Spinning - Triathlon Week

Robert G. · 12-27-2002, 02:42 PM

Just curious if anybody else uses spin classes as part of their cycling training?

I've found that it evens out my pedal stroke and really helps cardio conditioning. The only negative was that I found I lost some strength when I was spinning more than going out on the road during the off season.

Miggy · 02-15-2003, 05:18 PM

I teach 3 spin classes per week and they are very helpful..Depending on your emphasis, you can build good power and strength along with producing an even pedal stroke..The key to getting the most out of a spin bike is changing up your routine and riding the bike erratically..Go with the moves and be aggressive on it..Practice form but let it rip..Make the most of the little time your on it..Show off a little..When you get back to the real bike, you'll have a good strong aerobic base and with a few long distance rides combined, on your way to racing fitness..
(well, maybe :D )

2LAP · 07-15-2003, 05:57 AM

I do lots of spinning, but find that if the instructor is good and you are firm about your ambitions and talk to them, then they will gear the class to work on specific aspects.

For example, one class I was in did 10 x 30 seconds on with 30 seconds off. As a cyclist I approached these maximaly and was fatigued after the first 3 effort, I sat up and took a rest for the next seven! I told the instructor I wanted to boost my lactate threshold and in the next session we did much longer threshold based intervals.

Being in a spinning class means that you have to do someone elses training and this can have +ve and -ve effects on your training depending upon your goals.