Spinning question

BalletAndBarbells

I went to a group cycle class last night for first time in about 10 years. I enjoyed it and found it challenging but not impossible! I know I need to build up more for strength and want to mix up my exercise a bit so would like to add spinning twice a week. I already do circuits twice a week, combat twice a week and body pump 3x a week. My question is this - my hips hurt this morning - do you think this is just because it's a new exercise? Has anyone else found this problem with spinning and does it get better as you practise more? I'm hyper mobile with rather fragile knees so was worried about them, but they don't seem any worse than normal!

cheshirecatastrophe

Could be the novelty; could be the fit of the bike. You could try shifting the seat forward or back a little (the bike should have that capability). It could also be the height of the seat, although for *me*, that usually affects my knees before my hips.

Machka9

Check the height of the saddle.

Set the height. Get on the bicycle and pedal for a minute or so to settle yourself in the saddle and make sure you are sitting straight. Then place your right heel on the pedal and rotate the pedal to the 6:00 position (the lowest position, so that your leg is almost fully extended). You should have a slight bend in the knee. Check the other leg ... again, slight bend in the knee when the heel is on the pedal in the 6:00 position.

You might still need to tweak the adjustments a little, but that will put you in a very good starting place.

Next, put the ball of your right foot on the pedal (as you do when you ride), and rotate the pedal into the 3:00 position (your left foot will be in the 9:00 position). Your shin should be straight - 90° to the floor. As it is when you stand up straight. Your knee should not be in front of your foot or well behind your foot. Check the other foot as well, rotate it into the 3:00 position and have a look. It sometimes helps to have a friend look for you because someone else can see what's happening better than you can.

Those adjustments might help. And your spinning instructor should know all about those adjustments ... (but sadly, many don't)

BalletAndBarbells

Thanks guys - was supposed to be spinning again tomorrow but had to cancel for a social occasion. Next spin class booked for Sunday though so I'll try out your suggestions and check cycle at up more carefully and see how it goes. I think I might be slightly crazy though as I've booked spin 9-10am Sunday morning promptly followed by an hour of killer circuit training!

superspork2

Like everyone said, try adjusting your seat and all that. But also make sure you really stretch out your hip flexors and that will help. You can look up a few good stretches online, and once you get a little more used to that motion of cycling the strain wont be so hard on your hips