recovery support, and a reduced workload.<\/p>\n<h4>#2 Are You Irritable, Depressed and Fatigued? Your Body Might be Telling You it&#8217;s Feeling Over-Trained<\/h4>\n<figure id=\"attachment_21258\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21258\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21258\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/exhausted-cyclist\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Exhausted-Cyclist.jpg?fit=750%2C518&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,518\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Exhausted Cyclist\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;It&#8217;s possible for irritability, depression and fatigue to be caused by your over-trained body, not by your brain&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Exhausted-Cyclist.jpg?fit=300%2C207&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Exhausted-Cyclist.jpg?fit=750%2C518&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21258 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Exhausted-Cyclist.jpg\" alt=\"It's possible for irritability, depression and fatigue to be caused by your over-trained body, not by your brain\" width=\"750\" height=\"518\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-21258\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21258\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/exhausted-cyclist\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Exhausted-Cyclist.jpg?fit=750%2C518&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,518\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Exhausted Cyclist\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;It&#8217;s possible for irritability, depression and fatigue to be caused by your over-trained body, not by your brain&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Exhausted-Cyclist.jpg?fit=300%2C207&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Exhausted-Cyclist.jpg?fit=750%2C518&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21258 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Exhausted-Cyclist.jpg?resize=750%2C518&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"It's possible for irritability, depression and fatigue to be caused by your over-trained body, not by your brain\" width=\"750\" height=\"518\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Exhausted-Cyclist.jpg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Exhausted-Cyclist.jpg?resize=300%2C207&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Exhausted-Cyclist.jpg?resize=150%2C104&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Exhausted-Cyclist.jpg?resize=250%2C173&amp;ssl=1 250w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Exhausted-Cyclist.jpg?resize=320%2C221&amp;ssl=1 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript> It&#8217;s possible for irritability, depression and fatigue to be caused by your over-trained body, not by your brain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It&#8217;s possible for irritability, depression and fatigue to be caused by your over-trained body, not by your brain. If you are fighting irrational depression, fatigue, and irritability, it is important to find time to sleep.<\/p>\n<p>My personal formula is to take a day off the gym and a hard-core combination of no screens for two hours before bed, along with a melatonin supplement to induce tiredness an extra hour early. Sometimes a day away from the gym and nine hours of sleep is all it takes. If you are still struggling to get on top, there is nothing wrong with scaling back your workouts to 25% for a week.<\/p>\n<p>At 25% intensity and duration, I don&#8217;t even feel like I&#8217;m working out. But it puts me in a good range of &#8220;active recovery&#8221; where the muscles are still moving but aren&#8217;t under stress.<\/p>\n<h4>#3 Performance Losses can be Caused by Over-Training<\/h4>\n<p>&#8220;I just don&#8217;t know why &#8230;&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><strong>I&#8217;ve achieved some of my best performance improvements by focusing on recovery<\/strong>. Yoga, massage, sleep, and nutrition are my favorite tools. Performance improvements do not come from incrementally increased workout loads but from your <strong>body&#8217;s ability to adapt<\/strong> to the new levels.<\/p>\n<p>If your body is not adapting, then you need to troubleshoot. Here are some of the key questions I ask:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What stress is in my life?<\/li>\n<li>How is my sleep?<\/li>\n<li>How is my nutrition?<\/li>\n<li>Am I getting adequate calories?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Bonus Sign of Over-Training: A Flu Or Cold<\/h4>\n<p>These illnesses may be a sign of over-training. Or it may be something you contracted at the gym. Either way, you need to slow down when sick. I still advocate working out, but recognize that your body is already under stress, and you must dramatically reduce your work out.<\/p>\n<p>Induce too much stress by trying to be superhuman, and all you&#8217;ll have to show is elevated cortisol and lowered testosterone.<\/p>\n<h3>You Are at Low Risk of Over-Training<\/h3>\n<p>Over-reaching &#8211; or short-term over-training &#8211; is very common. And if you over-reach long enough, you can enter the realms of over-training. <strong>If you reach the scientific definition of over-trained, you will need several months of recovery<\/strong>. It takes the body time to find balance.<\/p>\n<p>But even when I was riding my bike 20 hours per week, going to college and working at the bike shop, I doubt that I ever reached a point where I was fully over-trained. I would watch out for the major symptoms and take an extra rest day now and again if my performance insisted on staying compromised.<\/p>\n<p>However, <strong>the risk of over-training emphasizes the importance of proper recovery<\/strong>. You aren&#8217;t going to reach your peak if your diet is full of chemicals and nutrient-deficient food. Anytime you add more volume or intensity to your workout, make sure that you aren&#8217;t paying taxes or going through a divorce at the same time. Most importantly, give yourself plenty of sleep and adequate amounts of quality food.