Beginner here for bike riding

Autumnsun26
Autumnsun26 Posts: 83 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Okay here it is. I have recently lost 30 lbs using mfp. I went to classes for 3 months and now it is summertime and I just decided I want to use this time to be more active outside & for financial reasons and kids I just can't go. So I bought a bike with a wagon that my kids can sit in.

I am nervous riding like a little kid lol. This is my second ride this morning. I only went 5 mph & rode for 38 minutes. My legs are really sore. I am not sure if this is common when you first start riding. I have HUGE thighs and hoping that this can help with that issue.

Any tips for beginners?

Replies

  • gogoboobzilla
    gogoboobzilla Posts: 91 Member
    I don't have a bike right now, but when I did I preferred to ride in the metropark that had a 4.5 mile blacktop trail running through it. Even now since I've moved cross-country I have a nice paved trail that runs along the river less than a mile away. I'd definitely look for something like that - the lengths are often measured, they're pretty, and way less worry of cars etc.

    As far as the soreness goes, yep! Just like any other exercise you're likely to feel sore the first several times.
    My thighs didn't change at all from riding, but my calves got super solid.
  • imanaman
    imanaman Posts: 1
    I started biking not too long ago myself. Here are a few things that I have found make it loads easier:
    1. Yes, your legs and rump are going to hurt the first few times. You have to get used to a hard seat and using muscles that you haven't been using quite this way before.
    2. Biking pants really help. They have built in padding that cushions the seat. Baggy ones are available, not just the super tight kind. Just search "baggy bike shorts" on amazon and you'll get hits. They are pricey but WELL worth it.
    3. Make sure your bike is set up properly. Make sure the seat is at the right height and angle. A bike shop can help you get set up correctly or you can search for "proper bike seat height" and find lots of articles. If you are too low you will bend your legs at funky angles, could hurt your hips and won't get much power out of your peddling.
    4. Learn to ride well. YouTube has LOTS of tutorials on using gears, braking, etc. Shifting properly makes all the difference on hills.
    5. Be encouraged, I have found pretty fast results with biking. We have lots of hill here and the first few times at our local park I had to walk up a number of them. After two weeks I was cranking up most of them without getting off.
    6. Finally, WEAR A HELMET. Even the smallest fall could result in a head injury. Only people who don't ride think that bike helmets look dorky :)
    7. Stick with it and enjoy yourself.
  • Skiffee
    Skiffee Posts: 40 Member
    From one beginner to another:
    I just bought a stationary bike that I can use at home (because I'm way too self conscious and don't like to exercise where people might see me lol).
    The first few days I could barely get 45-60 minutes on resistance level 5 out of 16. I had to occasionally lower that to a 3 or so to give my legs a rest while still peddling too...
    After a few days, I gradually moved up to about resistance level 8 for a solid hour.
    After ten or so days, I was able to do most of that hour on a level 10 resistance.
    I've been riding it for about two and a half weeks now and I can just barely finish a 90 minute work out without taking it off 10 resistance.

    My thighs are by far the largest part of my body as well. Just one of those lucky things I got from my mother's side of the family!

    In short: Yeah, it's completely normal. My legs are really strong for my size and I nearly couldn't ride at all the third day due to soreness. :) It gets easier faster than you might think.
  • TheRunningGuppy
    TheRunningGuppy Posts: 651 Member
    Yes, soreness is normal. I bought a bike a couple months ago, and I thought I was gonna die the first few times I rode. And then I realized, the tires didn't have enough air, and my seat was too low. Fixed those issues, and it got so much easier. I also ride with my son in a seat on the bike, and the added weight does make it harder. Just glad my older son is able to ride on his own! It will get easier as you keep doing it.
  • stu1102
    stu1102 Posts: 129 Member
    I cycle a lot as part of my MFP weight loss journey

    As has been stated above I would endorse every point;

    ' Biking pants really help. They have built in padding that cushions the seat. Baggy ones are available, not just the super tight kind. Just search "baggy bike shorts" on amazon and you'll get hits. They are pricey but WELL worth it.
    3. Make sure your bike is set up properly. Make sure the seat is at the right height and angle. A bike shop can help you get set up correctly or you can search for "proper bike seat height" and find lots of articles. If you are too low you will bend your legs at funky angles, could hurt your hips and won't get much power out of your peddling.
    4. Learn to ride well. YouTube has LOTS of tutorials on using gears, braking, etc. Shifting properly makes all the difference on hills.
    5. Be encouraged, I have found pretty fast results with biking. We have lots of hill here and the first few times at our local park I had to walk up a number of them. After two weeks I was cranking up most of them without getting off.
    6. Finally, WEAR A HELMET. Even the smallest fall could result in a head injury. Only people who don't ride think that bike helmets look dorky '

    On point 6 get you kids a helmet too

    Finally get out on your bike, talk some water (not coke) with you and perhaps a banana.....with the wind in your hair and the perhaps the countryside passing by Im sure you will love every minute

    My wife and I are cycling from London to Paris next week so Im hoping to accelerate my weight loss

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