Recovery?

[Irulan]

Had a sub today, her class only had one recovery in it, and I loved it. I usually goe with what the leader is doing, but based on today, I think I may just skip some of the recovery periods. I realize that all fitness levels ahve to be considered.. but I sure got a lot out of it.

Irulan

[Dogmama]

When I spin, those of us who are experienced often skip recovery. I try to stay unobtrusive, but my sweating gives me away. Does anybody else have a puddle of sweat after they get done? It seems like it's only me and a few of the guys who sweat that much.

Of course, I spin at Bally's - where lots of women aren't there for the workout...

[Veronica]

I sweat buckets. I also have a pile of tissues around me by the time class is over since my nose seems to run constantly when I ride - indoors or out.

Veronica

[Irulan]

can someone explain to me how recovery fits into training other other that "rest" or a time to catch your breath?

thx

[Veronica]

If you're doing an interval training class, you're probably working at 85 - 95 % max heart rate during an interval. The recovery time allows you to keep doing those sets at that high intensity. You also need the recovery time to clear the lactic acid out of your legs. The benefits of doing interval training are numerous and depend on the type of intervals you're doing (sprint sets, acceleration sets, hill climbing simulations, tempo sets. time trial simulations, etc.).

If you're doing an endurance class where you're keeping your heart rate at 70 - 80% you probably don't need a recovery time. But the less fit people in the class, most likely do, so the instructors throw them in there. Personally I find endurance classes a little boring (good music makes it better.) The big benefit here is it's your big fat burning zone.

Veronica

[annie]

Good topic. I thought Veronica explained it nicely, how recovery can fit into a spin class. Personally, I try and NOT have many recovery songs.......... if we've been doing sprints, I'll have a short recovery at the end of the song, or the beginning of the next, just to catch the breathe and get a drink. You have to watch the people in the class to see if some of them need more recovery. Usually, when there is an entire song for recovery, I make it optional. I tell the riders than they can use if for recovery, or they can imagine riding into a 15 mph headwind and put their resistance accordingly. That lets everyone do what they need to do. IF we do an entire class of intervals, I have a recovery period after each interval. We don't do that too often....... but it's fun! If we do a race day, there's no recovery at all.

Oh - and I sweat puddles, too! The sweat drips off my elbows and down onto the floor. I could swear sometimes I must be having a hot flash, but I don't think I get those yet so I can't use that for an excuse.