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_21265\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21265\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21265\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/post-bike-training11\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/post-bike-training11.jpeg?fit=750%2C421&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,421\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"post-bike-training1(1)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;The risk of over-training emphasizes the importance of proper recovery&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/post-bike-training11.jpeg?fit=300%2C168&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/post-bike-training11.jpeg?fit=750%2C421&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21265 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/post-bike-training11.jpeg\" alt=\"The risk of over-training emphasizes the importance of proper recovery\" width=\"750\" height=\"421\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-21265\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21265\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/post-bike-training11\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/post-bike-training11.jpeg?fit=750%2C421&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,421\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"post-bike-training1(1)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;The risk of over-training emphasizes the importance of proper recovery&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/post-bike-training11.jpeg?fit=300%2C168&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/post-bike-training11.jpeg?fit=750%2C421&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21265 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/post-bike-training11.jpeg?resize=750%2C421&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The risk of over-training emphasizes the importance of proper recovery\" width=\"750\" height=\"421\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/post-bike-training11.jpeg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/post-bike-training11.jpeg?resize=300%2C168&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/post-bike-training11.jpeg?resize=150%2C84&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/post-bike-training11.jpeg?resize=250%2C140&amp;ssl=1 250w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/post-bike-training11.jpeg?resize=320%2C180&amp;ssl=1 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript> The risk of over-training emphasizes the importance of proper recovery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Listen To Your Body<\/h3>\n<p>Our bodies complain a lot about everything. And if we quit every time our bodies whined, we&#8217;d never improve. I know I wouldn&#8217;t! If you are like me, you get good at tuning out your body and powering forward.<\/p>\n<p>But <strong>as athletes, we need to take time and listen to our bodies<\/strong>. The symptoms I described above can guide you in determining if your body is being cranky, or is indeed showing signs of over-training.<\/p>\n<h3>How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels<\/h3>\n<h3>#1. Lose Weight<\/h3>\n<p>It is well known that a high percentage of body <strong>fat decreases testosterone<\/strong>. Many of us are working to get in shape and are starting with an overweight BMI. Until we can get those pounds off, we are likely battling lowered testosterone. Low testosterone is going to slow our recovery ability and make us more susceptible to increases in cortisol.<\/p>\n<p>At this stage, consistency is key. Spending 20 minutes a day on an indoor machine is going to be more beneficial for you at this stage than punishing your body with a two-hour ride every weekend. (See <a href=\"http:\/\/www.davescheapbikes.com\/best-bike-computer\/best-indoor-stationary-fitness-bikes\/\">The Top 5 Best Indoor Stationary Cycling Fitness Bikes<\/a>.)<\/p>\n<p>The volume stays the same in each scenario, but the cortisol increase will likely be greater in the latter.<\/p>\n<h4>#2. Do More Strength Training<\/h4>\n<p>We endurance athletes don&#8217;t like to spend much time in the gym. But strength training can offer a few benefits that endurance sports cannot. And one of those is an <strong>increase in testosterone<\/strong>. Focus your workouts on those big leg muscles if you are serious about a testosterone boost.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_21257\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21257\" style=\"width: 751px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21257\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/leg-training-to-boost-testosterone\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Leg-Training-To-Boost-Testosterone.jpeg?fit=751%2C534&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"751,534\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Leg Training To Boost Testosterone\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Strength training offers a few benefits that endurance sports cannot, including an increase in testosterone. Focus your workouts on those big leg muscles if you are serious about a testosterone boost&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Leg-Training-To-Boost-Testosterone.jpeg?fit=300%2C213&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Leg-Training-To-Boost-Testosterone.jpeg?fit=750%2C533&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21257 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Leg-Training-To-Boost-Testosterone.jpeg\" alt=\"Strength training offers a few benefits that endurance sports cannot, including an increase in testosterone. Focus your workouts on those big leg muscles if you are serious about a testosterone boost\" width=\"751\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-21257\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21257\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/leg-training-to-boost-testosterone\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Leg-Training-To-Boost-Testosterone.jpeg?fit=751%2C534&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"751,534\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Leg Training To Boost Testosterone\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Strength training offers a few benefits that endurance sports cannot, including an increase in testosterone. Focus your workouts on those big leg muscles if you are serious about a testosterone boost&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Leg-Training-To-Boost-Testosterone.jpeg?fit=300%2C213&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Leg-Training-To-Boost-Testosterone.jpeg?fit=750%2C533&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21257 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Leg-Training-To-Boost-Testosterone.jpeg?resize=751%2C534&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Strength training offers a few benefits that endurance sports cannot, including an increase in testosterone. Focus your workouts on those big leg muscles if you are