Originally posted by Irulan
Sounds rather posuer-ish to me for a one hour spin class.

Irulan has a good point. Most people (there are always exceptions) can get through exercise lasting an hour or less on stored glycogen (TONS of info on that on the web; do a google).

In other words, if you are eating a healthy balanced (carbs/protein) diet throughout the day (think "many small meals" rather than three large) you should be able to make it through a spin class. If your class is late in the day you might try to sneak in a snack ~ 30 min to an hour before class. This snack could be an energy bar (if that's most convenient) but don't forget that "real food" is often less $$$. An apple or a banana usually works for me. I'll try to get some protein (PB or yogurt usually) after a workout.

I did think of two reasons the tri-folk might be GU-ing before class: 1. They are training for a specific race or event and want to experiment with different gels and drinks to see how they react with their bodies while under stress and 2. The "one hour spin class" may actually be part of a longer, "brick" workout. In other words they may have just come from the pool or a long run.

If you plan to use energy gels, bars and drinks on your rides trying them in spin class is not a bad idea (you can always hop off the bike if they don't agree with you )

Personal favorites? For training and riding: Clif bars, granola bars (mucho cheap), Fig Newtons, and Gatorade.

For racing or endurance events I'll splurge on Cytomax and either Clif Shot or Hammer Gel.