Fifty Plus (50+) - First Spinning Class of Season

This morning I biked (at 5:20 am) to the rec center for the 5:45 am spinning class, where, along with about 10 other folks, I did the spinning thing for about 50 minutes.

It was OK - well, even good. I just do my own thing. They stand and pedal a lot, but I don't stand as much as they do.

Then I swam for 50 minutes.

Then I lifted weights about 30 minutes.

Then I rode home.

Time for some breakfast!!

Hopefully, I will get a longer ride in this PM.

Anyone else doing spinning?

I plan to join a gym and sign up for spinning classes later when the time changes and the weather turns colder. I have some big ambitions for riding next spring and summer, so I want to do all I can this winter to be in good shape for the real riding. That said, I'll be taking every opportunity to do real rides whenver the time and weather allows.

Yes, we spin in the winter when we can't ride. GREAT workout...

My problem with spinning classes is that after about the 3rd of the winter- I start enjoying them.

I never push myself out on the road to that extent and I could never see me doing the Hills standing all the way as they try to get us doing in the class.

It must be the masochist in me- or the sadist in the instructor.

I never push myself out on the road to that extent and I could never see me doing the Hills standing all the way as they try to get us doing in the class.

That's me too. I push myself MUCH harder in spinning classes than I do on the roads or trails.

I teach Spinning year 'round, a 6 a.m. class so it doesn't interfere with my outdoor riding. I see people push themselves in class to amazing limits. I'm not sure why; as long as they're safe and having fun then they've met my class goals, and, I hope, theirs.

This morning I biked (at 5:20 am) to the rec center for the 5:45 am spinning class, where, along with about 10 other folks, I did the spinning thing for about 50 minutes.

It was OK - well, even good. I just do my own thing. They stand and pedal a lot, but I don't stand as much as they do.

Then I swam for 50 minutes.

Then I lifted weights about 30 minutes.

Then I rode home.

Time for some breakfast!!

Hopefully, I will get a longer ride in this PM.

Anyone else doing spinning?

Nope. Not a gym rat. Come winter, I either ride on the trainer at home (ug!), or go skate skiing. Cross training's a good thing, and come spring, I can't wait to get out on the road again.

SP
Bend, OR (where great skiing's only 20 minutes away)

The gym I use is advertising "spinning classes coming soon", the sign has been there for about four weeks but no spinning yet. They have someone working on getting a special room ready. Have never done it and am looking forward to it with a little trepidation. I have heard it is really hard at first, but gives you a reall good work out.

The indoor cycling training program I did last yeat starts the first week of December. I'm looking forward to the progressive componets of the program. This year's classes meet on Wed and Sat. Last year it met on Mon-Wed-Sat. I'll be conflicted going to the program on Saturdays if I could be riding outdoors or ice fishing.

I have never done any spinning, and am thinking about it. Just picked up a road bike, and will likely pick up a trainer to use it indoors. Is a spinning class much better than that approach?

Also, how does one handle the clipless pedal situation? I use speedplays. Are there compatible clips on the bikes in the spinning classes for all types of pedals?

Many thanks...
Bob

Anyone else doing spinning?

I looked at my 401k balance over the weekend and my head started to spin. Does that count?

I have never done any spinning, and am thinking about it. Just picked up a road bike, and will likely pick up a trainer to use it indoors. Is a spinning class much better than that approach?

Also, how does one handle the clipless pedal situation? I use speedplays. Are there compatible clips on the bikes in the spinning classes for all types of pedals?

Many thanks...
Bob

We use Lemond spinning bikes, and I have Shimano clipless, which works. I wouldn't know about speedplays. The pedals are reversible so you can use the platform pedals, also.

This is my fourth week in a spinning class. I do classes and some weight training three time a week and then ride on the weekend because its gets dark on me too quick now to do any rides more than 12 miles or so after I get off work during the weekdays. I have noticed that I am now less fatigue on some of the hills and my AMS for my route has increased about one mile. I have done this route three times since I have started spinning and the one mile AMS increase has been consistent.

I don’t do the jumping up and down thing on the pedals in spin class. But I do stand on the pedals a pretty long time now (About two songs) spin a song and then stand for a few more and so on. At first I could not stand long. About a minute and had to sit. It was kind of embarrassing too since I thought that I was stronger and was going to be able to hang with the ladies in the class. I’m glad I did not open my mouth about being a cyclist.

