Why are my Shimano R540 SPD SL Road Pedals incredibly stiff to clip out of? I'm new to clip less riding. I just purchased and installed Shimano R540 SPD SL Road Pedals for my bike. I also got Shimano R064 SPD SL Road Shoes. 

I have been practising clipping in and out indoors in the hallway using the walls either side to balance myself whilst on the bike.

I can clip in without too much difficulty, but find it extremely tough to clip out (even with the tension set to the lowest setting). I found that I am twisting and then almost yanking the shoes out of the pedals. I'm pretty sure this isn't how it is meant to be. If I attempted this on the road, I would fall flat on my face.

I have sprayed some lubricant on the pedals in the hope that they loosen overnight. But other than that I've been stumped as to what else I could do.

Appreciate any tips, helpful suggestions and advice on the matter.

Thanks
If you have the tension adjusted all the way down they should clip out easily. Two things to check:


Is the cleat tight on the shoe? If it can rotate at all, you won't be able to clip out.
Are you rotating your foot outwards to unclip? When I first got my clipless I tried to rotate in, and that doesn't work too well.