serious about a testosterone boost\" width=\"751\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Leg-Training-To-Boost-Testosterone.jpeg?w=751&amp;ssl=1 751w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Leg-Training-To-Boost-Testosterone.jpeg?resize=300%2C213&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Leg-Training-To-Boost-Testosterone.jpeg?resize=750%2C533&amp;ssl=1 750w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Leg-Training-To-Boost-Testosterone.jpeg?resize=150%2C107&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Leg-Training-To-Boost-Testosterone.jpeg?resize=250%2C178&amp;ssl=1 250w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Leg-Training-To-Boost-Testosterone.jpeg?resize=320%2C228&amp;ssl=1 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 751px) 100vw, 751px\" \/><\/noscript> Strength training offers a few benefits that endurance sports cannot, including an increase in testosterone. Focus your workouts on those big leg muscles if you are serious about a testosterone boost<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4>#3. Supplement with Zinc and D3<\/h4>\n<p>The science on Zinc supplementation is a little spotty. However, I like to take a half dose of ZMA (Zinc, Magnesium Aspartate and Vitamin B6) before bed since my sleep tracker indicates that I get about 2 to 3% better sleep when I take ZMA versus when I don&#8217;t. Some of the research says that Zinc boosts testosterone. Some of it says that they can&#8217;t measure an improvement.<\/p>\n<p>Vitamin D3 is another supplement that is showing results for those who have deficient D3 levels. When you boost the D3 in those who are deficient, it increases low testosterone to normal levels. With as much time as I have to spend inside at my day job, I figure this one is a no-brainer.<\/p>\n<h4>#4. Get More Sleep<\/h4>\n<p>In case I haven&#8217;t harped on this one enough, <strong>sleep is critical<\/strong>. If there were one point I could revisit on sleep, it would be that screens are the enemy. I keep &#8220;real&#8221; books by my bed for reading 30 minutes before sleep.<\/p>\n<p>I see so many of my friends complaining on Facebook at 2 a.m. that they can&#8217;t sleep. And that may be the case. But very few of them are willing to cut the screen time as it gets close to bed. The light from the screens throws off our circadian rhythm. And if you want to sleep, you have to get your rhythm back.<\/p>\n<h3>The Bottom Line on Over-Training<\/h3>\n<p>Although endurance athletes are at an increased risk of decreased testosterone and over-training, the risk of over-training to the point that you need multiple weeks of recovery is low. However, it is possible to reduce your testosterone levels (and slow your progress) by not recognizing outside stress factors and adjusting your workout load and recovery efforts to compensate.<\/p>\n<p>By keeping an eye out for the 3 warning signs of over-training and implementing the 4 tips above, <strong>you can decrease your risks of over-training and protect your testosterone levels<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3>Guest Poster Dave Henly<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_21255\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21255\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.davescheapbikes.com\/blog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21255\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/guest-poster-dave-henly\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Guest-Poster-Dave-Henly.jpg?fit=750%2C512&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,512\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Guest Poster Dave Henly\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Guest Poster Dave Henly&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Guest-Poster-Dave-Henly.jpg?fit=300%2C205&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Guest-Poster-Dave-Henly.jpg?fit=750%2C512&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-21255 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Guest-Poster-Dave-Henly.jpg\" alt=\"Guest Poster Dave Henly\" width=\"750\" height=\"512\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-21255\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21255\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/guest-poster-dave-henly\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Guest-Poster-Dave-Henly.jpg?fit=750%2C512&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"750,512\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Guest Poster Dave Henly\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Guest Poster Dave Henly&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Guest-Poster-Dave-Henly.jpg?fit=300%2C205&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Guest-Poster-Dave-Henly.jpg?fit=750%2C512&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-21255 size-full lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Guest-Poster-Dave-Henly.jpg?resize=750%2C512&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Guest Poster Dave Henly\" width=\"750\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Guest-Poster-Dave-Henly.jpg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Guest-Poster-Dave-Henly.jpg?resize=300%2C205&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Guest-Poster-Dave-Henly.jpg?resize=150%2C102&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Guest-Poster-Dave-Henly.jpg?resize=250%2C171&amp;ssl=1 250w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Guest-Poster-Dave-Henly.jpg?resize=320%2C218&amp;ssl=1 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> Guest Poster Dave Henly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This Guest Post was written by Dave Henly. Dave began racing road bikes in high school and worked his way through college in a bike shop. He tries to help new riders get into the sport by sharing the best bike deals he finds online. You can follow Dave&#8217;s blog <a href=\"http:\/\/www.davescheapbikes.com\/blog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-43\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-43 tbody-has-connected-cells\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\"><center><strong>As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\"><h3>Check Out Our Most Popular Posts!