I'm not very good at exercising, but last week I managed about 15 minutes on the exercise bike on a couple of evenings, and now my right calf muscle hurts. Not my left one, just my right one.

Am I doing something wrong? I don't tend to warm up in any way, other than to start the bike slowly, but was more curious about only one leg being affected. Its not a constant pain, and when I'm not doing anything for a while it tends to seize up, but is this just because I'm actually using it, or am I doing something wrong?

First I'd confirm that the bike seat is at the proper height for yourself...

Is what you're describing a cramp or charlie horse?


I get those at night frequently if I'm slightly dehydrated or am low on potassium.. and stretching it helps it out a lot...

Also, one leg or the other can hurt just because of the way you walk (or bike, if that's how you are exercising). If you find yourself pushing yourself harder with one leg or relying on one side more than the other, then that leg may take the brunt of the soreness. My right shoulder always hurts more when I exercise, which I think is because I always carry my son on the left side, so the left side is naturally stronger.

In cycling classes, they do exercises to make sure that you are using both your legs equally. When you are tired, you fall into the habit of using your dominant leg more. Try pedaling with just one leg. Then the other. Really fell what it's like to just use one leg. Then go back to using them both equally. You should have a better sense of when you are balanced.

Of course, your seat needs to be adjusted properly just like mal said.

And charlie horses! Oy! I have woken up screaming from them. Almost always in my right calf. Keep hydrated and make sure you are getting a balanced diet that includes lots of micro nutrients including calcium and potassium.

Thank you for those suggestions.

Not really sure what you mean by a charlie horse, other than it being one of the pieces in the game "Operation", but it is possible that my right leg is my dominant one - whenever I'm walking I tend to start with my right. Its also my right knee that bore the brunt of my motorbike accident 11 years ago.

I'll also have a play with the seat - it might be a smidge too high. Its my partner's bike and he's 6'5"