If you start attending Cycle classes....

[Raindrop]

Well, if you're taking an actual "Spinning" class (trademarked) where all the instructors are Spinning certified and the bikes are all Schwinns, then hands are to be in position two when doing a standing run.

I don't do standing runs in my classes simply because the times one usually gets out of the saddle on a real bike is when the hill gets too steep, or when you want to accelerate quickly, and in those cases you have more resistance. Running out of the saddle with little resistance seems counter-intuitive to me so I don't do it in my classes, although it's considered a typical indoor cycling move.

Does that answer what you wanted to know?

[nscrbug]

Raindrop -

I take spin classes at my local Ballys Total Fitness, so I seriously doubt that the instructors are "genuine" Madd Dog Athletics Spinning-certified instructors. I think they go through Bally's in-house training program and that's it...so I'm not sure what is actually involved with their training. As for the spin bikes...my club used to have the Schwinn bikes, but roughly 2 years ago...they were all swapped out for our current bikes, which are Star Trac Spinner Pro models.

But yes, you did answer my question. Perhaps I will start "modifying" the standing run segments of the spin classes that I do, as I agree with you on them being counter-intuitive. In your opinion, what would be the best way to approach this situation, without looking to disrespectful to the instructor? Adding more resistance to make the standing run more of a hill climb? I don't want to totally deviate away from what the majority of the class is doing...so I'm looking for an alternative that won't make me look too obvious that I'm doing something "different" than the instructor. Thanks!

Linda

[AnnieBikes]

There is a terrific ebook on the Roadbikerider web site. It is $20 but it is really awesome and is definitely the complete book of spinning...and by a woman who actually cycles. She devotes alot of time to debunking the myths of many of the "exercises" that the spin instructors do, from push ups to hands behind the back and many other silly on-bike "exercises" that you would NEVER do on a bicycle. That was definitely one of the best things I have read about indoor spinning. It certainly encouraged me to go out and get my own trainer and spin at home instead of in a class. My workouts are better and I had more than one person say to me last year that they were surprised at how much better a cyclist I was. That made my $20 well worth it! I will never keep up with my husband but I will be a better cyclist!!!

http://www.roadbikerider.com/booksto...#Keep_it_Real0

[Resi]

There is a terrific ebook on the Roadbikerider web site. It is $20 but it is really awesome and is definitely the complete book of spinning...and by a woman who actually cycles. She devotes alot of time to debunking the myths of many of the "exercises" that the spin instructors do, from push ups to hands behind the back and many other silly on-bike "exercises" that you would NEVER do on a bicycle. That was definitely one of the best things I have read about indoor spinning. It certainly encouraged me to go out and get my own trainer and spin at home instead of in a class. My workouts are better and I had more than one person say to me last year that they were surprised at how much better a cyclist I was. That made my $20 well worth it! I will never keep up with my husband but I will be a better cyclist!!!

http://www.roadbikerider.com/booksto...#Keep_it_Real0

I mentioned this ebook from Jennifer Sage before. It explains it all.

[kmehrzad]

Well, if you're taking an actual "Spinning" class (trademarked) where all the instructors are Spinning certified and the bikes are all Schwinns, then hands are to be in position two when doing a standing run.

I don't do standing runs in my classes simply because the times one usually gets out of the saddle on a real bike is when the hill gets too steep, or when you want to accelerate quickly, and in those cases you have more resistance. Running out of the saddle with little resistance seems counter-intuitive to me so I don't do it in my classes, although it's considered a typical indoor cycling move.

Does that answer what you wanted to know?

When I first tried standing runs in my class, one of my knees ached that night and the day after. Now when we are standing, I'm not doing 'double time' but am pedaling at a pace that feels natural to me. No problems since.

[Raindrop]

I have no problem with people doing their own thing in my classes as long as they're safe, fairly unobtrusive and aren't wearing their own ear-buds or talking/texting during class. In fact, at the start of every class I tell them that if today is a "recovery" day for them, or they're in a particular phase of their training, go ahead and do their ride and just enjoy the music.

NSCRBUG, I would definately add more resistance when the rest of the class is doing standing runs and you want to keep your knees happier and still take part in the class. You should always be doing what feels more comfortable and reasonable to you (as long as it's not a contraindicated move).

Last thing I knew about Balley cycle classes was that their particular certification was "Reaction Cycling" which was very similar to the Schwinn cycle Certification. The thing is, most national certifications don't condone contraindicated moves. It's the individual instructors or the general atmosphere of the gym that condones and/or fosters those types of classes.

[XMcShiftersonX]

Raindrop - where do you teach?? I also live in Wa!

[Dogmama]

I don't teach the standing run because it is a great way to injure knees. Most people do not keep enough tension on & as a result they have to rely on quad strength - which most do not possess.

I do teach the standing position using the handlebars as a balance point only, not a support. I'm amazed at how many people lean on the handlebars -- until I tell them that standing without leaning strengthens their core. You should see the people pop up, stand & smile!

[Raindrop]

I teach at a couple different facilities in Vancouver, WA. I used to teach over in Portland, OR too, but the commute and the taxes finally convinced me to stay on my side of the river.

[kmehrzad]

Here's a question for you instructors out there ...

On Friday night in my cycling class we did a lot of riding with heavy resistance while pulled back over the saddle in Position 3. I was doing my best to engage the core while relaxing my shoulders. Since then my right shoulder has been a little achy. What would you suggest to remedy this problem? I want to take the class tomorrow evening (and I cycle 3-4 times a week), but should I stay seated while others are up in Position 3 or should I stand up in Position 2, as if running and taking all pressure off? I love the class and don't want to give it up -- maybe my form needs some tweaking?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[arielmoon]

I take classes at one of the local bike shops and it is geared toward road cyclist. They also offer yoga specifically for cyclists.

[Zeek]

When you say "pulled back over the saddle," how far back are you? You should ride a spinning bike the same as you would a real bike. Imagine you're on your own bike, climbing a heavy hill. The saddle would just be touching your inner thigh. If you were pulled waaaaay back over the saddle, I think something bad might happen--you could potentially pull the front of the bike up off of the ground, and, well, you get the picture. Try not to exaggerate your form on the spinning bike. And remember, if it doesn't feel right to you, don't do it. Keep it simple and just ride your bike.