So the bottom line is, these classes seem to be working for me. Hopefully I can stay motivated to continue to do these classes until spring. Personally I don’t think it will be a problem since I met two nice ladies there who feel sorry for me since I sit down and spin while they are still standing on the pedals....:thumb:

Ams?

Ams?

AMS = Average mile speed. My average went from 17.3 to 18.3 - 18-6 since I started spinning on a 35 mile route with rollers and three hills between 4% - 6% grade. I am a lot stronger now and today was the first day that I completed a full 60 minute spinning class doing everything everyone else did to include standing on the pedals and fast cadence drills. I'm happy,sore and my new ladiy friends took me to Starbucks afterwards. :D

Hey, Benny...

Spin class sounds good! Hey, just noticed you did the birthday ride! Good on you, man. Great news.

Looks like I'm gonna have to go to spin class to keep up with ya!

best,

dave

The gym I use is advertising "spinning classes coming soon", the sign has been there for about four weeks but no spinning yet. They have someone working on getting a special room ready. Have never done it and am looking forward to it with a little trepidation. I have heard it is really hard at first, but gives you a reall good work out.


I have never done any spinning, and am thinking about it. Just picked up a road bike, and will likely pick up a trainer to use it indoors. Is a spinning class much better than that approach?

Also, how does one handle the clipless pedal situation? I use speedplays. Are there compatible clips on the bikes in the spinning classes for all types of pedals?

Many thanks...
Bob

Spinning has a technique to it that has to be aquired. I know at my gym- There are "Spinners" that literally just turn the pedals. When I started-I took it steady and if it was a 30second all out sprint- I went at 95%- If it was turn the pressure up 1/2 a turn- I only went 1/4. and if I could not stand as long as the others- I sat down. Took about 3 lessons to feel comfortable and Then it was all out and be competitive and beat the others. And as to whether it is better than a home trainer- Depends on whether you can push yourself on the trainer. At a spinning class you will be dragged to a level you would not normally attempt.

On the pedals- Most gyms have Clips and straps or SPD pedals. Doesn't matter because if your pedals dont fit the clipless- just strap yourself in but do use a cycling shoe if you have them. It is just like a bike- you still need correct footwear to get comfortable.

And do not forget you will need water so take a bottle and also a small towel. You will sweat more- and the towel will keep the Bike and you dry. I would also recomend doing the class in cycling shorts and a good wicking jersey or T shirt. Cycling clothing still works for spinning classes.

AND- another tip- Do not ask what sort of riding the other participants do. They probably do not even own a bike. Or if they do- it is probably a Wally mart special. (Except for the serious Bikers that want the extra fitness a spinning class will give them.)

I've been taking spin classes for several months. I push myself much harder at the classes than I would on my bike. It's probably because I don't have to worry about losing my balance, falling off or crashing. :lol: Still, I have seriously thought about wearing my gloves and helmet just in case.

Red Rider
Don't mince words

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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Vacaville, CA

What happened in Vacaville in the last few days to make the news big time?

Hey Jackson, when you going to bring the ladies by to meet us?

I have a oil trainer at home that I use on rainy days, I hate it but got to turn the cranks! I use my touring bike with the brooks saddle.

Red Rider
Don't mince words

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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Vacaville, CA

What happened in Vacaville in the last few days to make the news big time?

????

Don't be a tease -- share!

Started spinning 7 months ago. Used it over the summer to supplement cycling, especially on inclement days. Now that cycling is over for the year using it to keep gaining in anticipation of spring. Most of the people in the class only spin; just a few use it for cycling conditioning. It has improved my performance, physical and mental conditioning.

In this class no one competes with anyone else. There are no numbers on the tension wheel. So, you get out of it what you put into it. Big thing is that the instructor is there to motivate and encorage; neither of which I'd get on a trainer at home.

2nd spinning class today, taught by a friend of mine.

Rode bike to gym, 1 hour of swimming, 30 minutes weight lifting, 55 minutes of spinning, rode bike home, plan longer bike ride this pm.

How do keep from becoming physically and mentally exhausted?

3rd spinning day yesterday - rode bike to gym, swimming, weight lifting and spinning, rode home.

How do keep from becoming physically and mentally exhausted?

Not a problem at all. You build up to it, you don't start out doing everything. I also take a rest day every now and then.

Look at Will Dehne - he makes me look like a piker, with his 100 mile days and 6 hour training sessions. But, he is a year or two younger than I am at, I think, 67 years old now. I will hit 69 in a couple of weeks. (Doesn't 69 have some sort of - err - sexual significance)?

