Folding Bikes - Just bought a Citizen folder

Hi: I happen to be in Florida for a couple of months (fugitive from cold Connecticut) and I just bought a bike. I got a folding model from Citizen bikes so I can take it home with me. Trouble is, I just got on the thing today and could hardly ride more than a few minutes! Felt totally exhausted! I'm reasonably fit, walk a lot, but haven't been on a bike in years. Is there any hope for me? I think I have the bike correctly adjusted and it only weighs 35 pounds, but it does have those small 20" wheels. Anyone using a folding bike like this? Can I hope for improvement? Any special exercises I should do? I originally posted this on the 55+ forum as I'm pushing 69, but wanted to try here, too.
Thanks in advance.

justed replied to you in the 50's forum. I also have a Citizen, the bike is a little heavy but the gearing is ok for moderate riding ( short rides ) may take a few rides unitl you are used to riding again and used to a folder

50+ here too! Like anything you haven't done in a while, you have to build up those muscle groups again. I go further each day.

I am over 60 and it does take awile to get your muscles back. Are you in a gear that comfortable to ride in?

RonL

To be fair, it's not just you being out of biking practice. 35lbs is on the heavy side for a folder. My 25lbs folder can feel like a lead anchor when i load it up with more 10-20lbs of groceries. Just use lower gears 'till you get used to it, and stay off hilly terrains. Good luck on adjusting to your new toy.

50+ here and enjoy riding my Speed 7. If you haven't been on a bike for sometime, then it's torture to ride around. Keep riding everyday and develop a schedule to increase time on the saddle. Keep on riding until you increase your endurance and stamina. You can do it young man.

...Any special exercises I should do? I originally posted this on the 55+ forum as I'm pushing 69, but wanted to try here, too.
Thanks in advance.Ride the bike. Age will not be a limit, I have seen so many "older" men on long difficult rides now that I now realise it was purely a mental block. One important thing: DO NOT select too a high gear, that is a very common mistake. You must have a left-right pedal rhythm similar to light jogging. The cycling jargon is "cadence", you should aim for at least 60rpm on the cranks, than is a left-right timing rhythm same as marching.

Thanks for the reply. A big part of my problem was underinflated tires. By the way, the levers used to tighten saddle post, etc,: do you tighten them so they snap down (mine don't seem to) or do you simpy push them down as far they'll go even though they stick out a bit? Should I try adjusting them?
Thanks for help,
Mike