Any indoor cyclists around?

Anonymous · February 2008

Anonymous · February 2008

I'm so excited since I'm about to take my first ever cycling class at the gym where I teach! Seriously, can you believe that I've taught fitness for 17 years and have never taken a spinning/cycling class, not even at the millions of workshops I attend! For some reason, the idea didn't appeal tio me and I was always too tired from my own classes to give it a try. But lately, I decided that I need to add some variety to my workouts AND actually take a class I don't have to speak during or be creative or interactive or anything! So, after work tonight, that's where I'm headed and I'm so psyched!

Anyone else here enjoy spinning? Please share your experiences!

~Marin

Rebecca · February 2008

I zone out every morning on my ride-to-nowhere! I do not go to a gym, but I have a recumbent bike in my home. I love it because it gives me a chance to let my thoughts run free without any worries of running my bike into a ditch Laughing

Anonymous · February 2008

I taught spinning for a while at the local YWCA. I got into it when i was having knee problems and unable to run for a while. I don't teach anymore, but I do have a spinner in my den Smile

KariLynn · February 2008

I've not taken a spin class but have heard great things from people who do - I hear it's a killer! Probably not for you as you are in good shape - have fun!

roseg · February 2008

I enjoy spin. My problem is that the teacher who taught at the class that works with my schedule quit!

So I'm stuck in the cardio room on a machine until they get that slot filled in. The main thing that's doing for me is helping me develop resentments at the other exercisers. Let's see - the gal who props the door open leaving me in a stream of cold air while she takes a machine at the other end of the room, the fellow who chews on his shirt and spatters spit all over, the guy with the squeeky shoes who stays on the machine longer than 30 minutes, the gal that constantly has a drippy nose and never wipes her machine down......

But, I digress. I like spin. Get some padded shorts because the seats are hard and narrow. The first time I did it I thought I was going to throw-up -- it was a great workout.

Have fun!

paige-allyson · February 2008

I love spinning- unfortunately no class nearby where I live. Definitely a killer workout but that's what I liked about it.

AnneW · February 2008

Spinning kicks A$$!!! I love spin classes. I'm going to one in the morning at my local YMCA.

It builds up my strength and endurance, but I can't say it's the same as a hard ride outdoors. Nothing really prepares you for hills except hills!!

I think spinning is great for cross training and indoor training when you can't get out.

So, how was the class, Marin?

Anne

BMD · February 2008

I used to spin every morning at 5:30 a.m.. That was about 10 years ago. I was spinning right up until I was 5 months pregnant with my oldest ds. I just loved it. I couldn't get enough. I think it is addicting. I did not go back for several years but when I did I ended up getting pneumonia and have not been back since before my dx. I thought about buying one for home but they are pretty expensive.

I think you will really enjoy it Marin. If you get into doing it all the time you definitely need padded shorts and clips on you bike shoes that lock you into the pedals. It really adds to the workout.

Anonymous · February 2008

OMG, y'all....it was absolutely FANTASTIC!!!!! I officially have a new addiction and I'm determined to never teach it! I want to keep as pure enjoyment because that's what last night's class was! And the gym, which is super posh (I could never afford it if I didn't work for them (at a "satellite"), but since I do, it's free membership. They have lovely bath gel, shampoo, conditioner, etc., etc., etc. to make you feel yummy after the sweat fest. But I digress (must be that dang makeup thread I hang on!). Yeah, the instructor was great, though she prefers 80s music which isn't my favorite. But she's full of energy and great attitude and clearly knows her stuff. I be-friended the guy next to me who looked like he was most knowledgeable and he helped me select a bike and adjust it. He also told me that one of the most important things to remember was to keep my heels down and since I'm a "toe-er" I sure appreciated the tip and had to keep cuing myself throughout the class. As for it kicking ass, OMG, yessssss! There were times that I thought my legs might give out and I couldn't keep up, but I just sat and continued at my own pace until I felt able to resume. The only trouble I had was leaning too far forward during the "jogging" sections and then my knees really hurt. But I tried to find the correct posture and stance and I guess I did okay because my legs feel great this morning!

I plan to keep this up, girls. I wish that we all could get together for classes, don't you? I'd need more contemporary music though.....

~Marin

ravdeb · February 2008

So..give me clues on how to get started. I'm not all that fit! I have a spinner at home and I tried it, got off, and thought I was going to be sick! So, then I was told to take it much slower. It seemed so easy (I walk a lot) but was NOT!

I'd love some techniques if you can share any.

roseg · February 2008

I swear by the padded shorts, but I never got the clip shoes. I have a pair of "hikers" with rigid soles that work for me.

My teacher who bugged out had wonderful music - Amy Winehouse was one of her selections. The music does make a difference - but it's still a super workout!

AnneW · February 2008

The really nice thing about spinning is that you can put as much or as little effort into it as you want. You don't have to turn up the resistance on the bike every time the instructor calls for it. You don't have to increase the tempo if you can't manage it.

You will find, though, that the more you do it, the easier it becomes, and you will begin to challenge yourself more.