Are you retired then and don't have fit all that activity in and also work a 9-hour work day?

Rode bike to gym, 1 hour of swimming, 30 minutes weight lifting, 55 minutes of spinning, rode bike home, plan longer bike ride this pm.

sigh. I can't wait to retire!:thumb::thumb::thumb:

Are you retired then and don't have fit all that activity in and also work a 9-hour work day?

No 9 hour weekday, but when I was working 9 hours I did about the same - perhaps a bit less.

I have a complete gym and spinning in my basement. The swimming is newly added. I sm generally up by 5am, working out. Right now, I do a lot more of it at the rec center than I used to.

http://ourwebs.info/wtroom2.JPG

4th spinning class today. Rode bike to gym at 5:20 am (using my lights) spin for one hour (I can now stand up along with the best of them), swimming for an hour, shower and shave, weight lifting 45 minutes, rode bike home, eating breakfast as I type.

5th and 6th spinning classes.

Today

Rode bike to gym at 5:25 am
50 minutes of pretty tough spinning
50 minutes of swimming
30 minutes of weight lifting
rode bike back home
3.6 mile walk
short bike ride.

5th and 6th spinning classes.

Today

Rode bike to gym at 5:25 am
50 minutes of pretty tough spinning
50 minutes of swimming
30 minutes of weight lifting
rode bike back home
3.6 mile walk
short bike ride.

Then a nice little 6 hour nap? That's where I'd be...:p

Then a nice little 6 hour nap? That's where I'd be...:p

Since I actually woke up at 4:20, I did get in a 30 minute nap!

Good to hear that many of you have discovered spinning. I've been doing it consistently for about 2 years and have to admit that I'm addicted - as many as five 1-2 hour sessions per week - with a max of 10 sessions in the same week. I still ride on the road, but as the winter months approach I taper off due to shorter days, weather, etc. Spinning was an integral part of my 70+ lb weight loss over the past 24 months.

A few observations and things that work for me...

If you're going to spend much time in a spinning class get some good cycling shoes and go clipless. The cycling shoes will provide a much better platform (stiffer) and give you confidence when climbing. True, many of use don't use SPDs on our road bikes so you'll need another pair of shoes. I found a Sidi road shoe that takes either SPDs (4 holes) as well as the standard 3 hole mount for Look or Speedplays. A lot of people use a MTB shoe.

Use a HRM. Since you don't have to deal with traffic, balance and other normal distractions, its the great environment for some HR zone training. Since you can basically "dial in" your bike, the HRM monitor will help you monitor your workload.

As was mentioned earlier, many of the people in a spin class are not cyclists -- and in many cases neither is the instructor. This will vary by gym and class. Of the 5 instructors at my gym, 2 cycle on the road. Our class room also has to video projection screens where TdF, Giro and other races are shown during class while the instructor plays music selected for the class.

Spin between 2 attractive young ladies and you will work hard -- between 2 competitive men and you will work VERY hard.

On a spin cycle you can ride out of the saddle for extended periods of time -- more that you might do on your road bike. Maintain good form for climbing, arms and shoulders relaxed, and you'll get a great core workout.

If you really don't like the music the instructor plays in class it's OK to bring your own. I started using my own music on an iPod Shuffle about a year ago. I sit in the last row of the class to not draw attention to the fact I'm plugged in. The Shuffle is small and I clip it to the back of my shorts and run the headphone cord down the back of my shirt. I use black earbud (not white) and it's very hard to see that I'm wired up. Sitting in the back let's you "ride your own ride" without distracting other people in the class.

When selecting a bike look for the following things. Check the crank for play -- not all gyms are good about maintaining the bikes and many will excessive play in the chain. You can check this by putting some tension on the wheel and manually moving the crank arm. A bike with a properly adjusted chain will ride much smoother. If using SPDs check the pedals for tension and play. Very few gyms properly set the entry/exit tension on the pedal. I actually keep an allen wrench in my gym bag for this. Make sure the feet (levelers) on the bike are even. The feet are screwed into the bike and can be adjusted so the bike doesn't rock. It should be rock steady.

If you sweat a lot -- bring several towels. Not just to mop your head, but to minimize the amount of sweat on the bike and floor. I sometimes ride for 2+ hours and its easier to throw an old towel on the floor, plus one over the front of the bike to catch all that sweat. Makes cleanup easier at the end of the class and better for the bike. If you do a lot of standing on the bike you want to make sure you keep sweat off the wheel. The reason I mention this is when sweat hits the wheel there is a noticeable reduction in tension as the sweat "lubes" the wheel for 1-2 revolutions, followed by 1-2 revolutions of "harder" tension before it returns to normal. Keeping a towel over the handlebars helps here.