<\/h3><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\"><div id=\"metaslider-id-25127\" style=\"max-width: 750px; margin: 0 auto;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-99-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-25127 ml-slider ms-theme-default nav-hidden nav-hidden\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Top posts AJC\" data-width=\"750\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_25127\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_25127\">\n            <ul class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-42801 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2023-07-30 12:36:22\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/garmin-edge-540-vs-840\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3-views-of-Garmin-Edge-540-vs-840-3-1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-42801 msDefaultImage\" title=\"3 views of Garmin Edge 540 vs 840 (3)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>The New Garmin Edge 840 vs. 540: What's the Difference, and Which is Better?<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-45253 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-02-22 21:00:38\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/garmin-edge-1050-vs-1040\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Garmin-Edge-1040-vs-1050-on-handlebars-copy.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"Garmin Edge 1050 vs 1040 on handlebars\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-45253 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1050 on handlebars copy\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Garmin Edge 1050 vs 1040 - What's the Difference, and Which One is Better?<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-43285 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2023-11-25 14:17:30\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/garmin-edge-540-vs-840-vs-1040\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/PH-man-road-bike-forest-road.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"When you&#039;re enjoying a fast bike ride in a beautiful setting, having an easy-to-use bike computer really does enhance the experience, Garmin Edge 540 vs 840 vs 540\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-43285 msDefaultImage\" title=\"PH man road bike forest road\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Garmin Edge 540 vs 840 vs 1040 - Complete Comparison with Chart Showing Differences and Similarities<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-42800 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2023-07-30 12:32:40\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/shokz-openrun-pro-vs-shokz-openrun\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Post-header-Joe-and-Maggie-wearing-Shokz-OpenRun-Mini-headphones.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"review of Shokz OpenRun Mini headphones\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-42800 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Post header Joe and Maggie wearing Shokz OpenRun Mini headphones\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Shokz OpenRun vs. OpenRun Pro Bluetooth Bone Conduction Headphones: What's the Difference?<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-43108 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2023-11-12 08:44:18\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wahoo-tickr-heart-rate-monitor-review\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Wahoo-TICKR-post-head.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"Wahoo TICKR Heart Rate Monitor \u2013 Our Review\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-43108 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Wahoo TICKR post head\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Wahoo TICKR Heart Rate Monitor \u2013 Best Budget Heart Rate Monitor?<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-43107 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2023-11-12 08:42:38\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/can-average-cyclists-do-zwift-workouts\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Joe-on-Zwift-bike-12-oct-2023-with-105-proof-copy-1-1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"I fell in love with Zwifting instantly. In seemingly no time, I had completed my first 100 miles, and was totally hooked\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-43107 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Joe on Zwift bike 12 oct 2023 with 105 proof copy (1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Can Average Cyclists Do Zwift Workouts?<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-42685 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2023-07-13 20:58:32\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/garmin-edge-840-vs-830\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Garmin-Edge-830-840-and-830-solar-post-header1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-42685 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Garmin Edge 830 840 and 830 solar post header(1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Garmin Edge 840 vs. 830: What's the Difference?<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-42798 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2023-07-30 12:28:50\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/cycling-erectile-dysfunction\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Erectile-Dysfunction-01-smaller-1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"The root of the problem is that when you cycle, you spend a lot of time with all your body weight bearing down on a small but sensitive part of your anatomy\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-42798 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Erectile Dysfunction 01 smaller\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-42684 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2023-07-13 20:56:47\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/garmin-edge-540-vs-530\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/540-Bike-computer-near-sea.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"Garmin Edge 540 vs 530 - What&#039;s the difference?\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-42684 msDefaultImage\" title=\"540 Bike computer near sea\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Garmin Edge 540 vs 530 - What's the difference?<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-42794 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2023-07-30 12:23:28\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/review-of-the-mojawa-run-plus-bone-conduction-headphones\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Post-header-Joe-floating-in-pool-with-Mojawa-headphones.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"What better way to relax your body after a bike ride than getting into the water!