New to bicycling -- sore sit bones

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lesliefb
lesliefb Posts: 88 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey all - I hope there are some bicyclists out there who might be able to offer some advice. I'm happy to report I found an exercise that I enjoy -- bicycling. I've been out with the kids on a 2.5-3 mile ride for the last 4 days in a row. I am looking forward to building up to longer rides. It's been a good start, but my sit bones are quite sore. I've read that it's pretty normal for a newbie. I have a least 50-75lb to lose, so I'm guessing my weight on that tiny seat doesn't help. But I do have a good bike and saddle from a proper bike shop. Should I keep going for my daily bike rides and just deal with the soreness til it goes away, or should I rest a day or two? Not worried about "falling off the wagon" because the kids will keep pestering me to go! lol

Thanks for advice!
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Replies

  • susanr613
    susanr613 Posts: 22
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    Hate to tell you this, but even after losing 50 pounds and now being at goal, I still get sore....but it takes a lot longer! I don't bike more than a day in a row. I belong to a gym, so I do other cardio like the elliptical machine. Now that it's summer, I walk and run too. Investing in padded bike shorts has helped me too.

    I'm glad you found something that you like - take a break now and then, and enjoy!
  • bikingpanda
    bikingpanda Posts: 68 Member
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    Hello,
    I would take a day off. 4 days in a row for a beginner can be a lot on the sit bones. I would also suggest that the day following be a light ride. You will build up in time. You may also want to try the bicycling group for help as well.

    https://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/361-bicycling-road-and-mountain
  • onetoughmudder
    onetoughmudder Posts: 25
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    I'd ride it out, and maybe get some padded shorts.

    Welcome to the addiction, btw. I love cycling. For me, so much more fun than jogging, and SO much easier on the body.
  • Leadfoot_Lewis
    Leadfoot_Lewis Posts: 1,623 Member
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    2 things - Have your bike fitted to you @ a bike shop. Also, get some biking shorts with chamois in them.
  • judykat7
    judykat7 Posts: 576 Member
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    For a few years I wrapped my "tiny" seat in a sweatshirt with duct tape. Just recently I bought a different seat that actually has some seat room! All the difference in the world. It was not a fancy seat at all but sure makes it more comfortable. I am thinking that 2 1/2 to 3 miles isn't so much that you would need a break. I am also guessing (maybe incorrectly) that you are not really going as fast and hard as you can with kids in tow. The tilt on the seat makes a huge difference for my soreness as well. I am no professional at it by any means though, just someone that got sore butt from riding. I ride 3-4 times a week 8-13 miles each time. Stay with it though, it is great exercise.
  • ninjakitty419
    ninjakitty419 Posts: 349 Member
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    I have that problem as well, and also (stop reading now if you are uncomfy with TMI) my vag falls asleep!! I am assuming it is all the weight probably cutting of ciculation down there, but I dont know anyone else with that problem.
  • larsensue
    larsensue Posts: 461 Member
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    you can get larger seats now (my mom has one that is 2X the size of mine) that are very comfortable. also try a padded seat cover(also can buy them at any bike store or even walmart).
  • celtbell3
    celtbell3 Posts: 738 Member
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    Cycling is a passion! Enjoy it. You can get bike shorts, with padding. As someone else suggested, you can also just take a day to rest. You will probably remain sore for a while until your sit bones are more accepting! Enjoy it!!!!
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
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    +1 for bike shorts. They feel like you're wearing a diaper at first but your sit bones will thank you.....
  • mreeves261
    mreeves261 Posts: 728 Member
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    I say invest in either some padded shorts or a padded seat cover. I put in a minimum of 20 miles every Saturday and the gel padded seat cover has saved me more than a few tears. As I become more advanced I will worry about better bike, attire, computing, etc.

    I would take a break until I put some padding between my bones and the saddle if I were you. As far as distance goes you're good to do that every day if you want, IMO.

