Sitting straight up, not touching bar?

[Bad JuJu]

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?

[LBTC]

I'd like to know the answer also. When I'm spinning on the trainer on my own, I'm often reading, or just sitting upright because it feels more comfortable for my belly....and I've often wondered what the change in benefit is...

thanks,
~T~

[KnottedYet]

Well, if you're sitting up straight you don't have to use your core muscles, since all you have to do is balance your butt on the seat.

When you lean forward and use the bar, you have to engage your abs to maintain a neutral spine (unlike the chickie on the bike at the top frame of the forum - her spine ain't neutral and it's driving me NUTS!!!)

Just a pet peeve of mine.... Be Kind To Your Spine!!!

[Bad JuJu]

I've heard this term "neutral spine" before and I'm not sure exactly what it means. Is it similar to a flat back? That's what I'm usually aiming for in my on-bike position on the road.

So what it sounds like this upright position isn't doing my upper body or my core any good, right? And that does make sense now that I think about it.

[LBTC]

But am I using my core if I'm holding a really heavy book in my arms while I'm sitting upright?

And, yes, I also have trouble visualizing a neutral spine. Are there any pictures of someone on a bike with a neutral spine that I could see for reference?

thx,
Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Kathi]

Here's a pic of me on my custom frame. This is what I perceive as a "neutral spine"

[SadieKate]

. . . (unlike the chickie on the bike at the top frame of the forum - her spine ain't neutral and it's driving me NUTS!!!)!

The chickie at the top appears to be on a time trial bike and racing.