Biking is one of the many low-impact exercises that are better for those of us with fibromyalgia. It is something that I’ve enjoyed throughout my life, but has also become my main form of exercise, as an adult living with fibromyalgia. Of course, I have added many more aids to make biking more comfortable than when I was a kid.

One of the first changes I made was switching to Ergon GC2 Bike Grips. These are much more comfortable for my wrists because of the way the grips distribute pressure. The bar ends on the grips allow me to change my hand positions up while riding, which is also nice. I also always use gloves to ride, even on hot days. The ones I found to provide the most comfort for me are Women’s BG Gel Long Finger Gloves by Specialized. They fit well and have lots of gel foam padding that relieves pressure on the palm and ulnar nerve. In the few years since I’ve bought them, I haven’t seen a women’s biking glove that I’d rather have.

When I’m biking, I am sure to bring plenty of water, a snack, medicine, eye drops, sunglasses, sunscreen, kleenex, my phone, some money, my ID and my health insurance card. These are the basic items I need to feel good during the ride and in the case that something should happen to me. It is quite a lot to carry though and that is where my CamelBak Women’s L.U.X.E.Hydration Pack comes in. It can hold all that and much more and holds enough water I can be sure I won’t run out. Other tools that make it easier, that I’ve mentioned before, are my Canari padded biking shorts and my Incredibell Jellibell.

Another thing to check is that you have your bike fitted properly to your body dimensions. Using a fit calculator assures that and many bike stores will check your measurements for you. What I thought was the right set up for me was no where close to what it actually was. The Arthritis Today website has an article about bike saddles that offers great suggestions of specific things to adjust if a certain body parts hurts while you ride. The tips are for more than just the saddle and can be found at the end of the article.

What are your favorite biking tips or tools?

My gloves, Kleenex, sunscreen & Camelbak