Spin classes

[Dog]

I use to lead Spin classes and now participate in about 3 -5 classes a week. They do help condition you for outdoor rides and runs. A fun and quick way to build or keep your conditioning!

[nuliajuk]

One thing I've found with a lot of spin classes is, the warmup isn't anywhere near long enough. I feel the need for at least 10 minutes of gradual build-up, preferably 20. So if you can get in early and warm up by starting with gentle pedalling for 10 minutes, then pedalling with a few spin-ups (don't shift up, just spin your legs faster), it might help.

[indysteel]

One thing I've found with a lot of spin classes is, the warmup isn't anywhere near long enough. I feel the need for at least 10 minutes of gradual build-up, preferably 20. So if you can get in early and warm up by starting with gentle pedalling for 10 minutes, then pedalling with a few spin-ups (don't shift up, just spin your legs faster), it might help.

+1.

When I first started riding outdoors in the summer of 2006, I really struggled with anything high intensity, like hills. So, after a bit of reading on aerobic conditioning, I decided I needed to go back a few steps during the winter hiatus. I spent a lot of time spinning that winter, but I purposely kept my HR at or below 70-75% of my max heart rate for about two months' worth of spin classes. To do that, I had to ignore some of the spin teachers' instructions and just stick to lower intensity. But at least based on my reading, this allowed my body to develop a better aerobic foundation. After those two months, I gradually started doing higher intensity work. By the time I hit the road again that spring, I did feel like I was in much better aerobic shape. I went on to ride over 5,000 miles that year, including a weeklong tour of the hills in Tennessee, as well as a lot of other climbing. No matter what I do during the winter, getting back on the bike come spring takes some additonal conditioning, but I think spinning helps bridge the gap.

[Crankin]

The spin classes at my old club were geared much more to outdoor riders or could be modified to fit my needs. The ones I go to at my new gym are boring and geared for people doing aerobics on bikes. But, I do my own thing and the instructor is fine with it. I get more benefit from the interval workouts I do on my trainer 2-3x times a week, in addition to x country skiing. But, yes, like Indy says, it's always a ramp up when March comes.

[Catrin]

The spin classes at my old club were geared much more to outdoor riders or could be modified to fit my needs. The ones I go to at my new gym are boring and geared for people doing aerobics on bikes. But, I do my own thing and the instructor is fine with it. I get more benefit from the interval workouts I do on my trainer 2-3x times a week, in addition to x country skiing. But, yes, like Indy says, it's always a ramp up when March comes.

I find the same thing about the spin classes at my gym - they are just boring but the instructors get cranky if you start doing your own thing Or, at least, the instructor who is usually the one teaching at a time when I can come is that way. They DO have Les Mill's RPM spinning classes, haven't tried those yet. I can do more on the spinning bike than I can on the trainer at home as I just do not feel confident with standing on my trainer. So I go when I can outside of class and do my own thing. It works, and I need to do more of that this winter if the current weather trend continues.

[luvmyguys]

I find the same thing about the spin classes at my gym - they are just boring but the instructors get cranky if you start doing your own thing Or, at least, the instructor who is usually the one teaching at a time when I can come is that way. They DO have Les Mill's RPM spinning classes, haven't tried those yet. I can do more on the spinning bike than I can on the trainer at home as I just do not feel confident with standing on my trainer. So I go when I can outside of class and do my own thing. It works, and I need to do more of that this winter if the current weather trend continues.

Is there a spin bike in the main part of the gym, where the other cardio machines are? The only time I can consistently get to the gym is during a time where there aren't any spin classes. I've got the Every Woman's Guide to Cycling book (Selene Yeager), and she's got some spin workouts in there that I can do on my own. I put on my own music and go.

[Crankin]

Catrin, it is also hard for me to stand on the trainer, but I have improved. Part of it, is I don't stand at all when I ride outside! Why don't you try putting it in the hardest gear (big ring, hardest cog) and see if it helps. That's about the only way I can stand. I'm up to a minute now, but the intervals I do don't require a lot of standing, so that is fine.
I also couldn't stand on a spin bike when I started, 12 years ago, but that came much more easily. Don't know why I am like this, except that it seems to take an incredible amount of energy for me to stand and it feels uncomfortable. Not to mention, when I do this outside, my speed drops like crazy. My legs aren't weak, for sure, but they sure don't like standing.

[Catrin]

Is there a spin bike in the main part of the gym, where the other cardio machines are? The only time I can consistently get to the gym is during a time where there aren't any spin classes. I've got the Every Woman's Guide to Cycling book (Selene Yeager), and she's got some spin workouts in there that I can do on my own. I put on my own music and go.

Oh, we have access to the spinning bikes any time we want, that isn't a problem. What IS the problem is these are old Schwinns that just don't fit me. I seem to fall in-between the possible settings. I have, however, finally managed to find a combination of settings that allows me to use them for about 30 minutes or so before my overly-extended neck starts complaining. Of course, I COULD just stay out of the saddle and have a 30+ minute standing climb session For someone a still-healing whiplash injury this is a problem.

There is a spin class tomorrow morning that I might go try out, it is a rest day for me where my other activities are concerned, but it might be a good day to spin. I will simply have to resist the temptation to do other things before or afterwards...

Crankin, I've tried that, but I have to put my body into such an unnatural riding position to feel stable on the trainer that I just don't do it. Oddly enough I've never had a problem standing on the spinning bike...and I do not stand when riding outside. Oh, I will stand and coast downhill from time to time, but that is it. I prefer just to stay in the saddle and keep on pedaling.