Lower tummy sore from cycling?

MarkN

Been getting used to the bike now for the last week or so, one thing I have noticed, today my stomach feels like I have done 500 sit ups?! I wouldn't have thought the bike would exercise this part of the body but obviously it does.

My left knee is really quite sore too, I think I need to take a rest day! Anyone use anything for their knees?

banaco73

have you just started cycling or is it just a new bike?

What is you pedal set up?

If you are getting sore Knee it could be your foot position. if you have just started cycling try resting for a few day and then get back to it at a slower rate

MarkN

Cycled from a kid up to 18 years of age, took a break and I'm 25. Been in a gym on and off since then and the muscles in my legs from my cycling days are still very much there but I am getting back into it properly now yep. Did Castleknock to Ballsbridge return today without any real problems but both parts are sore now alright.

I have the option of driving tomorrow so without wanting to feel like a quitter, I think I might.

uberwolf

a solid set of core muscles is vital for cycling, as it is effectively what is used as a lever for your legs. If you had a particularly weak stomach I wouldn't be shocked - sounds like you're shocking you're system into life. Don't presume you're set up is appropriate though.

I always found the wet cold days troublesome for my knees, presuming you're wearing the lycra a set of knee warmers wouldn't go a miss until the colder months when there is no escaping the requirement for tights.

MarkN

The pedal set up I had checked when I bought the bike, the saddle is at the height where my leg is fully extended when I put my heel on the pedal so it should be ok.

I was just wearing my work clothes, haven't taken the tights plunge just yet

banaco73

If you are just getting back to it try every second day bike if possible after about a week try 2 days on and one day off and the same again 3 days on 1 day off until you build up the the full week.

It will be a bit of a shock to you knees and you do not want to do any damage

take the tights plunge and get youself kitted out properly for the trip this will all help with comfort

MarkN

Do you need to get the shoes to go with the tights or could you wear anything with them? Can they be used as rain trousers too?

Sorry for the questions, pretty new to all this gear stuff aside from the bike part.

Sean02

Mark I think you have two seperate problems. Tummy and Knee. Could the Tummy problem be caused by the wrong size frame. If the bar to saddle is distance is too long this may cause stomach muscle problems. Regarding the sadle /pedal distance the importance of the knee been slightly flexed when pedal is bottom dead centre is whats important. Also are you using the gears correctly starting off at traffic lights or late changing on climbs is a sure way of wrecking your knees. Don't give up. see you up the road.

MarkN

I get what you are saying about the slightly bent knee but I did check that out when buying it and it was all fine, I'd say my lower abs are just not used to it - if anything I would love to have the saddle higher.

There are a few hills on the way, nothing too major but I could probably plan the gears a bit better on them.

I'm just using the middle cog for normal stuff, smaller one for up hill and larger for speed - usual stuff.

kenmc

do you mean the only gear changes you make are on the front, and not the rear - i.e. you only select from 3 gears, leaving the rear gear set at the same one?

MarkN

Nope not at all, should've explained that a bit better.

I just meant I was using all the gears. Ah I'm not that bad, I've been using bikes since I was knee high!

kenmc

phew!

banaco73

The best thing is to get back at your ease do not try to run before you can walk as the saying goes.

do not take the bike everyday of the week and build up to the full week

seamus

banaco73 wrote:

The best thing is to get back at your ease do not try to run before you can walk as the saying goes.

do not take the bike everyday of the week and build up to the full week

I agree. I would have been in the same position as the OP - cycled a lot up to 18, then stopped completely, and only started again properly a few months ago. I've dodgy knees anyway, and I can remember the first week or two, my left knee would "click" and occasionally be sore after getting off the bike. It just went away for me, but I would advise that if your knee gets even more painful, or doesn't feel better after a day of rest, then it may be worth consulting a physio.

I was badly out of practice, and I found that trying to do two days in a row usually ended up with extreme fatigue in my legs the third day, but if I took a break every second day (so cycle Mon, Wed, Fri) I'd be fine. I can easily do five days a week now (though I badly need the weekend break).

MarkN

I was on the bike again today (was a BEAUTIFUL morning for cycling in!) and I feel great.

Sound advice Seamus, I have that click in my left knee alright but even yesterday when I drove in my knee felt a lot better by yesterday afternoon.

One thing I have noticed, you get a lot more time to check out the fairer sex walking on the path than what you do when driving

Does anyone here feel that if you are cycling 20 kms return Mon-Fri that is enough exercise for your body or would you be inclined to do more??

Victor

MarkN wrote:

Does anyone here feel that if you are cycling 20 kms return Mon-Fri that is enough exercise for your body or would you be inclined to do more??

Plenty for Joe Bloggs, just be aware that it all goes into your lower body and none to your upper body.

seamus

Victor wrote:

Plenty for Joe Bloggs, just be aware that it all goes into your lower body and none to your upper body.

Not that it's a major issue unless you have chicken arms. Your body will naturally distribute excess fat, so it's not a case that you'll end up with rock hard, well-defined legs, and a big beer belly and flabby arms. You will get better definition and stronger legs, but as you lose weight, your body will continue to distribute it evenly around your body.

Finner

I have been getting the same knee problem and I thought about investing in clip in shoes and peddles or maybe just the peddles with cages. Maybe you should try that out if you don't already have them. That way your feet can pull up as well as pushing down and it will take more of the strain it will also help to keep your foot in place and your knee might not have to move around so much. Just a thought Happy cycling!

Raam

Finner wrote:

I have been getting the same knee problem and I thought about investing in clip in shoes and peddles or maybe just the peddles with cages. Maybe you should try that out if you don't already have them. That way your feet can pull up as well as pushing down and it will take more of the strain it will also help to keep your foot in place and your knee might not have to move around so much. Just a thought Happy cycling!

remember to have your cleats properly aligned as you don't want them forcing your leg into an unnatural angle

Victor

seamus wrote:

Not that it's a major issue unless you have chicken arms. Your body will naturally distribute excess fat, so it's not a case that you'll end up with rock hard, well-defined legs, and a big beer belly and flabby arms. You will get better definition and stronger legs, but as you lose weight, your body will continue to distribute it evenly around your body.

Sure, but when I was 18 I was doing 160-200km a week and had great legs, but relatively puny arms.

jaycummins

ever try rowing? its like cyclings best friend. if you need to get a big upper body, join a rowing club. ive been rowing for a year and im basically in the best shape of my life. and if your a cyclist, you legs will be well used to the burn of lactic acid. seriosly, try it out man it works your ENTIRE body so if our getting a bit of an uneven body shape just start rowing or if you dont have the time just go to the gym and do some bench press, pull ups, bend pull and some curls and youll be evened out in no time. you should give rowing a shot if you have the time. cycle to training to warm up and cycle back to warm down. hope your knees are better.

Victor

jaycummins wrote:

ever try rowing?

I actually gave it up about when I started cycling.

Of course, with cycling, you don't get the occassion dig in the kidneys from an oar that has the force of a one-two tonne boat at speed behind it. :eek: