How To Prevent Saddle Sores From Indoor Cycling Class

Indoor cycling class can be high intensity and challenging, and you may not even notice your discomfort until after class. But saddle sores, which are red welts that often appear on the inner thighs and crotch area after class, can be painful. If you want to continue indoor cycling without the fear of saddle sores, some careful preparation helps prevent them -- so all you feel is energized after your ride.

Step 1

Invest in a good-quality gel pad bike seat to help take come of the pressure off of your legs and reduce friction. Gel pad bike seats can be purchased from sporting and fitness supply stores and are adjustable to fit a variety of bike seats. Place the gel pad over the saddle before you begin indoor cycling class.

Step 2

Wear the proper clothes to your indoor cycling class. While loose shorts are certainly comfortable, they don't offer much protection to your inner thighs. Wear tighter biking shorts that protect your thighs with spandex. Shorts also come padded and unpadded, so choose those with a padded seat if your saddle sores are on your bottom or crotch area.

Step 3

Adjust your saddle before your class. Arrive a few minutes early so you can ensure that your bike is in the right position for your body. Adjust the seat height -- a seat that is too high can cause saddle sores. Mount the bike and rotate your feet into the pedals until one foot reaches the bottom of the pedal cycle. At this position, experts say, your knee should be bent at a 25- to 35-degree angle.

Step 4

Apply a moisturizing cream to your inner thighs and bottom, underneath your shorts before you start indoor cycling. This can help create a moisturizing barrier between your skin and the saddle to relieve friction and pain, so you can concentrate solely on your workout.

Step 5

Remove your shorts and wash your body immediately after indoor cycling class. Bacteria and sweat can combine with areas of friction to create infected sores on your body. Wash your shorts in very hot water before you wear them again. It's best to keep showering supplies with you to shower at the gym directly after class, if possible.