Comments on: Spinning – Is it for real cyclists?

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 07:47:14 +0000

Hi Everyone – I have been spinning 2/3 times a week for the past 5 years but have been a cyclist for some 50 years. Although spinning doesn’t represent riding the road it does have considerable relevance I find to road riding. The country I live and work in is too hot and dangerous for real road riding so to keep in tune I do the spinning classes. On my trips home I can then enjoy riding up to 2 hours at a good pace without undue problems. I have found that I can ride undulating and hilly roads with out too much of a problem. My breathing is totally different but I soon adapt and can enjoy my sport and pastime for the two to four weeks I ride each year. My legs are in good shape and just need fine tuning to make the difference. I can even accompany my old cycling colleages on 2 hour runs or more without too much stress.
Its a great way to enjoy your life in a group of like minded fitness people.Mike

By: Ronald

Ronald — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:33:10 +0000

Certified Spinn Instructor; Certified Cycling Coach; Certified UCI National Commissaire; Multiple Pan-American Masters Cycling Champion 2004, 2005,2009, 2010; Multiple National Masters Cycling Champion since 1988.
It is my belief that spinning would definitely improve a cyclist’s performance if he attends sessions that are conducted by instructors who are themselves cyclists. I have been spinning since 2000 when I was introduced to the programme by a former cyclist who suggested that I become an instructor. I became certified after attending sessions over a few months as I believed that I could make a difference to competing cyclists as my own performance had improved tremendously; a point of note however is that competing cyclists should search for classes that are conducted by present or former cyclists as their form and instructions would surely be beneficial.
If you are just looking for dance and hype, any spinn class would do.

By: Larry

Larry — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 18:13:44 +0000

I have been a spin instructor for 16 years. One of the first things I learned was Spin is not for every body. Second, this is not cycling, that is why we call it Spinning. My classes are concentrated interval training and do not have a 1:1 relationship with road riding. That said, cyclists should take the conditioning aspect from it and train specifically for road riding in a different venue. They both have merits and the most complaints about spinning come from the weekend riders who do centuries and organized rides. I am sure most spin instructors can relate to the pompous wanna b’s
who refuse to follow the class format. I team teach with a professional cyclist and we get along great! I learn from him and he learns from me. We have established a safe middle ground which is not spin and not road cycling. The most objectionable and resistant part of the training always is in the area of V02 max training. I would never pedal at 180 rpms + . What is omitted is “I can’t handle it because I am not conditioned.” 2.Hey dude, how’s your recovery rate? What is your resting heart rate? Have you ever won anything or are you just 35-45 and just become an “athlete?”
Spinning is about conditioning, range of motion, and very low impact training. So, if you are interested in being in great shape, Spin for Life!

By: Jesper Bondo Medhus

Jesper Bondo Medhus — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:53:34 +0000

@cyclegirl
It’s a good point you have. If a rider plans to ride a different program he should try to be as anonymous as possible.

@Frank
You use some solid principles that makes spinning an advantage for you. Thanks for sharing these tips with us.

@ Eliot
I haven’t really thought much about the traffic issue since I’ve always lived in smaller cities, but you’re right.

By: Eliot Reeves

Eliot Reeves — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:02:38 +0000

I’ve now been riding for roughly around 6 months and therefore walked into cycling at the height of summer. Reaching the winter period was depressing because it meant investing in a whole new series of kit, lights etc and dealing with (especially recently) some very tricky road conditions including snow and ice and the potholes that result.

As a result, I’ve attended a spinning class at least once a week and done a quick hour beforehand. The 90-120 minute total workout is arguably better than a road ride since there are no traffic lights etc so in theory it is possible to work a little harder.

Although I do not strictly agree with this view, I have found spinning to be an excellent addition to my training. As a beginner, I’m not sure I could have made the significant advances in power I have managed through spinning unless I lived in a more undulating area.

My conclusion is that spinning is extremely advantageous for beginners.