Spinning class is kicking my b@#$%

[TrekTheKaty]

I reluctantly signed up for Spinning class as the temperature took a nosedive here in Missouri. We get out when the high is 50--and I bought a trainer and spinervals DVD in case I missed too many classes.

My quads were SHREDDED! I woke up the day after the first class and could barely walk. I skipped weight lifting all week and was sore enough, I considered skipping the second class. However, I sucked it up and felt pretty good on the bike. By the afternoon, my quads were feeling fried again!

I don't usually stand up to climb on my street bike and only sprint until I feel tired. Spinning class forces you to push a little more--especially since you know you don't have to ride back to the car. I thought I was taking it easy on the resisistance.

I've had three different instructors and they are all different. My third class was better. How is everyone else doing?

[Miranda]

Good for you on making it to class! I LOVE spinning. I was a 20yr long group aerobics exercise person until some things happened that my docs said "no more jumpy jump for your goily... you can swim, walk, or ride a bike".

After about 10mins of my first spinning class, I thought I was going to *die*. However, strangely enough, I staggered out of the room thinking, "ahh, I've found 'my people' lol". Then the roadie and trail folks got me hooked back up on outside. Love it all. I have the trainer too. Gets used only out of desperation.

I'm certified to teach spinning actually. If someone were to ask me what is the #1 thing I love about Spinning, my answer would be...

"It's YOUR ride!".

Having the group and an instructor does push you to levels you might not achieve otherwise. But, if you want to mix it up, scale it back, whatever, it's all good...on 'your ride'.

I think closing my eyes and focusing just on my breathing, and pedal stroke is a great training tid bit you can't get away with outside. Gotta see to not get run over by cars, ya know.

Keep going... it'll get better. Umm, then as my roadie pack gym pals say, just when you are used to THAT inside, it's time to go back out and Mother Nature's sister wind will kindly kick your a**. Then Spinning will sound like cake.

Lovingly Shared,
Miranda
Spin Maniac & Wind Weenie

[indysteel]

Spinning is challenging, but I don't typically get sore from it. I would assume you're engaging your muscles in a different way. I would also make sure that you're set up on the bike properly.

[Zen]

I have determined that spin bikes are sized along the lines of men's road bikes. The top tube length is too long for me when I have the seat positioned correctly.
I do what I can but end up sitting upright a lot.

[fidlfreek]

Zen I have the same problem! Since (at least at my Y) so many of the spinners are women (more than 80%) why is this the case? Some engineer should see this as an opportunity!

[OakLeaf]

And they typically have 175 mm crankarms, also too long for most women.

Which I don't mind, since my knees are a perfectly valid excuse for me to tell my boss I can't teach spinning.