There are so many amazing benefits to having and using an exercise bike. They’re great for your health and fitness, and can even be fun!
Unfortunately, if you spend enough time on one you might find some discomfort in the seat.
You shouldn’t let this discourage you, though! There are plenty of ways to get those comfort levels back up and make riding easier and more comfortable.
So, we’ve put together a complete guide on how to make an exercise bike seat more comfortable.
How to Make an Exercise Bike Seat More Comfortable
The seat on your exercise bike will largely depend on what kind of bike you have.
Since there are a few different kinds of seats you may be dealing with, we’ve adjusted our list to cover all the options.
Here’s how to make an exercise bike seat more comfortable based on what kind of bike you have.
We’ll also provide you with a variety of ways to make your seat more comfortable regardless of the type of bike you have.
Contents
Upright Bikes
If you have an upright exercise bike, you’re probably pretty used to some seat discomfort!
These bikes have some of the smallest seats out there in the fitness world. They’re pretty similar to outdoor bikes, which are equally as bothersome at times!
Fortunately, there are plenty of different products that you can buy to make your upright bike more comfortable. Since the seats resemble the outdoor bike, many seat covers will fit perfectly on it.
Seat covers will come in options such as silicone cushions, gels, and more. Certain options can also make your side wider if you find that you need more space.
In addition to using the pads on your indoor exercise bike, they can also fit on an outdoor bike! If you’ve got both kinds of bikes, you can likely use the same pad on each as long as the seats are a similar size.
Recumbent Bikes
You’re likely experiencing more comfort with a recumbent bike when compared to the upright bike. This type of exercise bike already has a wider seat, as well as a backrest for optimal comfort. Still, you’re spending lots of time on a hard surface, and discomfort can occur.
Like with the upright bike, you’re able to purchase pads to increase your comfort. The most common is the seat pad, increasing your cushioning.
However, since there is a backrest, many opt to go for a backrest as well. You can also choose both to make your bike ride the comfiest workout machine you’ve ever tried!
You may find that you naturally push your back up against the backrest while biking.
Take notice of the way that you sit during your next workout, as many are putting too much pressure against the backrest. By easing up and not pushing so hard you may find most of your discomfort relieved already!
How To Increase General Comfort
Seat pads are great and can increase your levels of seat comfort by quite a lot. However, they may not solve all your problems.
There are a variety of ways that you can increase your general comfort regardless of what kind of bike you’re riding. And, for the budget-conscious, many of them are free fixes!
Here are some more general ways for learning how to make an exercise bike seat more comfortable.
Make sure your bike is set up properly
First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure that your bike is set up the right way. If your seat is improperly leveled, meaning that it’s too low or too high, you’ll have posture issues.
Your legs will also improperly support your body, making discomfort more likely. You may have to go back to your bike’s instruction guides to ensure that everything is set up perfectly. And, if you share your bike, make sure that you’re adjusting it each time you use it.
Stay consistent
Your workout routine can also have a big impact on your comfort levels. If you use your exercise bike for a few hours on an irregular basis, of course, your body will react negatively!
Your behind isn’t used to the feeling of sitting on such a hard surface for so long. By using your bike on a more consistent basis you’re able to help condition the area for longer periods of sitting.
Learning how to schedule your cycling workouts to be more consistent is an easy fix on how to make an exercise bike seat more comfortable.
Sit properly
The way that you sit on your saddle can also impact the way that it feels. It can be tempting to ride with your behind further forward. However, you’re not doing yourself any favours by putting yourself on the smallest part of the seat.
Make sure that your actually using the entire seat, and especially the back area that has more space. Re-adjust accordingly during your ride if you find yourself shimmying up.
The way that you sit can change depending on the type of bike you’re riding. If you’re in a spin class or riding on an upright exercise bike, you may want to lift your entire behind of the seat.
This has plenty of physical benefits, working different muscles. It also gives you the chance to relieve any discomfort by not sitting on a hard surface for a few moments.
Focus on your core
It can be tempting to put all your weight on your butt while cycling. Since your legs seem to be doing most of the work, you forget about the rest of you.
By engaging your core you get to relieve some of that bottom pain and make your body feel stronger while riding. Not only will you be working more muscles, but you’ll also be learning how to make an exercise bike seat more comfortable!
Wear cycling shorts
Cycling shorts are another quick fix for discomfort on an exercise bike. Casual bike use isn’t enough of a reason to go out and by cycling shorts, but anyone who finds themself using an exercise bike on a regular basis should consider it.
These shorts are designed to be comfortable on your body and while sitting on your bike. You may find that the cycling shorts paired with a seat pad are too much cushion. So, if you go for both, make sure you test them out separately, too!
These shorts may feel odd or uncomfortable at first. Few of us are used to the feeling of the bulky behind of the shorts right away, but you’ll get used to it in no time. While they may not be as fashionable, the boost that they give to your overall comfort levels is worth it!
Shower immediately after you get off the bike
Saddle soreness can be the real deal. If you aren’t careful you may find yourself developing saddle sores, which are basically zit-like bumps on your behind.
One of the most effective ways to prevent this from happening is to take showers immediately after your ride. Use an antibacterial soap on any part of your body that touches the seat (and everywhere else, too!). Another way to prevent this is to wear loose-fitting shorts and underwear.
Use anti-friction cream
If you allow yourself to experience discomfort for long enough your body may not react happily.
Sometimes the pain that you feel may not even be from the seat itself, but from the clothing you wear while sitting on it. It’s common to feel pain due to the friction that occurs between your clothing and your skin, as this can cause chafing.
Using a chamois cream is a great way to prevent this, making it more comfortable each time you hop on your bike seat.
Are you as big of a fan of the exercise bike as we are?
Now that you know how to make an exercise bike seat more comfortable, you may be ready to learn what else you can do with your bike! Check out some of our other bike guides below.
- 6 MUST Have Exercise Bike Accessories
- The Best Free Indoor Cycling Apps: 4 Free Apps to Help Get You Moving
It’s far too easy to convince yourself that the pain you get from an exercise bike is mandatory.
You may think you’re getting used to it, but you’re only putting yourself through more unnecessary pain.
By using a combination of the above methods, you can learn how to make an exercise bike seat more comfortable than you ever imagined.
If the pain of the uncomfortable bike seat has kept you away from your bike, then you won’t have to worry for much longer!
