Opinions on Spinning?

[nancy324]

Hey, since we're on this topic, can one of the spin experts please explain to me the guys who wear the spandex shorts & second skin cyclist shirts? I mean, they're for wind resistence, right? Is it really windy in a spin studio?

Note to dudes: those outfits are SO unflattering! Gives a new meaning to the term "TMI."

I thought biking shorts were for ease of movement and protecting your derriere from the bike seat? The chamois in the biking shorts is like a pillow between your tush and the seat. I still have a bunch of biking shorts from when my DH tried to get me interested in riding with him. My knees still ache from that little experiment. (I guess some people are cut out for it and some aren't? I find bike riding and spinning to be very unpleasant and painful.)

 

[Clarissa]

Lauramax! "TMI' - you are too funny.

Thanks for the info ladies. I really think I'll try it. Thanks for the info on the 90 degree leg bend too. I would have never known but have always wondered!!

Clarissa

 

[ddj]

Proper pedal stroke is to press through your heel (hamstring/glute working) on the way down, and lift through your quads on the way up. This is best achieved when using cycling shoes with clips, versus having your running shoe in a cage.

Have fun!
Sandra

Sandra,
I have a Revmaster that I've been using for about two months. It has been suggested to me that I get cycling shoes and different pedals, but I have no idea what to get. How do I know which pedals or shoes to buy? There seem to be so many options!

 

[ivorygorgon]

ddj: I recommend you contact your local bike store. They will set you up with pedals, shoes, and cleats. There is no substitute for using the pedals and cleates, it will absolutely take your workout to another level. Good luck.

Laura: Some of what you are seeing in terms of the "TMI" is part of the chamois, in men the chamois is longer and comes more up front.

I been spinning and biking exclusively for cardio since about this time last year. I just so absolutely love spinning. I don't even have the words to explain. It is incredibly intense without any impact. My body loves it. As a result of spinning, DH and I have taken up mountain biking which is truly a blast! Have fun!

 

[LauraMax]

ddj: I recommend you contact your local bike store. They will set you up with pedals, shoes, and cleats. There is no substitute for using the pedals and cleates, it will absolutely take your workout to another level. Good luck.

Laura: Some of what you are seeing in terms of the "TMI" is part of the chamois, in men the chamois is longer and comes more up front.

I been spinning and biking exclusively for cardio since about this time last year. I just so absolutely love spinning. I don't even have the words to explain. It is incredibly intense without any impact. My body loves it. As a result of spinning, DH and I have taken up mountain biking which is truly a blast! Have fun!

OK you guys have explained the bottoms (although I'm standing by my position that those shorts should be a base layer). What about the shirts?

 

[ivorygorgon]

I been spinning and biking exclusively for cardio since about this time last year.

Sorry for this egregious typo. I am the typo queen!

Laura: I think folks use the cycling jerseys for several reasons. 1) They are really light. Cyclists, and people who are serious about spinning are all about lighter is better. 2) They aren't loose so they don't flap around. On a bicycle this is pretty important, on a spin bike, probably not so much, but it still helps to not have extra material getting in the way. 3) The jerseys are longer in the back, so when you bend over they don't ride up. 4) They are usually made of a fabric that wicks well. I know DH and I both get absolutely soaked in spin class, so this is really helpful. 5) Part of it is that it is just about belonging to the cycling or spinning community. It is just part of the "thing." I think this is true of the leg shaving too.

 

[tiggerlove]

I just bought a spinning bike which I saw on TV. It came with 3 cd's and oh yeah my butt hurt for a couple of days but I've pretty much gotten use to it. I burn a lot of calories and I combine it with weight lifiting and and now I'm getting ready to start the STS cd's from cathe.

 

[SirenSongWoman]

A while back I read an article over at FigureAthlete.com where the writer went off about the uselessness of spinning. Yet, a few weeks ago a different FA writer had good things to say about it. If you go over there and do a search on "spinning" you'll probably read the pros and cons from every conceivable viewpoint, particularly from the message boards responding to the articles. But it makes you wonder how anyone knows what they should be doing to get the results they want...