Wear cycling gloves to maintain a good grip on the bars when standing. The coating on the most bars are very slick when your hands sweat.

Sorry to be long winded -- hope this helps anyone thinking about adding spinning to their winter workout.

-Milt

Warning

Spinning classes can be addictive. I started going to the Gym seriously in feb 2003 in preparation for a big ride I was doing. Kept it to twice a week with 1 hour cardio V and 1 hour weights to build up muscles I needed. Come the ride and I did it. Following year did the same- 4 months before the event and down the gym. This was additional to "on bike" training and I can assure you that I was fit and the training was hard.

Then 2005 and I did more riding and less gym but in 06 I got into spinning. Twice a week still and a spinning class instead of Gym work. Gym training was now FUN and I felt it was doing me a lot of good. Summer 2006 and I failed on the annual ride.

Spinning is a good addition to normal fitness training but nowhere near as good as mixed exercise if you want to keep the fitness. So be warned.

I really like the combination of

Walking
Swimming
A variety of weight lifting and conditioning exercises
Spinning
Stretching
and, of course,
Bicycling outside whenever possible

They are all important, IMHO.

I really like the combination of

Walking
Swimming
A variety of weight lifting and conditioning exercises
Spinning
Stretching
and, of course,
Bicycling outside whenever possible

They are all important, IMHO.

Now that I'm retired and have a Medicare supplement program that offers the Silver Sneakers program I'll be joining the local Y where they offer all of the above. The new Y sits about 1 mile out of town but my bike friendly community has built a bike path to it:thumb:

Now that I'm retired and have a Medicare supplement program that offers the Silver Sneakers program I'll be joining the local Y where they offer all of the above. The new Y sits about 1 mile out of town but my bike friendly community has built a bike path to it:thumb:

Good luck with Silver Sneakers

For us, it was one step up from a nursing home:

1940's music
Little gold crowns for the ladies
Instructions to be "sure to cross your midline" and "this is good for you ADL's" (activities of daily living).
A "monitor" in the back of the room to be sure you were doing things correctly (and, I gues, hadn't fallen over dead).
Playing Bingo at their "parties."

I found my (and my wife's) fitness level far above, and it was not a challenge.

But, you can get in the gym for free (except my supplement doesn't pay for it).

Hope yours is better.

I think it is designed just for the "never exercised before" 65+'r.

Good luck with Silver Sneakers

For us, it was one step up from a nursing home:

1940's music
Little gold crowns for the ladies
Instructions to be "sure to cross your midline" and "this is good for you ADL's" (activities of daily living).
A "monitor" in the back of the room to be sure you were doing things correctly (and, I gues, hadn't fallen over dead).
Playing Bingo at their "parties."

I found my (and my wife's) fitness level far above, and it was not a challenge.

But, you can get in the gym for free (except my supplement doesn't pay for it).

Hope yours is better.

I think it is designed just for the "never exercised before" 65+'r.


I don't intend to do the Silver Sneakers classes. I checked with the Y and they said I would have free access to all programs. Hopefully this was correct because I want to do the spinning classes.

I received my health plan card this week so I plan on visiting the Y next week.

I don't intend to do the Silver Sneakers classes. I checked with the Y and they said I would have free access to all programs. Hopefully this was correct because I want to do the spinning classes.

I received my health plan card this week so I plan on visiting the Y next week.

Yes, that's the way to do it.

You might try a class or two. They may be better than ours. I was reprimanded for using a 12 pound weight for an exercise - seems the SS has some limit on the weight one can use.

In the past winters I would ride my wind trainer (a bicycle mounted on a device intended to duplicate road feel). However, it can be very boring. Watching Jeopardy or a hockey game can reduce some boredom.

So for the next two months (Nov. & Dec.), I am participating in a spinning class with eleven others including my daughter. Spinning classes are held at a number of fitness centers, but most of them have a common flaw. They are in a building with four walls only a few feet away. Some provide a TV screen to simulate the outdoors, but that too can feel very artificial.

The one we have signed up for is in a recreation center with a long running track so while spinning I can watch the runners. Also, there are huge windows to view the outdoors. It is a decided improvement.

Thus finding the ideal spinning class may take a little research on your part.

