Southern California - Good spin classes in La Verne/Glendora/Claremont area

About 2 years ago I asked about spin class vs. trainer. There were some replies that stated that spin classes are fine for burning calories and cardio fitness but don't really teach one how to be a good cyclist.

My husband is looking forward to his 2nd shoulder replacement surgery in late October (right shoulder). He had this surgery in his left shoulder 2 years ago, when I posted the original question. That shoulder is doing very well now and he rides about 100 miles/week on his bikes with tall or upright stems.

He's wondering about the best way to maintain his cycling legs during the immediate post-op recovery period. He's considering getting a stationery bike and putting it in the patio. I recommended getting a trainer and some DVDs, or going to a spin class (which, unfortunately, would require driving one of our stick-shift cars).

Now that it's been 2 years since my original question -- and lots can change in 2 years -- does anyone know of a GOOD spin class in this area that meets during the daytime (early morning is fine -- he's retired) and actually teaches good riding technique? He's almost 71 (many think he looks late 50s or 60ish) and wears a HR monitor but has no known health issues and takes no medications --- but would need a class that allows him to go HIS PACE.

His concerns about a trainer include rear-tire wear, extra expense of padding underneath, and any other expense that would be above and beyond that of a simple stationery bike.

Plus, he insists that whatever he could get out of a spin class or from a trainer can be achieved on a stationery bike.

Can anyone provide any arguments to help him make the best decision?

I have to agree with your husband. Spinning classes just stand upright out of the saddle and run. They consider that a good workout. To me it's like watching paint dry. He's better off saving some money and using a stationery bike and go at his own pace.:)

I took a group of spinning instructors up to Mt. Hollywood in Griffith Park. They could speed up a hill, but couldn't balance on a bike, couldn't descend without braking the entire time. And several fell when we came to a stop at end of the LA bike path. I've never seen such poor handling skills in my life.:(

I wish him a swift recovery to get back on his bike. Good luck with the surgery.

LA Fitness which have locations in Upland, Glendora and Laverne all have spin classes.. You can see the times online.. I have done the ones in Upland and they are a good workout..

Having ridden a trainer during winter months in Michigan, I can say there aren't many other expenses other than the actual trainer. You'll want a good fluid trainer and that can run $200-300. Rear tire wear is neglibile (trainer guides are smoother than pavement...) and I don't know what you mean by padding. A simple dense foam pad is not very expensive, but you can just as easily throw an old sheet or towel on the floor.

Advantages of the trainer is that he can set his own schedule, do it in the comfort of his own home, ride his own bike to address fit issues with the new shoulder, and you two will have the equipment if it's needed in the future. Disadvantages of the trainer include the initial cost and the potential lack of motivation to ride it. Personally, I'd rather go to a spin class; get in, work hard, get out, move on with my day. When I had a trainer sitting at home, I'd procrastinate and procrastinate and end up going weeks without riding it.

I'm currently recovering from a broken arm, so I've been spinning a lot lately. I've found spin classes at the Claremont Club and 24 Hour Fitness in Upland to be equally challenging and fulfilling. You can set your own resistance on a spin bike, so really you are controlling your own pace. A membership at 24 Hour Fitness is much cheaper, but the Claremont Club has really nice CycleOps spin bikes with power meters and HR monitors built in. You can bring a USB drive and track your progress throughout the classes.

If you choose a club with a pool, I imagine swimming would supplement his physical therapy quite nicely. Also, a couple months of gym membership is probably cheaper than the investment for a trainer setup, so if you don't see a reason to keep the trainer, maybe it's best to go with a gym. Lastly, personally I find it easier to feel motivated in a group setting. I'll do solo rides outside all the time because they're fun, but solo indoor riding is kind of a drag. Helps to have others around.

Just my 2 cents. And I slept at a Holiday Inn last night.

Plus, he insists that whatever he could get out of a spin class or from a trainer can be achieved on a stationery bike.

Can anyone provide any arguments to help him make the best decision?

I don't like stationary bikes (even though I own a nice one) because the fit on them is never as good as the fit on a real bike. On a Spin Bike, you're very upright and the top tube length is way too short. There's no way to change it.

So that's my best argument. I'd much rather be on a trainer (or better yet, rollers) on a real bike. As far as rear tires go, get a $10 Forte tire from Performance that's hard a nails. It'll take a long time to use it up.