tense or relaxed?

[Kitsune06]

I think there's a sort of zen balance to be sought. IF your bike is set up right (in the world of ideals, etc) you should be able to find a comfortable way to settle with your pelvis in a neutral position, sit-bones on the saddle, proper knee-over-pedal-spindle and a relaxed sort of position to the arms/shoulders so you're in the happy medium between stretched out and curled up, where your arms/shoulders/chest are kept loose to allow for proper breathing etc. If you're tensing too much to compensate for things (tightening the core too much to maintain a pelvis-neutral position, or shifting hands often because you're putting too much weight on them) you may need to adjust your bike.

[gingergin]

Yes - I am in a constant state of adjusting seat, handlebars right now. It sounds like I should keep experimenting to achieve a bit of relaxation....I spent some time on a LifeCycle a few weeks ago, and though it was a horrible position for riding, it made me realize that I am too tense when I ride because I was extremely relaxed on the Lifecycle!

[stacie]

I was just telling my boss that I say "Ahhhhhh" as I throw my leg over my bike. He said"That's odd, I say AHHHH as I get off my bike.
I've really learned to relax, plug my shoulders in this year. I did a marathon last year and it taught me alot about staying relaxed. I remember a champion marathoner saying he stayed so relaxed during a race that it was almost like sleeping.

[Chile Pepper]

I was getting really tense on the bike when I first started back, until my husband reminded me to move my hands around. It really helps keep me from getting locked in, as it were. I use six or seven different positions and also shake out my arms every now and then. I still spend most of my time on the hoods, but I make an effort to shift around.