The advice given by others on this forum is excellent; but let me add the following:
1. Make sure the saddle height is correct. While sitting on the saddle, place your heel on the pedal when the pedal is at its furthest position. Your leg should be almost straight. When you are clicked in to the pedal, your leg will be slightly bent.
2. Avoid "mashing" the pedals. The instructor will sometimes urge you to set the control to 80%-95% tension so that it is really tough to turn the pedals. While that may be fine for the younger riders, at our age pushing those tough gears is murder on your knees. So reduce the tension.
3. Usually the instructor will get you to stretch after a workout; but I recommend that you also stretch beforehand.
4. You will find that the variety of the type of pedaling is what makes the exercise valuable: sitting, hovering (i.e., butt slightly off the saddle, underhand grip of the bars), and standing.
5. Some have suggested Sidi cycling shoes. There are other types of cycling shoes that are far more comfortable. Mountain bike cycling shoes look like running shoes, but have the option of installing cleats. Check cycling shops like Nashbar on line.
6. Aim for two sessions of one hour each per week. A two-hour session is no more beneficial than one-hour. On other days, become involved in other forms of exercise to do some cross-training.

Not called the silver sneakers over here but I went to the gym to enquire about the over 60's keep fit programme. The classes seemed right and I talked to one of the other mature users at the gym to see if he knew about it. He told me not to bother. The "Organised classes" were very low key exercise-Set up for people that probably had trouble walking from the Front door to the classes and were full of the PINK rinse brigade.

As he put it- "I would probably get more exercise walking round the town doing the shopping on a Saturday." Perhaps I ought to join- haven't done the shopping since the wife got her own car.

the PINK rinse brigade.



What is this? Does it refer to a hair color rinse? If so, on this side of the pond they use "blue":)

What is this? Does it refer to a hair color rinse? If so, on this side of the pond they use "blue":)

The colour may be different- but why do the "OLD" biddies insist on dying their hair? All it does to me is to highlight the fact that they are not happy with the aging process and disguise their silver locks to look Different. Don't know why they bother as apparantly- Gentlemen prefer Blondes.:rolleyes::rolleyes:

So for the next two months (Nov. & Dec.), I am participating in a spinning class with eleven others including my daughter. Spinning classes are held at a number of fitness centers, but most of them have a common flaw. They are in a building with four walls only a few feet away. Some provide a TV screen to simulate the outdoors, but that too can feel very artificial.

The one we have signed up for is in a recreation center with a long running track so while spinning I can watch the runners. Also, there are huge windows to view the outdoors. It is a decided improvement.



I really like our spinning classes and instructors. And, we have great big windows looking out into open space, top-quality Lemond trainers and a nice "feel" to the classes. Each instructor is a bit different. Also, there are like 10 different classes per week (or more), so you can drop in to any of them at your convenience (and for a change of instructor) - the cost of any and all classes is included in my annual membership.

I ride with my SPD cleats and Shimano riding sandals.

Once again I did two spinning classes (so far) this week, combined with walking and weight lifting. It is too cold for me in the am to bike to the gym right now, so I am walking instead.

Still enjoying them, and I am challenging myself more.

Are others of you still doing the spinning?

(Here is a post I made 2 years ago about my very first spinning class):

Survived my First Spinning Class

Me, one other fellow and a whole bunch of ladies in their 30's, 40's and 50's.

They won!

I did pretty well, except they do a LOT of standing, and standing over the seat, which I am not used to doing. So, my "standing" muscles got pretty well used. I do standing on my rides and in the DVD's I use, but not 6 minutes at a time.

I kept the old heart rate 150 or below, which is which is about as high as I should go, given my recent heart repair.

But, I liked the instructor (she is a friend of mine) and the folks were pretty nice. The instructor urged me to pace myself, which I did. No pressure to go beyond what you thought appropriate.

Yes, we stil spin. Been back at it this season for three weeks now (we don't spin during the biking season, unless it's raining). I can't see ever NOT spinning.

The colour may be different-

in the USA that would be the BLUE hair brigade

my major gripe with spinning is you can't do snot rockets -- you have to use a tissue :)

my major gripe with spinning is you can't do snot rockets -- you have to use a tissue :)

I hadn't thought about that. :eek:

This could make me reconsider my plans to start taking spin classes in a few weeks. :(

in the USA that would be the BLUE hair brigade

my major gripe with spinning is you can't do snot rockets -- you have to use a tissue :)

We have fans blowing on us in our class. SR's are no problem.