What am I doing wrong?

[FMCoug]

So after a couple of bike rides I some pretty major pain in my right side ... muscles along my rib cage have some big knots in them. Left side is a little sore but not like the right. I'm talking painful to cough kind of hurt on that side.

I assume this is a form issue ... thoughts?

[MikeWaters]

never heard of that.

[FMCoug]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

never heard of that.

I'm sure it's a fat guy thing ... leaning forward with the weight of my gut on those muscles ... but why right is worse than left is what's puzzling.

[RC Vikings]

Originally Posted by FMCoug

So after a couple of bike rides I some pretty major pain in my right side ... muscles along my rib cage have some big knots in them. Left side is a little sore but not like the right. I'm talking painful to cough kind of hurt on that side.

I assume this is a form issue ... thoughts?

Some yoga and pilates classes will take care of that problem.

[FMCoug]

Originally Posted by RC Vikings

Some yoga and pilates classes will take care of that problem.

Me in yoga would be REALLY funny. Maybe 50 lbs from now.

The guys on bikeforums seem to think it's a fit issue. Too much weight on the bars and I'm putting more of it on the right side. Going to try out some of their suggestions.

[mtnbiker310]

Allergic to exercise? Probably just sore ribcage muscles; they'll get used to the exercise and deep breathing soon.

[creekster]

Originally Posted by mtnbiker310

Allergic to exercise? Probably just sore ribcage muscles; they'll get used to the exercise and deep breathing soon.

I concur. Looking at your posted speed/distance, I am guessing you are not used to this exercuise at all. You may have sore msucles or even pulled a rib cage muscle which can be very painful. I very much doubt it is a fit issue (although it is possible).

[SteelBlue]

Awfully early to even notice a fit issue. I'm thinking it's just being sore in places you didn't even know could get sore. It gets better.

[FMCoug]

Originally Posted by SteelBlue

Awfully early to even notice a fit issue. I'm thinking it's just being sore in places you didn't even know could get sore. It gets better.

You're probably right. I took today off since the wind was blowing faster than I can ride. So hopefully it will be better tomorrow.

And UteStar's advice is good too ... I should take it easy and not try to conquer the world the first few weeks.

[BarbaraGordon]

Originally Posted by FMCoug

I'm sure it's a fat guy thing ... leaning forward with the weight of my gut on those muscles ... but why right is worse than left is what's puzzling.

It may be related to breathing. It's possible that the muscles that control your diaphragm and the supporting ligaments aren't used to working so hard. It could also be from improper breathing. (I know that sounds funny, but it's possible to breathe wrong. I know 'cause I've done pretty much everything wrong at one time or another. And I've heard I still wear the wrong shoes.) Anyhow, if breathing is the problem, those pains are more common on the right side because of the organs on the right side. You can get in the habit of stretching as far as you can to each side to stretch all those ligaments before you work out. Also, make sure your breaths aren't too shallow. Don't give up, though! It'll get easier.

Goose, if I got all that wrong, go easy on me.