I can't get through Cycle Max

[Amy Steppe]

I consider myself to be fairly fit, but Cycle Max is slaying me. It is mainly the lactic acid that quickly builds in my quads. It is killing me. Any suggestions? Will I ever build up the endurance to go like Cathe and her fabulous cast?

Oh, I have never used a spin bike or any type of exercise bike in my life and I have not used a regular bicycle since I was 11 years old.

[elsie3]

I say give it time. I completely understand what you are saying about the quads--I was shocked how quickly mine failed.

I have never done spinning. I don't have a road bike--only a mountain bike that I ride infrequently when the weather is nice. I knew spinning was hard and would be different. I was so anxious to do Cycle Max that I tried the express premix the day after Afterburn--big mistake. I barely made it through--and that was with pausing between chapters. Every time Cathe reminded us not to be leaning on the handlebars, I was hanging on for dear life. Last week I tried the whole thing the day after TriSets Upper Body--much better on rested legs. I'm sure I didn't use the tension the crew did, but I was happy with my effort--considering it was only my second time. I also think it helped that my form was better. Practice, practice.

There is still much room for improvement, but I LOVE the workout and it can only get better from here. Something to work up to, eh?

[Amy Steppe]

Originally Posted by elsie3

I say give it time. I completely understand what you are saying about the quads--I was shocked how quickly mine failed.

I have never done spinning. I don't have a road bike--only a mountain bike that I ride infrequently when the weather is nice. I knew spinning was hard and would be different. I was so anxious to do Cycle Max that I tried the express premix the day after Afterburn--big mistake. I barely made it through--and that was with pausing between chapters. Every time Cathe reminded us not to be leaning on the handlebars, I was hanging on for dear life. Last week I tried the whole thing the day after TriSets Upper Body--much better on rested legs. I'm sure I didn't use the tension the crew did, but I was happy with my effort--considering it was only my second time. I also think it helped that my form was better. Practice, practice.

There is still much room for improvement, but I LOVE the workout and it can only get better from here. Something to work up to, eh?

Yes it is something to work for. I had no idea of how hard it was. I tried the entire workout and I was such a wuss. I had to stop a lot too and did not even adjust my tension. My heart rate stayed in the zone and at times went anaerobic. I certainly got a workout!

I feel I am a beginner to working out......I did spin a bit today (not to Cathe) for about 20 min before moving to Trisets for upper body which is one heck of a workout in and of itself.

I have this to say about Low Impact - much of it is WAY HARDER than any video Cathe has even done. I no longer think of low impact as low intensity.

Cathe has humbled me and brought me to my knees! But I still love her and her amazing cast. Those women are bionic! And Brenda in particular impressed me in Cycle Max!

[Amy Steppe]

Just somebody tell me please that some day my quads will have the endurance to do the entire video. Within 5 min into the video, they are screaming! I am so embarrassed that I refuse to let anybody see how pathetic I am at spinning!

[lainabaina]

Amy, it could be that you need some calories prior to the workout. are you eating anything before?
and you are right about Brenda...her form is spot on. she does IM tris.

[Amy Steppe]

I usually work out on a farily empty stomach. I get side stitches if I eat prior to a workout.

I hope I can build up the endurance. I am not a biker by any means.

My idea of road biking is my scooter......

So I am a total newbie to any type of biking.

[ashleyann]

Amy,

I just got my spin bike a month and 1/2 ago and the 1st time I tried it out I thought, "you have got to be kidding me!". That was with no tension! I was determined to do Cycle Max when it came so I just started riding for like 15-20 minutes and then increasing the time. I would increase the tension for as long as I could stand it then I would back off for like 30 sec. or so then I would try to put more tension, and I just kept doing that. By the time Cycle Max came, I was able to do it but not to the level of Cathe & crew but I'm sure if I keep it up I will. I had to sit a few times while they stood and at the end I was barely making it but each time I do better. That being said, just try to do a little more each time and I'm sure you'll be surprised at how fast you will build up to it.

Hope this helps,
Ashley

[DebbieH]

Hi Amy, I would just back way down on your tension if your hurting that bad. Gradually build up to it. You will get it. It's new to you so just trying is a good thing!!! I've never been a spinner either but I'm thinking my outdoor biking must have helped a lot. Hang in there!!!

[psusoccer17]

Amy,
When I first starting spinning the same thing happened to me until I learned to spin correctly, there is definitely a technique to it. Instead of just pedaling think of using a push down, pull up motion, this should relieve some of the quad tension. This is especially important when standing. It may help to take a beginner class at a gym if that is possible.
Hope this helps.
Katie

Originally Posted by Amy Steppe

I consider myself to be fairly fit, but Cycle Max is slaying me. It is mainly the lactic acid that quickly builds in my quads. It is killing me. Any suggestions? Will I ever build up the endurance to go like Cathe and her fabulous cast?

Oh, I have never used a spin bike or any type of exercise bike in my life and I have not used a regular bicycle since I was 11 years old.

[Amy Steppe]

Originally Posted by ashleyann

Amy,

I just got my spin bike a month and 1/2 ago and the 1st time I tried it out I thought, "you have got to be kidding me!". That was with no tension! I was determined to do Cycle Max when it came so I just started riding for like 15-20 minutes and then increasing the time. I would increase the tension for as long as I could stand it then I would back off for like 30 sec. or so then I would try to put more tension, and I just kept doing that. By the time Cycle Max came, I was able to do it but not to the level of Cathe & crew but I'm sure if I keep it up I will. I had to sit a few times while they stood and at the end I was barely making it but each time I do better. That being said, just try to do a little more each time and I'm sure you'll be surprised at how fast you will build up to it.

Hope this helps,
Ashley

Thank you, Ashely and thank all of you for your invaluable advice. I am using no tension whatsoever and it still kicks my butt! I look at my bike and I think to myself how much I hate spinning but I will be darned if I am going to not use the bike and learn to use it correctly. Hopefully my quads will build up to the demands of cycling.

I am going to take baby steps. I plan to ride it almost daily for at least 10 min and gradually increase the time I spend on it.. I remember back to when I could not get through a Cathe video and by taking baby steps I became strong enough to finish it with no problem. This was way back when Maximum Intensity Cardio was released. I thought "no way"! Then one day it all came together!

With the bike at least I have something to keep me motivated during the winter. Cathe's set is so bright and looking at Brenda in particular is so motivating! The music is cool too!