Thinking of "spinning"

[bmccasland]

Before I drop my gym membership (new FREE gym opening in my office bldg), it was suggested I try the Spinning class.
So my question is, aside from the aerobic workout, what are the spin classes like? Is there hope for mid-class riders with asthma?? I WANT to go fast, my lungs on the otherhand can be uncooperative. (and yes, I have appropriate meds from my Dr.)
I admit I've been a slug, haven't been on my bike for a couple of months, and need to do something.

[Offthegrid]

Spinning goes something like this:

1. Walk in. Find a bike. Feel self-conscious about the bike shorts. Adjust the bike. Look at the clock and wonder if you should start warming up now because you don't know how long the instructor will take to get there. You have plenty of water with you and a towel.

2. Everyone else is pedaling, so you get on to start warming up. The instructor takes another 5 minutes to show up because you were good and early.

3. Instructor turns on loud, thumping music. Hopefully it's something you like. You do some stretches and such on the bike to warm up.

4. You suffer for 45 minutes. You'll do standing drills, sprints, simulated hill climbs. Instructor might divide class up into sections to do some sprints. But guess what? You're in control of the resistance, so you can really set the workout to be as easy or as hard as you like. If you're on an actual spinning bike, you can't coast. This takes some getting used to.

5. You do some on-the-bike stretches at the end. You're dripping in sweat. You feel incredible. You vow to come back.

[emily_in_nc]

I have asthma too. I recently tried Advair on my doctor's recommendation, and now I can spin (well, ride the trainer at home), hike, ride, and even run with no asthma issues whatsoever. Your lungs should not be holding you back if your asthma is properly controlled. Lack of fitness, yes, but not asthma. You might want to check back with your doctor to see if an adjustment or change in meds is warrented.

Good luck!
Emily

[indysteel]

Spinning goes something like this:

1. Walk in. Find a bike. Feel self-conscious about the bike shorts. Adjust the bike. Look at the clock and wonder if you should start warming up now because you don't know how long the instructor will take to get there. You have plenty of water with you and a towel.

2. Everyone else is pedaling, so you get on to start warming up. The instructor takes another 5 minutes to show up because you were good and early.

3. Instructor turns on loud, thumping music. Hopefully it's something you like. You do some stretches and such on the bike to warm up.

4. You suffer for 45 minutes. You'll do standing drills, sprints, simulated hill climbs. Instructor might divide class up into sections to do some sprints. But guess what? You're in control of the resistance, so you can really set the workout to be as easy or as hard as you like. If you're on an actual spinning bike, you can't coast. This takes some getting used to.

5. You do some on-the-bike stretches at the end. You're dripping in sweat. You feel incredible. You vow to come back.

Susie, your description is dead on. Including the feeling incredible part. While the group mentality pushes you, you can make it as difficult or as easy as you want/need. Assuming in the instructor is decent, it's a lot of fun.

I definitely recommend wearing a heart rate monitor during spin class. When the instructor tells us to be at a certain level, the monitor definitely helps me gauge that.

Have fun with it!

Kate

[DarkEros07]

I would seriously recomend that you go back and talk to your doctor about getting on Advair discus. I went to a military accadamy and we had to run a mile everyday and because of my asthma problems it was hard I even almost went to hospital the first week because I hadnt been takeing my advair before going there. about 2 weeks later i could run jump do pushups do the obstical course and everything i have no limitations when it comes to my breathing now. i have had asthma since i was about 5 and i will be 21 this year and Advair diskus is the best i take the 100/50 it is quite exspensive about 250 per 30 day supply but if you order from canada its about 300 for a 3 month supply. lol. thats what my dad did for me. i never had to worry about it. i kept it in my wall locker and took it at 530 am and 530pm and i was fine i still carried my rescue inhaler with me everywhere but used it maybe 4 times a month and that was only when i was either a) sick b) got into some pollen or mold c) one of the idiots had perfume on. it works great and is well worth the exspense. hope this helps you!

i have been on seravent, flovent, and a few others and i have to say this is the best. also my mom is a chronic lunger she has copd and she takes the advair 500/50 and spiriva and does breathing treatments so if you are getting winded and having problems please go to your doc and ask for something either stronger or better because you dont want to get scaring in your lungs. trust me. im only 20 and have scarred lungs! yikes!

-Kristen-

[han-grrl]

I have had participants in my class with asthma, and i recommend bringing in their inhaler to class.

Classes can get warm, fans help, but the nature of spinning is , you are sweating and the air circulation is not great, even with air conditioning and fans. so the air can get "thick" for those who are sensitive to it. you might want to pick a bike that is close to a fan to help with your breathing...

spinning is similar to riding outdoors, but not 100%. the main thing is that you are CONTINUOUSLY pedalling for the whole class. no coasting. which can be hard on those new to the class, so take things at your own pace, and slow to start.

have fun!

hannah

[alpinerabbit]

Two addenda

• you do not have to do everything the instructor shows: jumps and standing runs are hard on your cardiovascular system. My fave instructor suggests to remain seated if you want to build some muscle.
• 2 hours is better than one (j/k, but I like it)