Sitting straight up, not touching bar?
I've started taking spinning classes at my university's gym. I haven't been in a spin class for maybe four years, so maybe there have been some new discoveries about the best way to do it, but I'm confused about the reason for a difference in form.
That is, the instructor wants us sitting straight up when seated, not holding onto the handlebar unless we need to for balance. (Though in a seated sprint he did say we could grab the bar.) I can do this and it doesn't hurt. But it doesn't seem right either, though maybe that's because of my road riding background. I know there are some spinning instructors here, so what you say? Is this sitting-straight-up form pretty standard practice in spinning, or does it sound unusual to you? What are the benefits?:confused:
leaning on the handle bars
Although this instructor is right, you don't want to DRAPE all your body weight on your handle bars...you don't want to be completely upright in a standing position either. weight should be centered over the centers of the pedals, with some pressure on the hands for balance. i have seen participants, try to take all the pressure off their legs, and try to hold themselves up with their arms (usually in an effort to make it easier). I have also seen some instructors (i believe this is called hovering) to try and spin without any hands while standing, which is quite hard on the knees. this is actually a no no in the spin program.
anyway, the main thing to remember is to be safe, and stay comfortable. if something doesn't feel right, then DON'T DO IT!
Smile
han