
Originally Posted by
norab
Just a quick question to you all. I just taking spinning class at my local gym. I have gone three times and first time halfway thru started having pain on my upper outer side of knee. I actually had a bit of pain for over three days and it was difficult for me to bend that knee.
I tried again when I felt better and specifically told the instructer what had happened and asked for help setting up my bike correctly. Pain again halfway thru mostly when standing. This time I eased up as soon as I felt it so its not as bad. I was very careful with my form and am just wondering if it does have something to do with bike set up or am I just not meant to do this work out?

I really enjoyed it and would hate to stop.
By the way Im 35 yrs old and pretty fit. Lots of running and weights. Any help?
Thanks so much!
Spin classes are great... BUT the instructors have students ride the bikes in a way that you would NEVER do on a real bike.
Specifically, I am talking about when they have you turn the tension all the way UP ... and MASH the pedals.
Everytime a person comes on here... we always stress how important it is to have HIGH CADENCE and to SPIN the pedals... vs. MASHING the pedals... when riding a real bike.
This is because... if you MASH PEDALS... you can end up with KNEE PAIN.
It is my opinion that this applies to spin bikes as well... and it's even WORSE.
First you are on a bike that is NOT fit for you. I have even noticed that the new trend is that the handlebars on the spin bikes can be moved closer to the seat. I know for me.... trying to reach the handlebars... with my seat in the right place... is hard. So, between the seat, etc... the bike is NOT fit for me.
Now, if you use your shoes to clip into the spin bike pedals... those pedals/clips are not positioned/fit to the natural fall of your leg. So again... poor fit on the spin bike.
So, you have poor fit... and then you are mashing the pedals... which will = knee pain.
I would "challenge" you to STOP mashing the pedals in a spin class. Sure you can turn up the tension... but make sure your cadence is still high. Also try to NOT stand up on the pedals. Basically, you will be doing your own thing... but I really encourage you to try this until your knee pain goes away.
Good luck!
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside thoroughly used-up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: WOW WHAT A RIDE!!!!"