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CTyankee

(67,068 posts)
Thu Sep 4, 2025, 02:07 PM Sep 4

Me and my exercise bike. What am I doing wrong?

I'm elderly and in good shape so I got an exercise bike to keep me "fit."

So I start out easy: 15 minutes of cycling twice a day. After a couple of weeks I added another 15 minute cycle right before dinner. Easy does it. Then, my calves are killing me.

I guess I shudda waited for another couple of weeks to pass before going for the third session...

12 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Me and my exercise bike. What am I doing wrong? (Original Post) CTyankee Sep 4 OP
It's the repetitive motion The Blue Flower Sep 4 #1
probably lactic acid accumulation in your muscles drray23 Sep 4 #2
I do those things, but will try to slow it down as I finish... CTyankee Sep 4 #4
;-{) Goonch Sep 4 #3
Calf exercises are necessary in old age Nigrum Cattus Sep 4 #5
I can easily do those on the bottom step of our staircase. Boring, but doable. Thanks! CTyankee Sep 4 #6
I may be wrong, but doubling the routine another 15 minutes may be too much at one time. Perhaps just add SWBTATTReg Sep 4 #7
Just finished my 45 minute ride Ponietz Sep 4 #8
what are toe clips? CTyankee Sep 4 #9
Here ya go: Ponietz Sep 4 #10
Ask Joe Biden Oeditpus Rex Sep 4 #11
Do you do a cool-down pedal LogDog75 Sep 4 #12

drray23

(8,421 posts)
2. probably lactic acid accumulation in your muscles
Thu Sep 4, 2025, 02:16 PM
Sep 4

Stretch beforehand, drink plenty of water, and electrolytes. When you wind down your exercise, lower the speed and pedal for a few minutes at a slow pace to relax your muscles. Then, get off the bike and stretch for a few minutes.

Nigrum Cattus

(1,005 posts)
5. Calf exercises are necessary in old age
Thu Sep 4, 2025, 02:26 PM
Sep 4

Stand on the edge of a elevated surface with your
first third of your foot only. Lock your knees (important)
and lift yourself up.

SWBTATTReg

(25,702 posts)
7. I may be wrong, but doubling the routine another 15 minutes may be too much at one time. Perhaps just add
Thu Sep 4, 2025, 02:49 PM
Sep 4

another 2-3, or 5 minutes at a time, build up gradually from there...

I compliment you on your routine. An excellent thing to do for your health.

Ponietz

(4,031 posts)
8. Just finished my 45 minute ride
Thu Sep 4, 2025, 02:59 PM
Sep 4

Sorry about the calves. Can’t add much except to underline hydration and stretching. Do you use toe clips? If not, I highly recommend them since more muscles are worked.

Ahhh! Endorphin highs are the best!

LogDog75

(856 posts)
12. Do you do a cool-down pedal
Thu Sep 4, 2025, 08:20 PM
Sep 4

I have an exercise bike and after finishing my "ride" I do a slow pedal or until I'm barely peadling for about 3 - 5 minutes. I's a good way to cool-down and to keep the legs from righting up or getting sore.

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