Newbie!

[murielalex]

Welcome!

You're right. Core work is very important. I learned almost all of what I thought were saddle issues or numb hands issues had to do with a weak core early on. I now religiously do core work two to three times a week. It's made a huge difference in comfort as well as I look better, too.

Team Haley, I was 40 pounds overweight when I started cycling, and almost all of it in my rear and thighs. Yes, they got a bit bigger at first because I was building muscle underneath the fattage, but I've really been focusing on diet, and my legs are starting to look damn good, if I do say so myself.

For me, cycling is about fun and health. I could only do three miles at first without thinking I was going to faint at first, and now I can easily ride 80+....well....not this week as I'm just coming back from an injury unrelated to cycling, but all of it was fun. I've met new friends, developed a kinder relationship with my middle-aged body, and just enjoy getting out there, like I'm a kid again.

Have fun, take things slow, see if you can find a couple friends to ride with or a club you can join. I've learned everything from riding with others, though I often ride by myself because I find it meditative and relaxing to go at my own pace, whatever that might be on any given day.

[Owlie]

Welcome to TE, fellow Giant owner! (And yes, bikes are like potato chips (crisps?)--can't have just one. My bank account hates me.)

Yes, core work is very important. I can tell when I've neglected my core. (Like lately, for instance...) I do remember that death grip, and core work and putting in time on the bike helps. You might want to get a bike fitting and check the saddle threads over in the Gear and Accessories section to rule out saddle or fit issues, as those can force you to put weight on your hands and make it so you have a hard time taking your hands off the bars.

As for the muscular thighs/butt thing: It depends on your individual physiology and how much you ride. I haven't lost a ton of weight, but I've definitely lost fat and gained muscle mass. I definitely don't "bulk" as much as some people do, though.

The important things are to make sure that you're comfortable on the bike and to have lots of fun. And don't burn yourself out.

[thekarens]

Weight loss is mostly diet, exercise is mostly for fitness (which obviously is extremely important.) As an enabler I definitely think you need that MTB!