More questions for you spinners

[L Sass]

Ok all of you spinners. Thanks for the advice so far with my spinning newbie status. So I took the advice and got a nice, little cushier saddle cover. I've got the settings on the bike down pat, and I'm beginning to figure out which of the instructors I like vs not so much. A whole new fun world for me. Just did my 3rd class and each time I like it a bit more. A few more questions:

How many times per week do you spin? I also aim for incline TM walking and elliptical work, so I've got cardio options. Are there folks who spin every day?

I've heard many people say that nothing leaned out their legs like spinning -- true for you? And if so, how long was it after you started before you began to notice those results? Thanks for indulging me on what I don't know. Really appreciate it.

 

[cakebaker]

Ok all of you spinners. Thanks for the advice so far with my spinning newbie status. So I took the advice and got a nice, little cushier saddle cover. I've got the settings on the bike down pat, and I'm beginning to figure out which of the instructors I like vs not so much. A whole new fun world for me. Just did my 3rd class and each time I like it a bit more. A few more questions:

How many times per week do you spin? I also aim for incline TM walking and elliptical work, so I've got cardio options. Are there folks who spin every day?

I've heard many people say that nothing leaned out their legs like spinning -- true for you? And if so, how long was it after you started before you began to notice those results? Thanks for indulging me on what I don't know. Really appreciate it.

I spin 3X a week - 2X per wk. I do a bootcamp type class, and that's it for cardio. I was able, with the addition of spinning, to cut back on cardio from 6X per wk. to 5X. Yes, spinning is excellent for leaning out the legs. I began to notice results after only 2 wks. of spinning, but keep in mind, that's with doing it 3X per wk. I'm SO hooked on spinning!

 

[boybielicious]

Hi Lorrie!

I LOVE spinning. I usually spin about twice a week. I personally wouldn't recommend doing it every day, just because of burn out & needing variety...but I would say that about any type of cardio.

That being said, it is a fabulous workout that you can tailor to YOUR level with the resistance knob & being able to sit vs. stand. You will have to play around with it to find the "sweet spot" for you during the ride. I like to hold the handle bars more in a 3rd (ends of the bars) position and keep low to the bike to simulate more natural riding. I noticed this difference recently instead of staying upright the whole time. I take breaks and sit up periodically to open up the airways.

In terms of changes, it really was something gradual over the years. I have been spinning for a few years now & I really notice the strength & endurance has really changed.

 

[FiddleFit]

Since we're talking spin....

....this morning I did Cathe's spin workout (http://www.thecathenation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=253164) . Her's clocks in at 46min, but since I wanted to take it to a full 60, I dropped her last drill and added 2 of my own. That is a challenging workout!! But so much fun! What is it about spin that is so exhilarating? At times it's pure misery, but when you're done you feel like a million bucks! (Sort of like hitting yourself over the head with a hammer....it feels good when you stop). For anyone interested, the 2 drills I added were:

Hill Attack ('cause this workout needed more hills ). (11:15):
3 full turns (heavy tension), stand for 30 secs. 1 full turn down and sit for 30 secs. 1 more full turn down and sprint for 30 secs. Repeat the sequence again for 45secs each, then for 60secs each, then for 90secs each.

Take a 1 minute recovery.

Sprints (5:30):
10sec sprint; 20sec recovery
20sec sprint; 20sec recovery
30sec sprint; 20sec recovery
40sec sprint; 20sec recovery
50sec sprint; 20sec recovery
60sec sprint; 20sec recovery

Lorrie,
To more directly answer your questions, I spin 1-2 times a week (depends on how many classes the Y needs me to teach each week), and have been since the spring. I don't know that I've seen much change in my legs, but my legs already looked pretty decent from Cathe's various leg workouts. I also fitness swim 1x a week, step 1x a week, kickbox 1x a week, and do a bootcamp kind of thing 1x a week. And do a lot of weight training. So, since I have so much variety with my activities, I'm not sure I'll see much change in any one area. I'm glad you're enjoying spin so much! It's addictive, especially when the instructor does a good job matching the music to the intensity of the drill.

Cheers,
Sandra