Building strength/sore from cycling?

[VeloVT]

Hmm...
Have you thought about starting with sit-ups? Often sore shoulders are as much due to a weak core as to a weak upper body. You might also get your bike fit double checked.

Though as long as you start slow, I don't think there would be any harm in doing some upper body work too - just do less than you think you are capable of for the first 2 weeks or so ...

[Zen]

Not sit ups.
Planks.
The transverse abdominus, the powerhouse, the core of all.
See http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/a.../a/NewCore.htm

[kermit]

+1 on the planks.

[tulip]

I recommend Pilates. It's helped me a great deal. Have you had a professional fit for your bike? Sounds like your bike fit is not ideal.

[tantrumbean]

Is your bike set up/sized correctly tho? Just wondering because you are saying you are having to hold yourself up....

[bluebug32]

Cycling isn't a weight bearing exercise, so doing some strength training is a good idea anyway. Just don't go nuts too early with it and make yourself more sore. A strong core is also very beneficial.

[chollacat]

Thank you for the plank exercise! I will start doing my pilates again, too.

I can concentrate on strengthening my abs, since they are not getting sore from the cycling, and see if that helps.

Yes, I did have my bike sized through Competitive Cyclist and checked by a couple of people, and I believe it's the right size. My last bike was too big and that was awful, I know what that feels like.

Yay, I feel better now that I have a plan. Thank you!

[alpinerabbit]

Is your bike set up/sized correctly tho? Just wondering because you are saying you are having to hold yourself up....

I second that.

Bike too large?
Then you'll have to re-fit/tweak/if all fails, get a smaller bike.

Bars much lower than saddle?
A good thing aerodynamically but may be too hard on your neck. You may get used to it, then again you may not.