6 Excuses to Learning to Unicycle - and Why They're WRONG

As a former personal trainer, I've heard a LOT of excuses.
And I know how little water they hold. An excuse, by this definition, is a seemingly rational reason as to procrastinate an activity or not do it entirely.
In this case, I've heard a fair amount of excuses to not learn to ride a unicycle even though there is interest. Here are the breakdowns of some of the more common ones and why they're just not good.
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[@thelonelyunicyclist]

Interesting. I've heard all the same excuses. There are a lot of misconceptions. People are afraid of what they are unfamiliar with. Learning to unicycle is more of a mental challenge than a physical one. I learn a lot from others in the tribe. I feel that it is an under appreciated sport. It's good to see that you have actually taught a unicycling class. You seem like the right person to reassure those that might want to learn. Keep up the good work and Thanks

[@HoboDan]

Thanks man! Yeah, I've made my fair share of excuses and will definitely make more in the future but they're often just rationalizing a fear of failure - If we thought that way all the time nothing would get done. Getting over that fear is a never ending process - for myself as well.

[@philmickey7247]

Best advice I ever heard...and follow is to try to 'keep the unicycle under you instead of trying to stay on it'. If a person says they can't unicycle...they are absolutely right.😁 Thanks!👍

[@HoboDan]

Well said!

[@trexinvert]

I'm not sure what under & staying on means, but this is what it really feels like. You are "falling forwards" and each pedal kick causes a tiny "whiplash" that counters/balances that forward fall. So, you constantly lean forwards and then lean backwards. This happens with every pedal. It looks real smooth, because we usually only watch advanced riders. Seeing a beginner "in public" trying to learn is a rare sight.

[@trexinvert]

Great video. I ride, but I also want to demystify and encourage others to give it a try. Here's my take: 1. Core Strength? No, you don't need pure ab power. It's more a finesse of core "rhythm" that you develop. Like playing a musical instrument. Nimble and speed. 2. Balance? No, riding a unicycle is "not like tight rope walking" or "balancing a book on your head". This is partly fault of actual unicycle riders, who say focus on a stationary object infront of you. No, no, no. For the beginner "most of the balance" comes from your legs. It is "actively" doing 3 things at once: forward motion, fore/aft balance, and lateral balance. All in the feet. 3.) Hurt myself? In theory, you will only fall from your seat to the ground. How high is that? 6 inches a foot? Also, your forward speed is nothing. Forget about a helmet most of your falls will require: gloves, knee pads, shin guards. That's it. Actually, to be honest falling "into the unicycle" could result in some ankle twist...so, this sport is not for the frail. 4.) Big people: If you are big, heavy or tall, my one comment do not make the mistake of trying to start with a "larger unicycle". The bigger the wheel, the harder it is. Start small a 20" unicycle is best for most people big or heavy. Just keep an eye on the tire pressure. I "wasted" about 30 hrs before I threw my 24" unicycle away for an easier to learn 20". 5.) Embarrass yourself? Fk...just ride in your garage, backyard, industrial area, quiet corners at the park, or hidden river trails. You don't need any distractions or "crazy looks" to discourage you. If you are an introvert and like to do things away from others, you can do that. Now, if you are a true extrovert this is a great conversation starter. 6.) Family jewels for guys. Don't need to worry about that till later, when you work on your free mounts. However, it's just like sitting on a bicycle seat,...kinda. Just be consistent about what you wear(shorts, pants, but especially your shoes). As you are learning, certain days might feel different. A lot has to do with what you are wearing, looseness, tightness,..etc. Unicycling is not for everyone. Only 1 in 10,000 are able to do this, and those guys doing "tricks" and "jumping mountains" those guys are probably 1 in 100 of unicycle riders. If you like to challenge yourself, and want to do the "impossible". Give it a try. It just requires an "aggressive" dilligence with less focus on immediate results that repetition. Most A-type personality/goal driven becomes early unicycle quitters, because it doesn't happen like they hoped.

[@HoboDan]

Thanks for the insight! Appreciate it

[@yanickgenest1324]

It's true that its not for everyone. I'm trying it for the first time in the snow here(I started this summer), and people turn their head a lot. It's rare to see a unicycle, and even more rare to see one in the snow !

[@thedeeptissuedoc288]

Coolest guy

[@HoboDan]

🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@hablablamoshablablas]

Do you think learning to ride a unicycle is easier than learning to ride a bike? I cannot do either, but like you, I like doing out of the ordinary skills so unicycling is appealing Also lol “you could hurt yourself if you fall backwards and hit a fence, or fall forwards and…..hit a fence”

[@HoboDan]

A bike would be easier for most people I’d say. But I would have full faith that you could ride a unicycle without learning how to ride a bike first - if that’s the path you’d want to go down. Haha yeah. There are so many good videos of me falling I need to start showing them more!

[@hablablamoshablablas]

Sweet, thanks for the reply Hobodan the Unicycle man!