spin question

[AmyO]

Spinning introduced me to cycling. I know it's been around for a long time, but just took it up about 3 years ago and loved it. The energy and camaraderie is fantastic and it helps if you have a motivating instructor. Between a couple of instructors and new friends I've made at class, I now know a bunch of people who ride.

I'm new to riding a "real" bike, but I find much of what's taught in a good spin class is transferable to the road, especially if taught by someone who also rides. The muscles and many of the techniques used are comparable.

Now, getting used to riding a bike that actually moves, that takes practice!

[teigyr]

Spinning introduced me to cycling. I know it's been around for a long time, but just took it up about 3 years ago and loved it. The energy and camaraderie is fantastic and it helps if you have a motivating instructor. Between a couple of instructors and new friends I've made at class, I now know a bunch of people who ride.

I'm new to riding a "real" bike, but I find much of what's taught in a good spin class is transferable to the road, especially if taught by someone who also rides. The muscles and many of the techniques used are comparable.

Now, getting used to riding a bike that actually moves, that takes practice!

I go to spin (or in my gym it's 24Cycle) class in the winter. I think it's an excellent way to get in shape or keep in shape for the bike! I try to set up my seat and handlebars to emulate my bike, I know the instructors want the bars a bit higher but the cyclists and tri people lower them a bit. You can always tell the tri people because they go into aero position during sprints I also think there are things you can do in class that you wouldn't do on the road...ie push yourself to your absolute limit. In real life on a moving bike, you'd have to worry about things like making it home if you got too worn out.

I think spin bikes are a good chance to get used to clipless pedals also. I know in my gym they use SPD compatible pedals.

[surgtech1956]

What do you wear to spin in????

[tulip]

What do you wear to spin in????

and bring lots of water or sports drink. We sweat alot and it's important to stay hydrated. Drink a bottle after the class, too (and eat something). It's an intense workout.

[teigyr]

I wear worn out (or less padded) cycling shorts. The saddles aren't comfortable at all but all the padding in the world won't help that. I also wear a sports bra and t-shirt. I use my HRM too...along with several people in the spin class.

One of the instructors at my gym is really great and she will push you if you're not feeling too motivated. She also realizes (for the people who are training for something) when we're fatigued or wanting to scale back a bit and she looks the other way.

Oh also I got some cheaper road bike shoes and put SPD cleats on them. You can wear tennis/workout shoes and many people do but it hurts my feet because the soles feel "floppy".

It IS amazing in how difficult it is. One of the instructors remarked that a good spin (or cycle) class can burn more calories than any other class they offered. What's great fun is when the DH/BF's come in and think it's a "fun class that the little woman takes". I've seen some of them walk out in the middle and not come back

[aicabsolut]

Yeah, on a hard intervals day, I can burn 700 calories an hour easy. Sometimes I need at least 2 bottles of water and a gel to get me pushing hard until the end (in a 75 min class or 2 back to back classes--those 50 min classes are for wussy...i'm not even warmed up yet).

[Zeek]

Yeah, on a hard intervals day, I can burn 700 calories an hour easy. Sometimes I need at least 2 bottles of water and a gel to get me pushing hard until the end (in a 75 min class or 2 back to back classes--those 50 min classes are for wussy...i'm not even warmed up yet).

This "wussy" enjoys the 50 minute spinning classes. It's great to keep your cardio going in the colder months, and just as others here have said, it's also about the comaraderie and cohesiveness of the class. Also as stated, it definitely is important to have a knowledgeable and motivating instructor.

[tygab]

I wear worn out (or less padded) cycling shorts. The saddles aren't comfortable at all but all the padding in the world won't help that.

True, teigyr, I wear my least padded ones for classes, but cycling shorts still. I don't need a lot of padding, maybe it's more to prevent the sliding that happens when I've worn regular gym shorts!

[tygab]

I go to spin (or in my gym it's 24Cycle) class in the winter. I think it's an excellent way to get in shape or keep in shape for the bike! I try to set up my seat and handlebars to emulate my bike, I know the instructors want the bars a bit higher but the cyclists and tri people lower them a bit. You can always tell the tri people because they go into aero position during sprints I also think there are things you can do in class that you wouldn't do on the road...ie push yourself to your absolute limit. In real life on a moving bike, you'd have to worry about things like making it home if you got too worn out.

I think spin bikes are a good chance to get used to clipless pedals also. I know in my gym they use SPD compatible pedals.

Agree, in spin class you can push yourself pretty hard. I went to spin class last night for the first time in months (sigh, goodbye fair summer eves...). There was a newbie in the class and after she was done she expressed how much harder it was than she thought it would be. I think a lot of people assume you go and mindlessly pedal for an hour (like sitting on a exer-bike while reading, instead you listen to music). Nooope.

Of course, you could take it easy too and should if one ever feels too taxed or has an injury etc. But there are no stop signs, no cars to slow down for, no pretty fields to look at, and any number of other things that may distract me on the bike. I focus on the music, the instructor, and making the most of the hour that I have to do the class so I tend to push pretty hard.

@Surgtech, wear what you feel comfortable with. Personally, I wear cycling shorts and clipless shoes, with usually a mesh tech type workout shirt. Some folks even wear cycling shirts, others wear regular shorts and t-shirts with running shoes. I find that the spin bike seats are even less comfortable than a road saddle so cycling shorts it is, and I no longer like cotton if any perspiration is involved. I also wear a heart rate monitor. Most people in my classes also bring small towels to put over the bars to mop up sweat as needed.