\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-42794 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Post header Joe floating in pool with Mojawa headphones\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Review of the Mojawa Dual Function Headphones: Bluetooth Open Ear for Cycling, and MP3 for Swimming<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-41082 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2022-12-01 11:35:16\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/garmin-edge-1030-plus-vs-1040\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Post-header-1040-vs-1030-Plus1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"They look the same - but there are quite a lot of differences!. Garmin edge 1030 plus vs 1040 bike computers\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-41082 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Post header 1040 vs 1030 Plus(1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-35727 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2020-09-13 16:39:34\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/best-garmin-edge-bike-2\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/slide-all-garmin-edge-bike-computers-compared1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-35727 msDefaultImage\" title=\"slide all garmin edge bike computers compared(1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED. 130 Plus vs Explore 2 vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-33696 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2020-05-17 13:45:41\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/best-cheap-bike-computers-under-100\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/7-cheap-bike-computers-on-a-handlebar-header1-1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-33696 msDefaultImage\" title=\"7 cheap bike computers on a handlebar header(1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 of the Best Cheap Bike Computers under $75 \u2013 Includes Budget Wireless Computers<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-37594 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2021-02-15 18:45:51\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/7-of-the-best-budget-bike-computers\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/7-budget-bike-computers-post-header.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-37594 msDefaultImage\" title=\"7 budget bike computers post header\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-37535 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2021-02-09 17:46:40\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/7-best-dog-bike-baskets\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Dog-bike-basket-header1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"7 best dog bike baskets\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-37535 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Dog bike basket header(1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 of the Best Carriers to Take Your Dog on Bike Rides<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-34577 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2020-07-27 15:05:43\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/garmin-edge-530-vs-830-vs-1030-plus\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/530-vs-830-vs-1030-plus-header-min.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"This graphic shows you the relative sizes of the 530 (left), 1030 Plus (center), and 830 (right)\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-34577 msDefaultImage\" title=\"530 vs 830 vs 1030 plus header-min\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040 Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison with Reviews and Videos<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-33276 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2020-04-23 15:42:22\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/best-road-bike-saddles-2\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Best-road-bike-saddles-header.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"Best road bike saddles\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-33276 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Best road bike saddles header\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles for Men and Women - Video-Packed Post<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-32893 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2020-04-08 08:05:11\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/7-best-bike-computers\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/7-best-bike-computers-header-41.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-32893 msDefaultImage\" title=\"7 best bike computers header 4(1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 of the Best Bike Computers<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-32445 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2020-03-09 12:27:40\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/7-best-waterproof-cycling-jackets\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/9-of-the-best-waterproof-cycling-jackets-header1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"9 of the best waterproof cycling jackets for men and women. A great waterproof cycling jacket will keep you dry, and at the same time be breathable, so that you don&#039;t overheat your core\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-32445 msDefaultImage\" title=\"9 of the best waterproof cycling jackets header(1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-30917 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2019-07-25 16:27:47\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/garmin-edge-530-vs-830-vs-1030\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Garmin-Edge-530-vs-830-vs-1030-header-2.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"The Garmin Edge 830 on Maggie&#039;s bike\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-30917 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 header 2\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 vs 1040<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-31341 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2019-08-26 22:13:15\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/great-bikes-amazon\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/woman-bike-and-dog-at-sunset-2.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"Get a new bike, and then get outside and have fun!\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-31341 msDefaultImage\" title=\"woman bike and dog at sunset 2\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon - Cruiser, Mountain, Road and Hybrid<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-25151 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2017-08-12 16:10:32\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/compare-best-waterproof-bike-panniers\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Bridgestone-MB2-classic-mountain-bike-on-trestle-bridge-on-Lochside-Bridge-700x300.