Originally Posted by
leob1
Absolutely. When I make a conscious effort to attend spin classes, and\or put time on the trainer in the basement during the winter months, I'm in much better overall condition when the spring riding season arrives. I can do longer rides more comfortably, and with a higher average speed than when I don't do indoor 'riding'. The spining maintains CV fitness.
+!.
Up here in the Great White North it's hard for wimps like me to bike between about November and March, barring a day or so.
But regular spin classes keep my biking muscles alive over the winter, and it's easier to get back into the riding routine. That's especially true if I manage a winter break -- I am off to Arizona in February, and I know that the spin classes I'm doing (I aim at three a week) will make the riding more possible than would have been the case without it.
Any workout is better than no workout at all.