    Keep cycling and enjoy the sense of childhood that comes back with it!!!
  • 43932452
    43932452 Posts: 7,246 Member
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    So far this year all mine has been indoor. I'm waiting until
    later in the season to go on my outdoor rides. Unfortunately
    that is my biggest drawback. A sore rear ..
    They do sell saddles, my bike
    has an awful one and the type I need isn't great .. have you
    thought about taking your bike to a nearby bike shoppe and
    trying out new saddles? Men/wmn have dif pressure points
    so you'll need a female specific one. Hope this helps. :)
  • mreeves261
    mreeves261 Posts: 728 Member
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    I have that problem as well, and also (stop reading now if you are uncomfy with TMI) my vag falls asleep!! I am assuming it is all the weight probably cutting of ciculation down there, but I dont know anyone else with that problem.

    Might I suggest you tilt the nose of your saddle down. You are putting all you weight, pretty much all, of your tender bit. If you are loosing feeling then you need to stop until you figure out why or you could cause some serious, in-correctable damage!
  • lesliefb
    lesliefb Posts: 88 Member
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    I have that problem as well, and also (stop reading now if you are uncomfy with TMI) my vag falls asleep!! I am assuming it is all the weight probably cutting of ciculation down there, but I dont know anyone else with that problem.

    I actually just saw a great video on that exact problem. http://bicyclelab.com/bicycle-saddle-pain-and-discomfort/ They talk about the anatomy of both men and women and how it relates to a bicycle seat. Sounded like the sit bone problem was just a matter of getting used to it, but the other problems of pain or things falling asleep should probably be corrected with changes to posture or to your bike's seat.
  • judykat7
    judykat7 Posts: 576 Member
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    I have that problem as well, and also (stop reading now if you are uncomfy with TMI) my vag falls asleep!! I am assuming it is all the weight probably cutting of ciculation down there, but I dont know anyone else with that problem.

    Me too! And then all tingly when I get off and walk around. The tilt fixed it for the most part and I am careful not to wear any kind of shorts with prominent seams. Can't be hurting our deals!
  • lesliefb
    lesliefb Posts: 88 Member
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    Hello,
    I would take a day off. 4 days in a row for a beginner can be a lot on the sit bones. I would also suggest that the day following be a light ride. You will build up in time. You may also want to try the bicycling group for help as well.

    https://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/361-bicycling-road-and-mountain

    Thanks! Love your profile pic. Think it probably looks a bit like me on a bike. LOL!
  • DaveFassett
    DaveFassett Posts: 12 Member
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    I have that problem as well, and also (stop reading now if you are uncomfy with TMI) my vag falls asleep!! I am assuming it is all the weight probably cutting of ciculation down there, but I dont know anyone else with that problem.

    Had the same problem (male parts though) with numbness until I bought a new seat with a cutout to relieve pressure... butt still gets sore after about mile 15 or so, but numbness is gone :)
  • wendamabelle
    wendamabelle Posts: 25 Member
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    I had this problem when I started riding. I took 4 days off and switched things up with Zumba for a bit and haven't had any problems since.
    A rest will do you no harm as long as you get back up in the saddle :)
  • crzycylr
    crzycylr Posts: 78 Member
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    I love to ride!!! And you can actually go places and see things too!! I never ride more than two days in a row. Do you have a gel seat? Make sure that you are stretching out your legs and inner thighs before you ride, that should help some. I always feel that the soreness the next day reminds me that I'm a BAD A#@ rider!! So, keep it up, eventually you will get used to it. Excellent way to burn calories!
  • lesliefb
    lesliefb Posts: 88 Member
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    Thanks everyone! Very encouraging advice. I'll see what they say up at the local bike shop, too. Guessing it will be easier to find padding for my bicycle seat than padding for *my* seat. haha. Plus size women's sports gear and clothing is usually something you can only find online. I'll take some motrin and see how I feel tomorrow -- maybe just do a mile or so to keep the daily routine in tact.

    I work from home, and I'm thinking a lunch time bike ride may become part of my new schedule.
  • romyhorse
    romyhorse Posts: 694 Member
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    Definitely get your seat checked to make sure it's adjusted properly, you should be sitting on your seat bones. Also, a lot of the pain is caused by lack of circulation so you should stand up on your pedals every 10 minutes to let the blood flow. And definitely invest in a pair of padded shorts (or capris, which I wear as they are much more flattering) if you intend to cycle regularly.

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