How long do you ride for? Beginner!

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Hi

I am new to cycling and have just invested in a women's saddle - wow! has made such a difference (am still sore but nowhere near as much). I am pretty overweight and not very fit so I am hoping to cycle 3 times a week in order to improve my fitness, do something about my huge flabby thighs and lose some weight (even a couple of pounds would be right direction!)

Anyway, I've got a couple of questions:

1. I went out today and cycled for about 40mins, I really went for it and by the time I got home, my legs were aching and I was sweating and out of breath but really enjoyed it and felt like I'd had a good workout. However, this doesn't seem very long to ride for, I was thinking I would have to do at least an hour to get any benefit but I don't think I could have done another 20mins. Do you think 40mins 3 times a week will make a difference? (i went off road on cycle paths and lot of short steep bits)

2. Does the pain in your 'undercarriage' wear off when you get a bit more used to cycling? ie: do you experienced riders not get sore bits anymore or is that just something you have to put up with?

3. Is it ok to freewheel sometimes or is the idea to keep peddling all the way around? I had to have a break every now and then on the downhill bits.

As you can see I'm a total beginner but loved the ride I went on today so would greatly appreciate any advice.

Thanks
Clare

http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0147.htm


Here's some info on periodization training, there's a lot of info available depending on specific goals you have. Don't forget to check with a doctor if you have any potential health concerns associated with an increased excercise load.

You did just good. At first, ride until you are tired - do not push yourself too hard. vary your speed, fast, slow. after you get in shape, then ...get more info re training - but the main thing now is - just ride, don't give up.

Cycling burns a lot of calories. I have lost 30 lbs. since the beginning of the year by riding 3-4 times a week, 45-60 min at a time. Just stick to it. You'll notice a big difference

You'll be less sore in time. It takes me about a week to get readjusted to my saddle every spring. A good pair of bike shorts really help.

Hi Clare,

Welcome to the wonderful world of cycling.

I think you are doing well - 40mins 3 times a week is a good start. And yes - the sore areas don't hang around for ever.

You will soon find that you'll be riding longer and hills will get easier, but you may even start to like hills - I've got five main rides I go on around my town, some are hilly and they tend to be my favourite, I always get a good "buzz" after the ride if it is a little harder. But, most of all enjoy your ride, and enjoy your bike.

Hi

I try to get out around three times a week as well. Usually for an hour and a half to two hours, depending on what bike I am riding and the terrain.

Like yesterday morning, I went up our local forest which is around a two hour cycle including getting there and back!! :) I am pretty lucky to have some nice places to go and have an Ordnance Survey map which helps me find new routes.

I have just got a road bike and find that I can knock off about 30 mins of my routes, same distance, just less time to complete it. I hope, with practice, that I will get better with it. Takes time though, I suppose!

I used to be a total lard-ass and hated the thought of getting on my bike, but now I am addicted!

Have FUN.

LN1 :)

Just ride as much as you feel comfortable with. Don't push yourself too hard, don't make it something hard you will dread doing and avoid. If you enjoy it, you will do it more often, and then you will s-l-o-w-l-y start to gain muscle and lose fat. (As long as you don't start eating more than you used to!)

Try to embreace the JOY of riding a bike, and you will make it part of your longterm lifestyle change. Good for YOU!!!