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-25151 msDefaultImage\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers Compared<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-25163 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2017-08-13 19:30:07\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/best-baby-and-child-bike-seats\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/man-cycling-from-Tsawwassen-with-child-1-750-closer-1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-25163 msDefaultImage\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 of the Best Child Bike Seats Compared<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-33689 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2020-05-17 13:25:47\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/7-best-bike-locks\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Bike-lock-header1.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"7 best bike locks\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-33689 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Bike lock header(1)\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>7 of the Best Bike locks Compared. Find the Best Bike Lock For You!<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-42799 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2023-07-30 12:30:42\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/best-headphones-safe-cycling-2\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Post-header-Joe-and-Maggie-safest-headphones.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-42799 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Post header Joe and Maggie safest headphones\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Best Safe Headphones for Cyclists Compared<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-45252 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-02-22 20:57:16\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/piriformis-syndrome-in-cyclists\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Piriformis-muscle-seen-from-behind-header.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"Piriformis muscle seen from the front header\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-45252 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Piriformis muscle seen from the front header\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Piriformis Syndrome in Cyclists - How to Prevent and Cure It<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-45526 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-03-08 16:15:36\"><a href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/are-garmin-edge-bike-computers-worth-it\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/keen-cyclists.jpg?resize=750%2C420&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"420\" width=\"750\" alt=\"If you are you a really keen and serious cyclist, aspiring to train hard and become fitter and faster, then it is possible that a Garmin Edge bike computer would be a good choice for you\" class=\"slider-25127 slide-45526 msDefaultImage\" title=\"keen cyclists\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\"><div>Are Garmin Edge Bike Computers Worth It?<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\"><h3>Did you enjoy this post or find it helpful? If so, please support our blog!<\/h3><br \/>\n<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-43266 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Table-Picture-Joe-on-bike-in-desert-with-Adidas-bike-shirt-Nov-2023.jpg?resize=170%2C160&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"170\" height=\"160\" \/><br \/>\nWe write this blog because we love cycling. But we also need to earn a living, so we would appreciate it very much if you click through to one of our reputable affiliates for your online shopping. <a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2hqcg9Q\">We are proudly affiliated with Amazon,<\/a> which sells pretty much everything, and has outstanding shipping and return policies. When you buy from our affiliates we make a small commission, and this is the <strong>only way<\/strong> we earn any income. Plus, it costs you nothing at all - a real win\/win situation! We here at Average Joe Cyclist do not receive any information AT ALL about who you are, where you live, or what your dog's name is. Buying through our Amazon links is simply an anonymous way to thank us for our efforts, like tossing a few coins in a tip jar. Except that it is Amazon who tosses the coins, not you!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2dQ8qH2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shop at Amazon in the USA:<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><center><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.ca\/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=2406106011&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=avejoecyc-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shop at Amazon in Canada:<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><center><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1634&amp;creative=6738&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=324144011&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=avejoecyc-21\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shop at Amazon in the UK:<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\"><center><strong>As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-43 from cache -->\n<p><span style=\"border-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font: bold 11px\/20px 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #ffffff; background: #bd081c no-repeat scroll 3px 50% \/ 14px 14px; position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; top: 6847px; left: 60px;\">Save<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"border-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font: bold 11px\/20px 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #ffffff; background: #bd081c no-repeat scroll 3px 50% \/ 14px 14px; position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; top: 6847px; left: 60px;\">Save<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Over-training can lower testosterone levels. Lower testosterone levels decrease your body&#8217;s ability to repair and recover, so your fitness improvements may slow down or even stop. This post describes the warning signs of over-training that you should look out for. It also includes 4 tips to prevent over-training and boost testosterone levels.