trippn1

Is spinning class at the gym's like Golds Gym a good way to supplement training during the winter? I just joined Golds Gym and was thinking about getting in a few days of spinning class. What do you guys think?

flip18436572

Doesn't your location say Central Florida? Isn't this a perfect time of the year to be riding? Just curious. Spin bikes are not the same, but they can be good exercise. Not the same as riding your own bike, but done correctly you can raise your heart rate and burn calories.

trippn1

Yeah I am in Florida...The weather isn't the problem...It is the lack of daylight. I get home and it is getting dark out, so I am out of luck for riding outside.

10 Wheels

I am visiting in Indianapolis.
5:30 PM Totally Dark, 30 *
Bought a used Schwinn 205 for indoor riding.

evblazer

I was completely stalled for the better part of the year at the same weight until I started taking a few spin classes and a few other things.
I apparantly can get very lazy when commuting on my recumbent and the constant motion in spinning class kind of unlazied me in more normal riding a bit. Actually last week I had a personal best time round trip commute because I just kept on pushing pushing pushing instead of just coasting or gearing down alot and spinning to a stall up some hills.

flip18436572

Do you not have safe trails or streets to ride? White front and red rear lights make you seen by many, as does a reflective vest. But, you may also not have safe riding in your area, or don't feel comfortable in the dark on a bike, and I completely understand that also.

A spin class can be a good thing, but don't consider it the same as riding "your" bike. I have rollers that I use in the basement when I get off of work. I put in a DVD and ride. I need to borrow some DVD's from some friends, because I am sick of all of mine.

trippn1

I just got rollers also...so I will be working with several options and then weekend rides....Thanks

TrekDen

A spin class is not going to hurt, that's for sure. Just remember to work at a pace your comfortable with. You do not have to do everything the instructor say's. It's better to build up a little at a time if needed. Don't be intimidated if you can't finish something. Use it as motivation to keep going back until you can.

I'm pretty much stuck inside until March as far as riding goes. Too dark & too cold!! I have almost all the winter gear I need to ride outside. It just has to be a major event to make me put it all on to do it.

Try it & see what you think,

Denny

Jeff Wills

Several years back I did Spinning classes all winter long. The next spring I was outclimbing the rest of the club... on a recumbent... while weighing 210 pounds.

Try out several different instructors if you can. A lot of them are converted aerobics instructors and clueless about cycling technique. The instructor who pushed me into that good spring was a flyweight roadie who had raced in Europe. He could spin 120rpm no-hands. Simultaneously motivating and humiliating.

CyclePig

Depending on the Spin class...there is a good chance it will whup your tail. They can be tough...depending on the instructor but imo definitely would not hurt your conditioning.

squirrell

I tried a few and don't like them. Got a post here somewhere about my own experience but I think it's more the local instructors at my "Y." Neither are cyclists and that's obvious--in fact, I don't know that either have any type of training to teach that type of thing at all. Both are local school teachers, and I'm sure they're good at that but they stink at spin classes.

flip18436572

Usually YMCA instructors are volunteers, and some will get training before the classes start and others will not get any training for the particular class. It will also depend upon where they got their "spin" training.

Pinyon

I love spin classes. BUT, it does depend on the instructors. All of the instructors at my gym have to get a certification from a spin training class, AND make it through a probationary period where the other 10+ spin instructors that work there, and their boss, sit in on their first 5-10 classes and review them. Most people quit during the evaluation process. They have to actually like being there, AND know what they are doing to even teach classes as a substitute instructor. It makes a giant difference.

It is not the same as riding outside, but if done correctly, you can get your heart rate up as high as if you were riding up steep hills in the mountains. According to my heart rate monitor, I typically burn about 650-800 calories during your average 50-minute spin class. There is a lot more standing and body movement in spin class, than when you ride outside. It works many of the same muscles, and keeps your butt tough, though.

I say give it a shot, and see what you think. I would also suggest trying a few instructors, and at least 5-10 classes before you make up your mind about it. I know a lot of people that don't like it as much as I do, but prefer spin class to stationary trainers, treadmills, regular aerobics classes, etc.

gearhead82

I just signed up for a weekly spin class a couple weeks ago. I've been twice and I recommend it. I don't think I have the greatest instructor in the spinning world, but its still fun and burns lots of calories. During my first class I actually got my HR up to 180 which is higher than I've ever seen it while riding outdoors. The other people in the class help motivate me to keep up. It works a lot of different muscles and they my instructor is good at reminding us to use our core muscles to support the upper body and I couldn't believe how sore I was from the waist up the following day.

Neil_B

I think it's a great idea. That said, I can't do it myself unless I bring a pedal wrench and crank arm extenders to class each time. Last year I fell off a spin bike when my right foot slipped off the pedal.

youcoming

I like them but the instructer at my gym has seen me on the road and knowing I ride always uses me as a whipping boy. That's ok I can take it.

jaxgtr

Spinning is a great class and will kick you butt. However it all depends on the leader of the class, get a bad one and the class will suck, get one that drives too hard and you wont want to come back. Still though, I love the classes.

trippn1

did my first class the other day and it was a great workout. I was not able to do everything but was not too far off. It was a great workout and I will do it at least once a week. I hope to ride my real bike tomorrow after church.

Firedog

We have spin bikes in all of our stations. My station actauly has about 8 so they do spin classes every morning before shift. Like mentioned before not the same as riding on the road but it will definately get your heart rate up and work your legs. Better than doing nothing and in my opinion better than riding on my trainer.

youcoming

One ,ore benifit to spin class is all the good looking scenery, nothing like a hot chick to motivate ya!!!!!!

jonestr

The offseason is not the time for short intense efforts. It is time for weight training and long slow distance rides