For those with exercise bikes or "trainers" for your own bike, you can buy biking/spinning DVDs to watch while you "ride" at home. For me, in class, it's all about the music. Fast stuff for sprints, slower stuff with a good cadence for climbs.

Anne

Anonymous · February 2008

I found that, even in the short period I was cycling (class was one hour), I learned to work at my own pace, but as I caught onto technique and rhythm, increasing my pace and effort got easier. I'm guessing that regularly doing this workout will allow me to work harder each time (or not, if I feel like kicking back). Haaving taught aerobics for as long as I have has taught me that the students who best "succeed" in the group setting are those who aren't afraid to create their own workouts and don't allow themselves to become intimidated or forced to yield to what they perceive as peer pressure. Fitness classes are all about enjoyment and finding your own pleasure.

I think that I might need the shoe clips eventually because I was overly concerned about keeping my feet in the little "baskets" or whatever they're called. For under my workout clothes, I can probably use my "butt pad" from skating!

~Marin

AnneW · February 2008

I use my mountain bike shoes--they have SPD cleats that are compatible with the bikes at our YMCA. I much prefer to clip in, so I can use better form, but occasionally my foot gets numb (neuroma) and I have to make sure I wiggle my toes frequently.

My Pilates instructor also teaches spinning, and the other day I saw her in the locker room. She had just finished taking an aerobics class, and commented on how nice it was to be able to participate, rather than teach. I'm sure that's how you felt, Marin.

Anne

Anonymous · February 2008

Marin,

They also sell gel seats to fit over the spinner's seat. It adds quite a bit of padding - but not too much - without the bulkiness of the padded shorts. They are about $15 at Target and Walmart...

Glad you enjoyed yourself Smile

trigeek · February 2008

Wohooo Marin,

Welcome to the world of cyclepaths.. ehem.. Wink

I have been leading an indoor cycling/spinning class for about 3 years now, and it is a blast ! ( I gave a break during AC, taught through Taxol, now am off after my exchange surgery for 3 weeks hoping to be able to instruct during rads).

Getting padded cycling shorts serve several purposes:

1 - Prevent chafing (you are not supposed to wear underwear under them)

2 - Prevent soreness - cause they are cushy

3 - They do not ride up.

Riding indoors hurts the butt more compared to pedaling outdoors because the bike is stationary not swaying as you pedal so you are fixed into a single position.

The gel seats sound appealing to start with but most of the people get rid of it after a couple of uses(it gets yucky with sweat too, cant wash it everytime) So I would suggest going with a pair of cool cycling shorts.

Like Anne said getting cycling shoes are also definitely worth the investment:

-Other workout shoes do not have stiff soles so when you really start cranking/powering it the pedals might hurt your feet.

- Your feet could slip out of the pedals when spinning at high cadences and I have seen participants get severely injured when the pedal swings around and hits their calves.. ouch !

Happy Spinning !

Aylin

Anonymous · February 2008

Where do you buy these shorts and shoes with clips/cleats? I've never even seen them (of course I've never looked either!).

Yes, I'd say I'm pretty hooked. I was starting to go stay at my new bf's house every Friday through Sunday (he lives an hour away), but have told him that from now on I won't be there until Saturday because I need to go to cycling class on Friday nights Innocent Cool

~Marin

abbadoodles · February 2008

Please, girls, tell me, just what is spinning? I have visions of whirling dervishes...............

I hate gyms with a passion but am not averse to working out at home. Is this a fairly inexpensive, non-bulky equipment workout?

A couple of weeks ago I bought a ropeless jump rope from Hammacher Schlemmer. It really is very cool! You plug in your height and weight and it calculates calories burned. Even makes a little clicking noise so you feel as if you are really jumping rope! And, you can even do it in your living room!!! I am loving it.

Tina

trigeek · February 2008

Marin,

Stores that sell cycling apparel will have them. They could get pricey in the stores themselves so I usually try ebay, or the following online stores when I can.

http://www.performancebike.com/

http://www.nashbar.com/index.cfm

Buying online shoes is tricky, cycling shoes usually go with European size ( I am a 8.5 which makes me a 40).. and I buy 41 in cycling shoes.

What I usually do is to try the shoe in a store to determine the size(sizes change with brands too) and then order online if the price difference is greater than 15% and the store does not match the price( I give them a chance)

The specs of a indoor cycling shoe:

- recessed cleats(you do not want road bike shoes but mountain bike shoes that you can actually walk in )

- comfort ! it should not feel tight at all and you should be able to walk around with it.

- Do not get ones with high ankles.

( I kind of liked Shimano Fn20 2006 Fitness Shoe - from bike nashbar-- check along that line)

Price of a shoe can start from around 40's .. and then cleats that need to go on would be around 15.

Shorts are a bit more straightforward, you can get a padded cycling short from 30 to .... ( definitely try ebay on this one)

Your cycle instructor will have information on local shops too and if you have question on products those websites also have people who you can call.

Aylin

trigeek · February 2008

Tina you are hilarious.. no spinning does not mean 'whirling dervishes' but something along the line of lots of people cooped up in a room going crazy on special stationary bikes like hamsters on a wheel ! hehe... Oh there is usually loud music involved and you have a ride leader which leads you to hills ( you climb by increasing the resistance knob on the bike) or asks you to race .. spinning the pedals fast and all kinds of good stuff that really could get your heart going if you want to.

