Spinning

Options
2»

Replies

  • time2wrk
    time2wrk Posts: 773 Member
    Options
    What exactly is spinning and how is it different from stationary cycling? Could I do it with a normal bike and a pair of rollers?

    The bike is positioned differently than a regular stationary bike, so you can stand on it and simulate going uphill and you can really get down low and sprint. I find it better on my knees as well. My husband rides a regular stationary bike and I have a hard time with it now that I am used to a spinning bike. You could probably still do some of the workouts from a video, but I guess it depends on your bike.
  • Mangoaddict
    Mangoaddict Posts: 1,236 Member
    Options
    How do u add spinning as your exercise log? A forty minutes class burns how many calories? Anyone know?
  • kistinbee
    kistinbee Posts: 3,688 Member
    Options
    How do u add spinning as your exercise log? A forty minutes class burns how many calories? Anyone know?

    I enter it in as stationary bicycling, vigorous effort. Then it will tell you the calories burned. However...I want a heart rate moniter SO bad so I can see how many calories I actually burn!!!!
  • kistinbee
    kistinbee Posts: 3,688 Member
    Options
    Thought this might help with some of the questions.

    Spinning 101
    By: Liz Neporent
    Nancy Chiocchi


    The Scoop on Spinning

    Spinning was created by world-class cyclist "Jonny G." Goldberg as a convenient and quick way to train for races. In 1989, he and John Baudhuin opened the first spinning center in Santa Monica, California and then developed a program to certify other spinning instructors. Curious to know about this spinning thing? The following info will help you decide if it's for you:

    What is it? Spinning is an aerobic exercise that takes place on a specially designed stationary bicycle called (obviously enough) a spinning bike. As you pedal, motivating music plays and the instructor talks you through a visualization of an outdoor cycling workout: "You're going up a long hill now, you can't see the top yet. During the class you vary your pace -- sometimes pedaling as fast as you can, other times cranking up the tension and pedaling slowly from a standing position. This helps you to focus inwardly and work on your mind as well as your body.

    Why we love it: Spinning burns serious calories (about 450 in 45 minutes) and offers an awesome aerobic workout that makes your heart pump fast. It also tones your quadriceps (front thigh muscles) and outer thigh muscles like nobody's business! Because you stay in one place with the same basic movement throughout, Spinning doesn't involve a lot of coordination; it's easier to concentrate on your form than in other types of aerobic classes. And although you follow the general instructions of the spinning teacher, you are in control when it comes to your pace. You can finish a spin class, regardless of your fitness level, simply by adjusting your pace or the tension knob on the bike.

    Drawbacks: Spinning does not work all leg muscles equally, so if you spin without doing some cross training activities, you may develop muscle imbalances. Spinning every day can also be too much of a good thing -- real spin enthusiasts have to watch out for overuse injuries in their knees, hips and lower backs. If Spinning is your main source of exercise, we recommend doing some resistance training workouts that include hamstring (back of thigh), buttock and inner thigh exercises.

    Equipment Needed: Other than the bike, here's what you need for a safe, comfortable ride:

    A stiff-soled shoe with good ventilation. (Running and aerobic shoes, which are soft-soled, may leave your feet numb by the end of the class.)


    Two towels, one for wiping away sweat and one for draping over the handlebars so your hands won't slide out of position.


    A full water bottle, because you're definitely going to sweat. Most spinning bikes are equipped with a water bottle cage so you can place your H2O within easy reach.
    Insider information: Riding with an incorrect seat setting can also lead to injury. Set your seat height so your knee is slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Set the handlebars so that they are level with the seat. When you lean forward and place your hands on the bars, there should be a slight bend at your elbows.

    Hot Tip: Arrive five minutes early for your first class so your instructor can answer any questions and help you with bike adjustments. Make sure you let her know about any injuries that you have so she can help you modify some of the moves. During class, be sure to let your instructor know if you are having trouble with the resistance knob or the general technique. If the class is too intense, just pedal more slowly or take the tension down.
  • myfitz4life
    myfitz4life Posts: 46 Member
    Options
    Have any of you women out there ever been spinning and the seat of the bike hurts your crotch and bottom? I tried spinning once, and I was in agony afterwards because of it. Any suggestions?
  • kistinbee
    kistinbee Posts: 3,688 Member
    Options
    Have any of you women out there ever been spinning and the seat of the bike hurts your crotch and bottom? I tried spinning once, and I was in agony afterwards because of it. Any suggestions?

    It gets better. It takes at least a few times, but I swear it's like you have to break in your butt/crotch. :laugh:
  • Mangoaddict
    Mangoaddict Posts: 1,236 Member
    Options
    This is normal pain (the butt plus pelvis area). It takes about 2 weeks to get really into it an let your body feel comfortable. Keep spinning, it makes that area better as you do it more and more. I promise.
  • pmkelly409
    pmkelly409 Posts: 1,653 Member
    Options
    Have any of you women out there ever been spinning and the seat of the bike hurts your crotch and bottom? I tried spinning once, and I was in agony afterwards because of it. Any suggestions?

    I had trouble with this when i first started but once I learned the correct height for the bike and then the correct position for the seat, it helped. also, Once you get stronger and more experienced you will see a big improvement - you don't 'rely' on the seat as much because you are engaging your core. They also sell cushioned seat at the sports stores - big help.
  • time2wrk
    time2wrk Posts: 773 Member
    Options
    How do u add spinning as your exercise log? A forty minutes class burns how many calories? Anyone know?

    I entered it at 600 calories per hour. I went to ivillage.com and got an estimate and now it is listed under Spinning as one of my exercises.
  • time2wrk
    time2wrk Posts: 773 Member
    Options
    Have any of you women out there ever been spinning and the seat of the bike hurts your crotch and bottom? I tried spinning once, and I was in agony afterwards because of it. Any suggestions?

    I had trouble with this when i first started but once I learned the correct height for the bike and then the correct position for the seat, it helped. also, Once you get stronger and more experienced you will see a big improvement - you don't 'rely' on the seat as much because you are engaging your core. They also sell cushioned seat at the sports stores - big help.

    Yeah, I also notice that after 2 classes it feels better, BUT if I take a week or two off of spinning, the first class back hurts again!! (Good incentive not to miss too many classes!)
  • Mangoaddict
    Mangoaddict Posts: 1,236 Member
    Options
    I spoke to my instructor today and she said that I would have burned about 400 cals in a 40 min class. Sound just about right?
  • time2wrk
    time2wrk Posts: 773 Member
    Options
    That about matches my calculations from ivillage, though I have heard some instructors say more. I would rather err on the low side, though.

Categories