Help! Don't know how to relax ..........

[DeniseGoldberg]

If you use your abs & back muscles to support your upper body, you won't need to have the full weight of your body (and the associated pressure) on your hands.

Also - make sure you aren't riding with your elbows locked. A slight bend is a good thing.

--- Denise

[FreshNewbie]

This is amazing how supportive women at this forum are!
Reading all the posts I am actually thinking to consider getting myself clipless soon, but before this I want to get control of that "relaxation" problem I have. Riding in my Nike Shox is not something I wanna do for much longer

Marina

[slinkedog]

Hey Fresh! Welcome aboard!

I, too, was having tension issues. One thing that helps me is using breathing techniques. I try to regulate my breathing as much as possible and concentrate on it. It also helps me to make sure I'm not locking my elbows, change hand positions frequently and roll my shoulders often.

[loni0908k]

No clipless yet? I know most people wouldn't recommend this, but I started with clipless the first day I got on the bike. It's amazing how much more "connected" (literally & figuratively) you feel to your bike. It helps you feel as though the bike is just an extension of yourself and it helps your motions become more fluid - and so less wobbling. Something to think about. Also, I know there are a lot of opinions about which clipless brands to try, but as a newbie myself (my boyfriend also started me on this addiction), I LOVE look pedals! They're easier to clip in and out of (for a newbie) and they provide a larger base of support on your foot - check them out!http://www.lookcyclesusa.com/pp-a5-1.htm

[FreshNewbie]

Well, I actually tried clipless on my boyfriends bike ( we are the same height) and I was thinking on getting them right away. But then when I started to have all these problems with relaxing and the bike would just get out of control, I thought that clipless are too early for me since I can't even control the bike. Well now I am really considering it......Hope to go riding this weekend, will see how it will go. Skiing black diamond seems easier to me now than go clipless but I am going to be persistant.

[SadieKate]

Hi there! And welcome!

I have the same problem when I'm mtnbiking along the edge of something where there is nothing but air off to the side. Like slinke, I concentrate on my breathing and I also concentrate on looking far out into the distance. As I get tense I tend to focus closer and closer in front of my wheel which is a no-no on the road or trail. It makes it hard to ride a clean, straight line.

I have found the breathing exercises used in yoga are a great deal of help. They help me to focus, relax and block out the bad thoughts. I literally tell my brain to shut up and let my body do what it knows how to do. I try to do this silently so as not to alarm my fellow riders.

[FreshNewbie]

I definatelly will try it this weekend, and I did notice that as soon as i start looking on my frong wheel or just close infront of me I tighten up and freak out :-) Looking farther forward does help a lot. Can't wait to get out riding this weekend. I used to do Yoga, and when I ride I definatelly try to control my breathing, but then I just catch myself on being frozen like "statue of liberty". I hope to improve this weekend as I am planning to put at least 15-20 miles in.