After Years of Chronic Back Pain, This Cyclist Lost 51 Pounds With His Peloton and Never Felt Better
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Name: Mark Danisewicz
Age: 43
Hometown: Pelham, New Hampshire
Occupation: eCommerce
Time Cycling: Just under 3 years
Reason for Cycling: I wanted something that would give me a good workout, but that I would enjoy. Peloton’s offering of live classes allowed me to be competitive, and not get bored with the workouts.
We joked a lot, when I was younger, that I was a ‘husky’ kid. In college, I was able to lose a bit of weight due to being so active all the time. Over the last 20+ years though, I added a few pounds each year. I was still active with hiking and exercise, but I obviously was taking in more calories than I was working off. My meals were typically very large, and I also drank a lot more than probably recommended.
One thing that motivated me to lose weight was that I really wanted to go skydiving—but I exceeded the weight limit. (This summer I was able to knock that off the bucket list!)
I also have dealt with back issues all my life. I am 6’4” and reached my full height by eighth grade, which doctors have told me was the main cause of my chronic issues with my back. (I have herniated discs.) Having extra pounds on my frame also did not help, so I also knew if I lost weight, a healthier back would be one of the benefits.
Before I started this journey, I was told I was one flare up away from back surgery. That scared me enough into wanting to make some permanent changes.
However, my turning point was actually a photo I received from a friend in December of 2019. The photo was of me and her son, and it was at my heaviest weight. I had just turned 40, and I honestly did not like what I saw. It was at that point I decided I needed to make a change.
I started in December of 2019 before the pandemic was in full swing. The biggest issue I had initially was increasing my workouts, while also cutting back on my caloric intake. Cutting some of the alcohol out of my routine also proved to be a challenge, but in the end, I found that a balance of everything worked really well.
Finding a workout regime I loved, while also being smarter with what I ate and drank, ended up being the combination that allowed me to drop 50 pounds over the last three years.
I had used an elliptical for years, and running typically caused flare-ups with my back. So I decided to try out Peloton.
I started off with shorter classes a couple times a week. Before long, I really started to get into it, and I was riding at least 12 miles daily. I started with at least 30 minutes a day on the bike, and then increased to an hour a day. Sometimes this was two or three different classes.
Then, I started adding specific classes to my schedule, and looked forward to them each day. I noticed that I started to drop more pounds as I increased my time on the bike. The live classes are very motivating, since every ride feels like a race for me. When a live ride is not available, I will do one of the recorded rides to ensure I get my time in.
My body slowly changed, and I became much more powerful on the bike. At the same time, my resistance and cadence increased, and I started to see the pounds fall off.
Since the purchase of the Peloton, I also bought a new Trek mountain bike, and started getting into outdoor road and trail rides.
Now, I typically get a ride in the morning, and then another ride again after work. On the weekends, I don’t always have access to a Peloton, which makes it perfect for a road ride in the morning. The key is to always get something in.
Often, I find myself upset if I miss a day due to an event or something, so I am constantly trying to find the time to work it in even if I only have 20 minutes. (The Peloton app has just about every class duration to fit into any busy day, which is helpful.) I used to find working out a chore, but now I find it a necessity to my relaxation and wellbeing.
Making changes to my diet was also huge for me. I made a lot of adjustments, and over the last couple years this has evolved into what I see as a sustainable lifestyle.
I limit alcohol consumption to the weekends, and I cut out a significant amount of snacking. When I do get ‘snack-y’ during the week, I have a large amount of fresh fruits and vegetables in the fridge, always prepped and at my disposal, and also supplement with some habanero almonds. Fresh fruit and Rx Bars are also a way to help satisfy a post-dinner sweet tooth or when I want a supplemental snack.
I feel so much better, and that is the most important thing! I have found that now I can hike faster and am much less sore after. And the fact that I was also able to go skydiving after so many years of not being able to was amazing! I also no longer dread clothes shopping and even getting dressed up from time to time.
These tips have made my cycling journey a success:
1. Set a routine
I built a realistic routine that I could consecutively meet. It was not outlandish, and knowing each day that it was going to be part of my day made it much easier to stay consistent.
2. Build up and set new goals
I had various weight goals over the last couple years, and I increased my goal each time I met one. I also increased my time on the bike and the difficulty of each ride. I want to always be challenging myself and setting new goals. The key I’ve found is to set new goals based on the goals I’ve already completed—that way I know my goals are realistic and building positively upon one another.
3. Enjoy it
The bike is so ingrained into my daily routine that I miss it when it’s not available. I have even found myself on vacation looking for a bike to use. Instead of dreading the workout, I want to get it in!
4. Be patient
Don’t be discouraged if you fluctuate a bit at first. Losing a few pounds, then putting a few back on, then losing it again, is just part of the adjustment. You will learn over time what works, and what doesn’t. Last month, my wife and I were able to finish 48 of the 4,000-foot mountains in New Hampshire, and looking back on those pictures I can see how much the bike has changed my body over the years. I am looking forward to the next big goal now!
Mark’s Must-Have Gear
→Peloton Bike: Honestly this was the key to my goals. Having something so challenging, and instructors available to push you, and give you a different experience each time was monumental!
→Vuori Shorts: I never in a million years would have thought I would have spent extra money on shorts like these, but now they are part of my workouts and style. I love the fact that I can not only wear them out, but that they are also great exercise shorts. They are comfortable, while providing great support.
→RXBars: I use to do Clif bars, but these are much more tasty, and also have simpler ingredients. On my way home from work, I will often have a bar, and then jump on the bike for a ride. They provide that perfect boost of energy needed.
→Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds: These actually stay in my ears no matter how sweaty I get. They are also key for my early morning workouts when my wife is still sleeping.
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