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Trainer vs. spin class vs...

Old 02-06-06, 06:05 PM
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Trainer vs. spin class vs...

So I find myself off my bike for a while, because of a broken wrist - - and I'm trying to find the most reasonable way to keep from losing fitness until I can ride again.
What I'm trying to decide is whether to get a trainer or just try using a gym's exercise bikes or a spin class. So far (this first week off-bike) I've been going the exercise bike route, since that's what's been available to me, and while it's certainly better than no workout, my trouble is that it feels nothing like riding. Either there's no resistance at all or it's impossible to budge the pedals.
What do other people do and why?
Thanks.
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Old 02-06-06, 07:27 PM
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First of all, sorry about your wrist... Having done all three of your options, I would go for the spin class. It implies you are riding with someone else (in a class) and you will not get bored. You will also get a great workout. And, once you're healed, you will understand how a 'fixie' works... no coasting, and you will want to get one.

train safe-
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Old 02-06-06, 08:15 PM
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Not sure if it applies, and it's certainly rather obvious, but I put aerobars on my trainer bike, because I was having some problems with my hands. You might find it more comfortable. Using the aerobars while on the trainer has translated to more comfort in the drops out on the road.
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Old 02-06-06, 08:19 PM
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Suck. I'm not much help, when I broke my wrist last year I only managed a week or two of hitting spin classes in my cast before the sweaty cast and adjustment to the positions got the better of me.

But I am working out pretty much exclusively indoors now, thanks to the crappy weather and darkness. Spin class > trainer > exercise bike. But spin class can be hit or miss around here. So depending on how motivated you can be to ride the trainer and keep your HR up, that might be tied with spinning.

Heal quickly. Mine was at about 75-80% within a couple of months, but it took about three more months after that to conquer the last 20-25% -- it finally feels close to as good as new now! Don't forget your calcium.
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Old 02-07-06, 05:10 PM
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Sorry about your wrist. Here's wishing you a speedy mend.

I take a spin class once a week, and it's the best thing that's ever happened to my bike fitness. That would be the choice I'd recommend to you, as it's much harder to push yourself when you're just pedalling on a trainer at home, or riding a staionary bike at the gym. Additionally, those stationary gym bikes many times don't even put your body in a "real" bike position.

Another thing you could do is... anything *but* cycling. You could use this "downtime" to try as many different sports/activities as possible. That way, you'd be putting your muscles through a wide range of activities, giving your cycling muscles a break, and you could even come back stronger. Or find another sport to love and xtrain with.
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Old 02-08-06, 02:16 PM
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Indoor trainers drive me nuts. By that, I mean a bike on a resistance unit. It is so dern boring.

I take spin classes as the time allows. Having a group and the leader does help with passing the time and I can do 50 minutes plus without dying from terminal boredom.

Here are some plusses and minuses

Bike with resistance

1) Convenent. You can do it at home.
2) You can read a book or watch TV (well sort of).
3) resistance feels a bit strange.
4) terminal boredom a possibility.

Spin Classes

1) You have to go to the class.
2) The class allows many to really crank.
3) Low boredom facter.
4) The bikes have fly wheels which gives them something approaching a road feel.
5) The bikes are sort of like riding a fixed gear road bike and that tends to improve your cadence.
6) Well, you need a membership so it costs more.

So it sort of depends on how you weight the variables where the nod goes.
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Old 02-10-06, 07:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Pat
Indoor trainers drive me nuts. By that, I mean a bike on a resistance unit. It is so dern boring.

I take spin classes as the time allows. Having a group and the leader does help with passing the time and I can do 50 minutes plus without dying from terminal boredom.

Here are some plusses and minuses

Bike with resistance

1) Convenent. You can do it at home.
2) You can read a book or watch TV (well sort of).
3) resistance feels a bit strange.
4) terminal boredom a possibility.

Spin Classes

1) You have to go to the class.
2) The class allows many to really crank.
3) Low boredom facter.
4) The bikes have fly wheels which gives them something approaching a road feel.
5) The bikes are sort of like riding a fixed gear road bike and that tends to improve your cadence.
6) Well, you need a membership so it costs more.

So it sort of depends on how you weight the variables where the nod goes.

In my neck of the woods, you can add another plus to the spin column:
I spin 3 days a week and I'm the only guy in a class of 16 women.
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Old 02-11-06, 09:39 AM
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you are lucky you broke your wrist. I had a severe sprain and every doctor said 'by the end you'd have wished you had broken it'

run?
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Old 02-11-06, 10:25 AM
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I don't like the way the exercise bikes (at least the ones I've been on) feel, and the position they put me in. Very different from my bike setup... and while I did feel I got a decent workout, I spent the entire week fretting about how Icould have been riding on my road bike, even if it was on the trainer.
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