2 more questions on spinning

B

beth6395

Cathlete
Will there be a spot on the bike to put my water?

One of you mentioned the Gel seats I looked at Sports Authority and they seemed to be around $15.00 is there anything I should know before I purchase one? I will invest in bringing one if I like this class and instructor.

I have not yet invested in a Heart Rate Monitor how strongly do you feel about one?

Lastly after the class is over I was going to have a protein Bar is that ok? I picked up Pure Protein Smores flavor 19g protein o transfat 3 net carbs 0 sugars and 140mg sodium the other one is Met-RX Protein plus Chocolate roasted peanut flavor, same as above except sodium 160 mg plus this has 70 mg potassium. What do you think?

Thank you so much you guys have been so very helpful to me.

beth6395
 
Any bike I've ever been on at a gym, had a place for a water bottle. Bring a towel also.

I just bought the first gel seat I found, it was years ago, but it's worked fine. I wouldn't buy one until you are sure you will keep with it. It makes the seat more comfortable, but with or without it, you are still going to be sore until your body gets used to it. The more you do it, the sooner you will get used to it.

I LOVE using my HR monitor while spinning. The spinning classes I do are often geared around manipulating your HR. It is NOT a necessity but it's fun to have so that you know how hard you are working during each phase of the workout. It's not much different than using it during other cardios, except that many spin instructors use it as a tool while they teach.

No clue about protein bar, I don't like them.
 
I would recommend something with more carbs in it as well. You really use a lot of energy in spinning and could use some sort of recovery drink or bar.

I'm no expert, but I try to get carbs after cardio, especially one as intense as spinning.

Monica
 
I have never bought a gel seat. I agree with Sancho that you do get used to sitting on the bike. I don't think they're necessary but you will have to make that determination when you sit on the bikes at your gym.

I do not have a HR monitor. I will say that in being a seasoned exerciser, I know well enough what zone I am in when I am working. You learn how to tweak the bike to put you in various HR zones. That being said, some people still love to see the exact numbers, cal burn, all that stuff. If you like to know that information, it is a wise investment. It is a personal preference.

I can't say anything about the protein bar either. Never heard of it. I try to stay away from eating too many protein bars. I try to stick to regular ole food if I can. Often I have a banana after cardio and before lifting. If that's what is handy then it isn't a big deal. I have them from time to time, too.

Enjoy spinning - it is addictive!


Debbie


Peter: Oh my god, Brian, there's a message in my Alphabits. It says, 'Oooooo.'
Brian: Peter, those are Cheerios.
--Family Guy
 
>Will there be a spot on the bike to put my water?

Yes, spin bikes definitetly have a water cage, some even have two. The only time I went into a second bottle of water is when I did an 1 1/2 class.

>Before I respond to the rest of your questions, I just want to say that I love spinning. The instructor I usually spin with always tells newbies to give it at least three classes. I have to tell you, I got hooked after one!!!!

Things I wish I knew for my first class - make sure to watch the instructor - queing is usually pretty good with a good teacher, but you may not know the lingo - whenever they say make sure you have road under you - it means to make sure you have some tension on the flywheel.

As others have recommended make sure you arrive early and have the instructor help you with the bike setup - this is soooo important for a comfortable ride and to prevent knee injury.

If you try to stand - remember to use your core to help lift you - this should be in great shape from doing Cathe - lol and upping the tension is key - I could not get up to a standing position the first time I did a class. The next class I would up the tension alot to stand and then adjust it downward.

Okay for your questions

>One of you mentioned the Gel seats I looked at Sports
>Authority and they seemed to be around $15.00 is there
>anything I should know before I purchase one? I will invest
>in bringing one if I like this class and instructor.

I don't use this, don't like the extra height. I wear padded bike shorts. No matter what, your bum will hurt after the first time you ride. That seems to disappear and not happen after the first few rides.

>
>I have not yet invested in a Heart Rate Monitor how strongly
>do you feel about one?

This is an absolute necessity. Part of spin is heart rate training. Perceived exertion is fine for the beginning, but you'll want to monitor this. I love the added bonus of seeing how many calories I've burned during class.
>
>Lastly after the class is over I was going to have a protein
>Bar is that ok? I picked up Pure Protein Smores flavor 19g
>protein o transfat 3 net carbs 0 sugars and 140mg sodium the
>other one is Met-RX Protein plus Chocolate roasted peanut
>flavor, same as above except sodium 160 mg plus this has 70 mg
>potassium. What do you think?

I'm not a nutrition expert, but this is what my spin instructor recommends. Never spin on an empty stomach - have some light carbs before. When I spin in the morning I will have a slice of ezekeils cinn raisin bread toasted about an hour before class. After class she always recommends having protein within an hour of class. She says egg whites or chicken - I would guess the protein bar is okay, but I still think of them as candy. A few nuts such as almonds or walnuts may be better????

>

Most important have fun!!!!!!

>Thank you so much you guys have been so very helpful to me.
>
>beth6395
 
Thank you twosquared. I hope I too will love spinning. Thank you for your tips there has been so much talk about HRM's I know I should just go out and invest in a good one I have always just exercised if I haven't past out or got cramps I must be fine guess that mind set has to change plus another gadget to learn I still have not learned my digital camera then my hubby went out and bought a new printer too many things to learn. Good grief my 6 year old girls will know how to use their digital camera's before me.

Well I am off for a good nights rest everyone.

Sleep tight everyne in Catheland.

beth6395
 
Hey Beth,

By the way, you don't have to get a fancy HRM. A basic one will work fine. Some people get into all the settings and using it for intervals, etc. But, just to see your HR and how it changes during different activities, only requires a basic one. You can get them for around $40 at Target, Walmart, etc. I like the Polar brand, but other brands may be good also.
 
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