Cycling and fitness?

EmmaSophia

It's perfectly normal to struggle when you first start cycling, especially if you're used to hiking. After all, they are two very different activities that use different muscle groups. When you're hiking, most of the work is done by your legs, but when you're cycling, your arms, legs, and core all have to work together.

It can take a little bit of time to get used to the new movement, but once you do, you'll be able to ride for hours without getting tired. In the meantime, just keep practicing and before you know it, you'll be cruising with ease.

DaveyDave

On the opposite side, I was regularly cycling 100-200km per week and had 2 years of cycling behind me when I started running, I could barely do the first 90 second jog on the couch to 5k plan...

Two different sports, different muscles, different efforts etc.

RebelButtMunch

Are you able to monitor your heart rate when cycling; I found that keeping mine down below 140 led to a far more enjoyable cycle and minimal recovery needed.

cletus

You're not really using _different_ muscle groups. It's more that you're using the same muscles, but differently, and with a different emphasis on prime mover, stabilisers etc. depending on the activity.

The major muscles in the legs involved in flexion and extension of the hip and knee joints are the quads, hamstrings, glutes and calf.

There aren't a different set of muscles you can use to do these actions, but you can stress them in different ways that, if you're unused to, will result in fatiguing quicker

sporina

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119429062#Comment_119429062

wow are you a physio?

sporina

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119429062#Comment_119429062

wow are you a physio?

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119430666#Comment_119430666

Nope, I'm an English teacher 😀

magicbastarder

Which means he's qualified to know the difference between a muscle and a mussel.

PaulieC

Probably knows a decent descent when he sees one too.

magicbastarder

yes, one where you're not on the breaks constantly.

Macy0161

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119428791#Comment_119428791

I find I can run no problem, because of the aerobic fitness, but I get serious DOMS. Actually my 10km PB was in a tri when I hadn't run for a couple of months due to ITB issues!