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":21256,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1268,2399],"tags":[1187,1188],"class_list":{"0":"post-21249","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cycling-tips-2","8":"category-cycling-training-plans","9":"tag-overtraining","10":"tag-testosterone","11":"entry"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.8 (Yoast SEO v25.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training &#8226; Average Joe Cyclist<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Over-training can lower testosterone levels. This post shares 3 warning signs of over-training and 4 tips to boost testosterone levels.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Over-training can lower testosterone levels. This post shares 3 warning signs of over-training and 4 tips to boost testosterone levels.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Average Joe Cyclist\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/averagejoe.cyclist\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/averagejoe.cyclist\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2017-02-18T23:11:04+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2020-09-01T19:56:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?fit=752%2C421&ssl=1\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"752\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"421\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Average Joe Cyclist\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@AvrgeJoeCyclist\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@AvrgeJoeCyclist\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Average Joe Cyclist\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/\",\"name\":\"How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training &#8226; Average Joe Cyclist\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?fit=752%2C421&ssl=1\",\"datePublished\":\"2017-02-18T23:11:04+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2020-09-01T19:56:29+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/#\/schema\/person\/5ed1d4c86d3fc3c7265efe25d3ad9dd7\"},\"description\":\"Over-training can lower testosterone levels. This post shares 3 warning signs of over-training and 4 tips to boost testosterone levels.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?fit=752%2C421&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?fit=752%2C421&ssl=1\",\"width\":752,\"height\":421,\"caption\":\"This post describes 3 warning signs of over-training that you should look out for. It also includes 4 tips to prevent over-training and boost testosterone levels. Testosterone is critical for recovery\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/\",\"name\":\"Average Joe Cyclist\",\"description\":\"A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/#\/schema\/person\/5ed1d4c86d3fc3c7265efe25d3ad9dd7\",\"name\":\"Average Joe Cyclist\",\"sameAs\":[\"http:\/\/www.averagejoecyclist.com\",\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/averagejoe.cyclist\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/author\/admin\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training &#8226; Average Joe Cyclist","description":"Over-training can lower testosterone levels. This post shares 3 warning signs of over-training and 4 tips to boost testosterone levels.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training","og_description":"Over-training can lower testosterone levels. This post shares 3 warning signs of over-training and 4 tips to boost testosterone levels.","og_url":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/","og_site_name":"Average Joe Cyclist","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/averagejoe.cyclist","article_author":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/averagejoe.cyclist\/","article_published_time":"2017-02-18T23:11:04+00:00","article_modified_time":"2020-09-01T19:56:29+00:00","og_image":[{"width":752,"height":421,"url":"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?fit=752%2C421&ssl=1","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Average Joe Cyclist","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@AvrgeJoeCyclist","twitter_site":"@AvrgeJoeCyclist","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Average Joe Cyclist","Est. reading time":"10 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/","url":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/","name":"How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training &#8226; Average Joe Cyclist","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?fit=752%2C421&ssl=1","datePublished":"2017-02-18T23:11:04+00:00","dateModified":"2020-09-01T19:56:29+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/#\/schema\/person\/5ed1d4c86d3fc3c7265efe25d3ad9dd7"},"description":"Over-training can lower testosterone levels. This post shares 3 warning signs of over-training and 4 tips to boost testosterone levels.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?fit=752%2C421&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?fit=752%2C421&ssl=1","width":752,"height":421,"caption":"This post describes 3 warning signs of over-training that you should look out for. It also includes 4 tips to prevent over-training and boost testosterone levels. Testosterone is critical for recovery"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/how-to-ensure-that-over-training-does-not-decrease-your-testosterone-levels\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/","name":"Average Joe Cyclist","description":"A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/#\/schema\/person\/5ed1d4c86d3fc3c7265efe25d3ad9dd7","name":"Average Joe Cyclist","sameAs":["http:\/\/www.averagejoecyclist.com","https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/averagejoe.cyclist\/"],"url":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/author\/admin\/"}]}},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Testosterone-is-critical-for-recovery.jpeg?fit=752%2C421&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p13QyJ-5wJ","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21249","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21249"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21249\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21256"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21249"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21249"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/averagejoecyclist.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21249"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}