Discussion Board

A new spinning studio opened up near me, and I thought it looked like a lot of fun, so I went to an orientation session today. Oh my, I think I will be getting hooked on this!

The hardest part was getting my shoes into the straps. In fact, the instructor did one for me, then after much struggling, the nice guy behind me did the other one. So, l decided I better get spin shoes sooner rather than later. Just got a pair about an hour ago. Now, I'm committed.

I was a little worried at first - 55 years old with about 75 pounds still to lose. But it's not as if I'm just getting off the couch. I've been really consistent with my morning exercise videos. Really working hard and getting up some major sweat. Good thing too - this is a real work out. But I kept up - staying seated more than some others. But pretty darn good for the first time.

I know we have some cyclists on the board, but I don't recall anyway mentioning spinning. Has anyone else tried this?

I haven't tried it, Serenity, but I know people who are totally hooked on it. Some of them are into outdoor biking too, some not. I know it is said to be a killer workout, so that sounds like you did really well for a first class. Way to go on trying something new and then committing so quickly! Keep us posted.

I've never tried this, how is it different from indoor cycling? ...and congrats on your good workout

I have done spinning and really like it, because of the comradery and the music! *L* I have clip on shoes, but mine don't match the ones they use at our gym, so I have to strap my sneakers in the pedal straps instead. That does take some of the fun out of it. The clip on shoes really work your hamstrings as well as quadriceps. Really focus on the pulling up portion of your evolutions, not on the downstroke.
Have fun!

-Li

Alyssa, spinning might be called indoor cycling where you are. Basically it's an aerobics class done on a bike: some music, synchronized cycling in certain possitions (in the saddle and out), different tensions on the wheels at different times, etc. It is a wicked workout apparently.

Happyalyssa - Hope is right. It is similar to an exercise bike, but not exactly. Much more intense and lots of fun. As libelulle says, there's music and at the studio I attend it's like a nightclub - disco ball and all.

I went to my first full session last night. My goal was just to last the 45 minutes (and I did), so mostly I stayed seated. But even so, I could tell that the shoes were a good idea. Much easier to start off, and I think I will be able to get my hamstrings better as libelulle suggests. It will just take some time as I build up my strength and stamina.

By the way, 2 pounds down this a.m. We'll see how much was water (the buff I was wearing soaked up at least two pounds of sweat from my head), or if it stays down over the next few days.

Ah, thanks for the info! At the gym I go to there is a class (I think it is called RPM) where the bikes are different than the regular exercise bikes in the cardio room so perhaps that's a spinning class? I haven't checked into it mostly because I'm chicken to try any class other than yoga-pilates for fear of not being able to keep up. Though, I have come a long way from when I first started exercising in January (as far as enrurance and strength goes) so perhaps it is time I check out some new options

Hey, Alyssa, if you do go from what I hear, do like wise Serenity and sit down most of the time for the first time. It is apparently an awesome workout.

I have been in spinning classes for 2 years (and it's my personal record of sticking to something...) and I quit only because my favorite teacher left the gym.

Instead of sitting all time, try doing the lesson as the teacher says (positions and so on) but keeping the resistence light at the beginning. This will help you avoid your thighs will be too big (have you seen the professional bikers?... ) and to burn some fat instead.
Your legs and back will gradually learn the positions. Once you'll get them everything will be easier.

I also suggest you to use a cardio-rate counter (sorry I don't know the name in English, I mean the thing with a sort of belt around your chest and the receiver-watch) and keep your BPM at 75/80%. I think this should be done during every activity.

Ciao!
Silvia

Yes, it's now 4 months later, and I am a regular spinner. I'm told that my form is excellent, my stamina has increased, and I calibrate the resistance to my needs. I did get a heart rate monitor watch too. Of course for spinning, with my age and weight, I am always above my fat burning into the cardio or training zone. But I do other more moderate workouts several times a week that keep me in my target zone.

I tore some ligaments in my back a couple of months ago and had to miss about 4 weeks of classes. I was constantly nagging my doctor about letting me go back - it is truly addictive. Love it.

Way to go. All I can say is wow. I wouldn't last five minutes spinning.

I took my first spinning class last week and I've already bought a pair of spin shoes....I'M ADDICTED!!! The best part, no dance moves to screw up!!!

Isn't it fun?! When I mention it to people at work, they fall into two camps:
Some are also spinners and love it. Most, however, wrinkle their noses and say "Oh, that's really hard." And these are kids 25+ years younger than me.

LJ, you will not regret buying the shoes. I've noticed that people who don't have them have trouble with sprints, because the fly wheel goes so fast. Plus as others have mentioned, you'll work your hamstrings on the upstroke.

My heart rate still goes pretty high, but I recover in a matter of seconds now rather than minutes - real, measurable progres.

Let us know how it goes from time to time.

Hey Serenity....I'm lovin' it! I'm in my 3rd week now and starting next week I'm going to add another spin class into my routine. So, I'll be spinning 2x/week and weight training 3x/week...plus other cardio work. Its funny you mentioned that about 2 camps of people, I've always been terrified to take a class because everyone always said how hard it is. Yes, its challenging but you can also work within your own rate/pace. I absolutely love it and the class seems to fly by. I'm still waiting for my shoes to arrive, I hope they show up today because I have a spin class tonight and I'm dying to try them out. Keep in touch, we'll be spinning buddies!!

hi all,

I'm just checking out some of the past post and came across this on spinning....can anyone tell me more about the spinning shoes and where to find the best ones? how are they different then regular gym shoes? There's a spinning class at my gym and after all the raves on here, I think I will give it a try! I've always thought it would be too hard and I wouldnt be able to keep up.... thanks for all the great post on here.... Every one is so motivating!
Happy Thanksgiving to all,
Susan