Helpful Cycling Tips for Overweight and Obese Women

Cycling is an ideal form of exercise for overweight and obese. With full determination, proper outlook and right methods, cycling can be so much fun for overweight or obese. Here are some effective tips in order to have a comfortable and convenient cycling experience:

Make Your Bike Right

If you have a hand-me-down or your current bike just hurts to ride, maybe it just doesn’t fit your body properly. All you need is a new saddle or shorter handlebar stem. You could go for a bike fitting at your local bike shop or consult a professional.

Match your bike right

It’s important to match the bike to your planned use. Don’t be afraid to test ride different types of bikes before deciding.

Pick the Right Bike Shop

This is crucial. If you don’t feel like the staff is listening to your needs or taking you seriously, go elsewhere. Don’t be intimidated, you have as much right to buy a quality bike as the skinny guy beside you. Visit the shop when it’s not busy so the staff will have more time to entertain and accommodate your needs.

Besides the correct size of frame, make sure to ask if the frame material is appropriate for your weight.

Sit On the Right Saddle

All bottoms are different, but the right saddle does exist. If your butt hurts or you feel pressure on your sensitive parts, the saddle could be the culprit. Make the saddle level or slightly tilt the nose down. A pointed-up saddle puts pressure on the soft tissues at the front of the crotch.

Thankfully, there are more women’s saddles to choose from than ever and no need to let discomfort stop you from cycling.

Also, bear in mind that it will be of big importance if you avoid men’s saddles as they are too narrow for a woman’s wider pelvis and sit bones.

Get the Right Gearing

Given the chance, get a bike with three chain rings. A ‘triple’ has an extra little chain ring with about 30 teeth. It’s called a ‘granny’ for good reason! It helps both the old and overweight climb hills.

Wear the Right Clothes

You need to wear cycling shorts for a ride longer than 30 minutes. The extra padding is more comfortable and prevents chaffing on the inner thighs.

You also need a pair of cycling gloves. They provide a more comfy grip and reduce the pressure on the handlebars. A helmet is not legally required, but smart cyclists don’t leave home without one! Unfortunately, many local bike shops just don’t carry sizes for big women. Usually, they sell ‘pro fit’ jerseys and shorts rather than ‘relaxed fit’. Still, if you find a brand you like, check to see if it comes in larger and order it in. Any top that wicks away the sweat will work, but a cycling-specific jersey comes with three back pockets to carry that cell phone, banana, or sunscreen.

Learn the Right Road Rules

Finally, a class may be just what you need to feel more confident cycling around the city. Consider joining a class with well-trained instructors and an institution that offers a variety of “can-bike” courses for children and adults.

Cycling can mean many various things to different people. It is a less expensive and eco-friendly transportation mode, a good way to explore the city, a very relaxing pastime, a competitive sport, and a great physical workout. Whatever the reason for riding, this activity can offer a wide range benefits to one’s health and being an outdoor activity provides way more advantages than going to the gym, attending a fitness class, or playing an indoor sport.

https://youtu.be/41Iu3Zwruq8