10 years experience in fitness
the majority of participants in aerobics classes (including spinning) are not outdoor bike riders. i have been in the fitness industry for 10 years, besides being a personal trainer, i teach spinning, yoga, and pilates. i teach 5 spinning classes per week, and i also ride a road bike 100-200 miles per week. the average gym member could care less whether techniques used inside will apply to outside. they want to burn calories, sweat, be entertained, and they want it over fast. as an instructor i try to keep the class as fun as possible, and sitting in the saddle for an hour will not cut it. in fact, we stand up most of the class, and to say that a standing climb is not applicable to outdoor riding is ridiculous. has anyone been watching the tour de france? they stand up quite often. just because some outdoor riders don't stand whether it be tandem, or other, doesn't mean standing is not used. anyway, i personally don't like how i have to fluff the class up because i am such an avid rider, but my people love it so i continue to do it. the popularity of my classes speaks for itself. i just stress proper body alignment for riding and we just go. nothing is planned and anything goes. they love it. everyone needs to evaluate their members and teach accordingly. good instructors teach for the members not for themselves.
