[OreoCookie]

I've been cycling to university each day for a month now (I've been running before). I've always been pretty good at it, my condition is not bad. It's 5*2*12 km, not a lot (I got my new bike a month ago and I've done over 650 km already). In addition I go mountain biking once a week, usually 50+ km, 1000+ height meters. Basically going to university and back keeps me in shape for the weekend and reduces stress.

Last week I've noticed that my muscles tend to be harder, more dense and tense. It's hard to explain. Subjectively it doesn't impact my speed or endurance on the bike, but rather during the day when I don't do anything and just sit.

I was wondering if I'm missing certain minerals and I should adjust my nutrition in some way or if it is something else.

[davesimondotcom]

I'm not quite sure what you mean when you say they are harder, more dense and tense. Are they sore? Or just stiff?

Sounds like perhaps some lactic acid buildup. Usually this goes away in 3 or 4 days. Taking extra vitamin C helps.

But it also means you stressed your muscles enough that they want to get bigger to ajust to their new "lifestyle."

I'd also suggest making sure you stretch before and after your rides. That might help.

[OreoCookie]

They are not sore, I rarely have sore muscles, and if I do, it's not my legs. When I stretch them for instance, I can feel that the muscles are not completely relaxed.

[Yose]

A pilates instructor explained the following to me...

When you develop muscle bulk, one of the results is the muscle gets shorter in length. This shortening of the muscle causes strain/tension which is(edit: might be) what you are feeling. The pilates instructors response to this, is a series of particular stretches that help lengthen these muscles back out.

This worked for me when I was really active in cycling/sailing, the stretches are pretty simple, it might be a good idea to look into them.

[OreoCookie]

Thanks a lot. Good to know that this has an effect on my physique after all