A 45 minute session could burn about 400 calories if you are a 150 pound gal, it all depends on how hard you push yourself. It is very low impact, very little possibility of injury(if your bike is setup correctly for you)

The beauty of the spinning class is that since no one is going anywhere you can actually take it at your own pace.

The stationary bikes could be bought but are quite expensive and usually end up as clothes hangers.

Why hate gyms ? They have great tools to nurse us back to our health. Also motivation wise once you start going you kind of form a social group in classes and working out becomes like playing with your friends.

Aylin

abbadoodles · February 2008

Aylin, all the gyms I've been to are 1. full of mirrors and I hate watching myself suffer. 2. full of guys who make me self-conscious with all my grunting and groaning. 3. minefields of pathogens or at least I perceive them that way what with all the slime people leave on the equipment (esp. guys! oh pardon me, I'm just a gorilla, ma'am). 4. staffed by condescending instructors which I find rather disspiriting. Hmmm. Give me a minute and I'll think of more. Laughing Suffice it to say every membership I've ever bought goes unused after a month or so. What's the saying? Know thyself? LOL

Thanks for the explanation of spinning. I shall look it up for images on gooooooooogle. You're right. Probably would end up a high-priced clothes hanger.

Tina

abbadoodles · February 2008

Oh, and here is something to amuse you. When I saw "spinning," I immediately thought of spinning wheels. After all, I own (and use) five of them. That kind of tells you what sort of sport *I* am. Wink

Tina

trigeek · February 2008

Spinner Tina !

Sorry that you seem to have developed an aversion for all gyms, because once you find one that works for you and stick to it, I am sure you will look forward to your workouts.

And I loooveee those spinners.I would love to have them on my steed, I find them quite mesmerizing but then I think if I am driving I will not be seeing/enjoying them right ?

But I do hear you Tina, the gyms really do give that 'vibe' especially when one is just joining(actually that is the image that they are trying to sell right ?? ). And there are so many gals/guys come for the 'meat market' .. after awhile I learned to get amused by watching them and their moves while I am walking on the dreadmill or doing my own thing.

And yes I do tell them to wipe the equipment off when they are done, and those buff macho's usually turn to little momma's babies when they see a chemo beatch ( I have bandanna on still) and clean up after themselves.

There are so many different types of gyms, I am not sure whether you have 'curves' in your area, those are I believe usually only frequented by gals so you do not have those gallonwater carrying, grunting testerterone filled guys. YMCA's usually have really nice group exercise classes. ( from my experience in our area, Ballys, La Fitness are bit more intimidating per se, whereas Lifestyle fitness, curves and Ymca's are more family oriented)

re: Watching yourself suffer --- this is good pain !

Now why am I trying to sell you gym membership ?? lol...

Dunno, I just love to spread the fitness bug and as I tell my participants in the spinning class:

" If you enjoy being a gym rat thats fine, but I would prefer that you use the fitness that you develop with the gym tools/classes to do really fun stuff outside"

Best way to start out I also think is with a buddy, turn going to the gym into a social event, not a chore.

Aylin !

Dansmom · March 2008

I spin with my eyes shut - helps me visualize something nicer than the grungy room & keeps me from watching other people. It was great last week when I went back for the 1st time since my surgery - still low stamina - and I shut my eyes and just pedalled - I wouldn't call it spinning.

so - any suggestions about what's do-able exercise-wise with chemo? The surgery - lumpectomy mind you - has really wiped me out....

Dansmom · March 2008

Does anyone have suggestions about what kind of head covering to wear while spinning bald?

larousse · March 2008

Aylin, I saw you on the rads threads, are you spinning during radiation treatment? I am a spinner myself and starting rads soon.

Dansmom, maybe a little scarf like a bandana? (but can not talk by experience as I don't have to do chemo), there is a young women in my spinning class who has very short hair and wares a bandana. It looks cute.

trigeek · March 2008

Hey Larousse,

I am a spinning instructor, I gave a break during AC and then picked up my classes during Taxol, gave a break for the reconstruction surgery then am teaching again through Rads.

My power is not back, my heart rate is waaayy higher than it was, but I love it if I was a 8/10 before bc treatments I am probably performing at a 5/10 level now, but I am sure it will get better.

larousse · March 2008

Aylin, teaching through rads, wow, good for you. I have been working out a lot and feel strong, was worried that I would loose it all in six weeks. You will be my role model, starting rads on 4/2.

trigeek · March 2008

Larousse I am only teaching 1 class/week, just to keep the engine running.

Dansmom I had looked into hip hats but since they were a bit pricey and washing the hair after everyworkout did not seem quite appealing I did not go with them, but thought that it was a cute idea.

http://www.hatswithhair.com/HowToOrder.aspx

But I mostly went with all different colors of bandannas and someone from this site had suggested the following site for how to tie a bandanna, which made a huge difference on the way I looked :

http://www.bandannaclub.com/Tie-Bandanna.shtml

Any indoor cyclists around?

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