What makes a participant do these things??

[tulip]

The instructor told me that knees should be inline, not knock-kneed and not sticking out. He's a physical therapist in his regular job, so he knows more than me. Plus, I've had hip problems and don't want to exacerbate them. I noticed in the TDF one of the Spanish riders (I think) was extremely knock-kneed. I guess he's okay with it.

[aicabsolut]

Exactly. Some of the pros have developed extremely strong adductor (inner thigh) muscles, and they can get away with having their knees a bit closer to the top tube to enlist those muscles more on the upstroke. However, they won't have any "knee wobble" throughout the pedal stroke. It can be very risky for your knee health to have your knees go out of the centerline when pedaling, either outward or inward. You want your kneecaps to be facing forward. You might be able to accomplish this and have your knees in a bit. It all depends on your own biomechanics. However, I wouldn't really advocate that people change it up just for the sake of enlisting certain muscles or (on the road) to be more aero. If a knee (or both) are out of line, then it could take a negative toll on your knees over time. That's what my orthopedist says and what I've heard from bike fitters.

[gleeclub]

cool. thanks.

i only bring the knees in every now and then during spin class.

i dont do it when im out on the road cycling.

[Pip]

Until I read this thread I'd never seen anyone standing up in the pedals and not holding onto the handlebars until yesterday. I mentioned it to a friend after class and she told me that the woman in question is a top sports physician who has Olympic athletes as clients.

Presumably she knows what she's doing but I have to think she's setting a bad example for the newbies in the class who still haven't even mastered the basics!

[squirrell]

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?

[OakLeaf]

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

Almost always the "spin" bikes have more adjustability, and often you can bring your own pedals, sometimes your own saddle. If you're comfortable on the computerized bikes, go for it!

[Dogmama]

I
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?

I think the answer is in your question. On the video screen bikes you said you said you get a good work out, the bike is similar to your hybrid and you like it. Perfect!

[Pax]

The University just reopened the HUGE campus rec facility, it has a spinning "studio" with large flat screen monitors. They're going to run different "trips" where you cycle through Spain and learn Spanish at the same time, and another where you cycle through wine country and learn about the vineyards. The keep the lights really low so you can feel like you're actually there, I'm thinking I'll try the wine country one...think they'll mind if I bring a bottle of red along for a more complete experience??