Three Tips for Avoiding The Dreaded “Saddle Sores” of Biking

Don't get saddle sore!

For those who have become hardcore, die-hard cyclists, there is frequently a similar issue that arises: keeping your, well, butt comfortable while you’re riding. Let’s face it: cycling isn’t always the most attractive way to move through the world, and while you can heavily enjoy the kind of exercise it gives you, handling a bike seat improperly can lead to some even uglier aches and pains in your netherregions.

In order to tackle this issue, this article will present three tips for avoiding these so-called “saddle sores.” Believe me – the serious cyclists out there will really want to pay attention here.

Tip #1: Don’t be afraid to vary your movement.

Just because you want to have a good workout doesn’t mean you can’t take occasional breaks and – gasp! – get off of the seat for a minute or two. If you’re feeling tired, take a good rest with a water break. Stand over your bike, allowing yourself to “re-set” and take some of the pressure off of your unmentionable areas. Believe me, even a little bit of rest in this way can go a long way to improving your durability, as well as your comfort during off-time.

Tip #2: Work consciously on your bike fit.

Don’t just adjust your bike fit one time – take a really proactive approach to your bike fit. It’s not all about setting your seat at a certain height and squeezing the metal so that it stays there as long as possible. It’s about finding the right spot that will help you feel comfortable over the long term.

Track where you keep your bike seat as well as your comfort levels – take notes if necessary. Test different positions, and monitor when you feel the best. You’d be surprised at how much you can improve your comfort when you take this proactive approach.

Tip #3: Change clothes. Seriously!

If you’re not changing your bike clothes right after you get off the bike, you can really add to your discomfort. Sweaty, salty, ragged exercise clothes are meant for the hamper, not to adorn your skin for those precious post-workout minutes, so try to get in your shower as quickly as is safely possible. Make sure you have some comfortable clothes handy to change into.

With these three tips alone, you should be ready to tackle longer challenges to your endurance comfortably. There’s nothing worse than putting in the effort and exertion of a great exercise, only to have it cut short by something you could have controlled.

Photo Credits: striatic

Originally posted 2009-05-12 05:57:02.

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