3. Ouch, my seat!
Ladies, you may remember one less-than-comfortable aspect of cycling from your girlhood: post-cycling discomfort between your legs from sitting on the seat. This usually goes away after the first few rides of the season, but if not, it could be perineal pain resulting from pressure on the vagina and vulva. "If it [pain] persists, it's perineal," says Dr. Cohen.
Perineal pain can result from an improper seat angle, or from using a seat that's not designed for women. Make sure the seat isn't angled upwards, and if you become aware of the problem on an ongoing basis, check your seat position with help from the professionals at your local bike store.
Persistent pain
Be aware that some aches last longer than others, and require medical attention.
"People should expect that for the first few rides of the season, they should have some aches and pains. As the body adapts to the exercise, most of these should go away," says Dr. Cohen. "But for persistent symptoms that can't be adjusted by the bicycle ergonomics, then riders should seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment strategies."
Hit the road for good health
The health benefits of cycling give you every reason to hit the road. Cycling can help to improve cardiovascular fitness, balance and coordination, and relieve anxiety and depression. "It can be an effective social outlet as well. This is something the whole family can enjoy together," says Dr. Cohen. Like other forms of regular fitness, cycling helps to combat obesity, hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol problems.
Plus, there's nothing like the wind in your hair as you cycle down a winding road to lift your spirits. Choose a bike that fits you well, practice a few good habits, and you'll reduce your chances of injury, while you discover the same feeling of freedom and adventure you had as a child, freewheeling around the neighbourhood on your bike.
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