Well, I hope that riding starts to ease the pain and NOT the other way around. I wish that I were able to do the squats that you mentioned, but after being a catcher for many many years you can imagine that there truly isn't anything left. Your squats would absolutely destroy me to the point I would be at the orthopedics HA!

Have you ever tried riding very slowly after a gym workout? During the winter months, I try and hop on the trainer and simply pedal very slowly for a few minutes with very little effort. After a short time, I start to feel better although my legs always feel 'heavy' on the bike while I'm either lifting or working with suspension straps.