Why spinning classes ?

[anthrax]

What's the main benefit of spinning/cycling classes ?

* VO2max / respiratory capacity
* cardiovascular health
* leg workout ? [in case of high resistance]
* Improve recovery time
* .... ?

 

[eat big]

they are amazing, you have to try one to appreciate it, they do help strenghten your legs, i see people coming out of them drenched in sweat like ive never seen before, the musci is usually upbeat and the instructor yells to make you go harder...

 

[Synpax]

A lot of it depends on the instructor. I spin 3 times a week, each with a different instructor.

It improves a lot of things. All of the things you mention, actually, along with fat loss. Typically a 45 minute session will do intervals, sprints, uphills (high resistance), and a lot of standing up.

As compared with running, it doesn't get your heartrate quiet as high for as sustained a period of time, but it is something that you can do a lot longer than running.

You forgot to mention that it's a good way to meet girls and it's a lot of fun.

Eventually, I'd like to teach one of these. Maybe in about a year. I will probably bring my laptop and projector with me so I can have scenic video showing at the front that people can focus on.

If you are new to it, there are a few things to be aware of:
1) Hydrate. Drink at least a quart 30 minutes before you get there because it takes 30 minutes for your body to absorb the water you drink (even better is Ultima - see my sig). Also drink while you are there. In a 45 minute session I go through a half gallon of Ultima.
2) Don't be afraid to just stop in the middle of the class and adjust your seat. Try and get there early so you can get some tips from the instructor on how to set up the thing.
3) You will get use to that seat. It's hard for everyone at first but you will become accustomed to it.
4) Padded Bycle shorts. Nuff said.
5) Clip shoes are a good investment, too.
6) You will get a lot of soreness early on in your lower quads. This, too, will pass.
7) Have some situational awereness and try to get a bike next to the fan.

 

[anthrax]

Interesting Stuff, Synpax

2) Don't be afraid to just stop in the middle of the class and adjust your seat.

The heigth is OK
I also try to make sure that for the front leg, my knee does not surpass my toes
But then I no longer push with the heel

You forgot to mention that it's a good way to meet girls and it's a lot of fun.
7) Have some situational awereness and try to get a bike next to the fan.

If you're at the back you have a nice view on all the hot chicks

 

[Dial_tone]

It's amazing how good even a plump girl's ass looks pumping away on a bicycle.

 

[Synpax]

Interesting Stuff, Synpax

I also try to make sure that for the front leg, my knee does not surpass my toes
But then I no longer push with the heel

See, I know that's the reasoning with things like squats and leg presses, but I'm not sure that it is as important in things like spinning. What I do know about spinning is that you should push the heal, and at the 3 oclock position it's hard to be ahead of your knees and be comfortable in the 9 oclock position.

I'd do more homework before trying to apply that heel-frontoftoe rule to spinning.

 

[Dr. K]

See, I know that's the reasoning with things like squats and leg presses, but I'm not sure that it is as important in things like spinning. What I do know about spinning is that you should push the heal, and at the 3 oclock position it's hard to be ahead of your knees and be comfortable in the 9 oclock position.

I'd do more homework before trying to apply that heel-frontoftoe rule to spinning.

WHile on the subject of why spinning, how does it compare to other cardio activities in your guys opinions? My experience is that i come out 4lbs lighter of lost hydration. I relate how tired and sweaty i am to how much i've worked and really there is nothing that i've tried that kicks my ass like spinning? Anything that burns fat better?