I just joined my local YMCA about 6 weeks ago so i could use their stationary bikes when it was too hot to ride outside or too cold and to do light weight training. Anyway, I saw they had "Spinning" classes there but after hearing that during the class you do "push-ups" against the handlebars, and other things like hands-behind-the back, etc. I don't think I'll take them. The spinning bikes are in the main gym and they do have open gym once a day, so if I want to use them, I can do so during that time and just "Spin."

But they also have these stationary bikes that have a little video screen mounted to the handlebars that shows other rides, a pace rider, and different scenes you choose. I've used that--it's cool! It has gears, the seat position is similar to my Hybrid, and I get a good work out. You can set the pace rider to go as slow/fast as you wish.

Is there an advantage to doing "spinning" over something like the virtual bike?