Feeling it in my shoulders....

[stoneyloon]

I had my 3rd ride on Sunday morning. I got in just over 20 miles with just over 1,000ft of a climb.
I suffered the usual sore #rse but was really feeling it in my shoulders, is this usual? I'm fairly sure the bike is set up correctly for me.

Cheers,
Adam

 

[mjr]

It doesn't sound usual. It sounds like the bar position is wrong but it could be the saddle fore/aft position.

 

[Hacienda71]

If you are not used to riding yes your body will take time to get used to the new position you are holding it in, particularly if you are riding a bike set up in an aggressive position i.e. low bars and long stem. As your body adapts then you should ache less. If you are set up wrong you are more likely to suffer pain in the knees, feet, the hands and wrists.

 

[bpsmith]

Likely down to fit, as covered above, or gripping the bars too tightly.

 

[screenman]

A few pictures would get you better advice.

 

[stoneyloon]

I'll try and get some photos.

Cheers,
Adam.

 

[vickster]

What type of bike are you riding?

 

[winjim]

I expect you're tensing up whilst riding. Relax your arms, unclench your teeth, engage your core.

 

[123456789]

I have just returned to cycling after a longish hiatus and I also have sufferred with this. I think most of it is down to your body just getting used to it.

I would not rule out getting a proper bike fit even if the pain goes away as they are well worth the money (if done properly). I had a professional bike fit on my old bike and I remember one winter I missed about 2-3 months of cycling due to the weather (and also my laziness) but once I started again after that relatively short lay off I experienced the achy neck and shoulders for a brief time.

 

[ayceejay]

This is where core strength comes into the picture, if you are supporting the weight of your upper body with straight arms and no back up from your core you will get sore shoulders. As others have said, this will improve the more you ride but you could supplement this with some exercise specifically for core strength, Try to look at your technique too as being a beginner you may not have the necessary flexibility and will need to switch your hand position more often.

 

[drummerbod]

I too started cycling again just over 8 weeks ago and suffered as you did. After a few weeks of regular riding and it went.

 

[Katherine]

This is where core strength comes into the picture, if you are supporting the weight of your upper body with straight arms and no back up from your core you will get sore shoulders. As others have said, this will improve the more you ride but you could supplement this with some exercise specifically for core strength, Try to look at your technique too as being a beginner you may not have the necessary flexibility and will need to switch your hand position more often.

Pilates.

 

[vickster]

Pilates.

Aaaarrrr

Oh Pilates, not Pirates

 

[ayceejay]

I tried that Pirates once Vickster, it cost me an arm and a leg and I poked an eye out doing that Arrr Jim Lad maneuver -- I blame the parrot

 

[chewa]

I expect you're tensing up whilst riding. Relax your arms, unclench your teeth, engage your core.

+1 on this. It could be just tensing up if you are a bit cold. I tend to do this and end up with real pain in my left scapula.