Spinning question

Phoenixflame

Disclaimer: I am too broke to get a HRM right now. So, while I understand that one would answer my question, it's just not feasible at the moment.

Anyway, I'm trying to calculate my spinning. I push myself hard in the class--it's a mix of sprints, "climbs," and "jumps." Of course there are "rest" periods between the sprints and heavy stuff, but you don't stop moving. The total class runs 45 minutes. Does this seem like a good breakdown for a fairly accurate calorie count? Should I readjust the ratio? I'm not quite sure what qualifies as vigorous effort.

Bicycling, stationary, light effort 10 63
Bicycling, stationary, moderate effort 20 160
Bicycling, stationary, vigorous effort 15 180

Phoenixflame

Disclaimer: I am too broke to get a HRM right now. So, while I understand that one would answer my question, it's just not feasible at the moment.

Anyway, I'm trying to calculate my spinning. I push myself hard in the class--it's a mix of sprints, "climbs," and "jumps." Of course there are "rest" periods between the sprints and heavy stuff, but you don't stop moving. The total class runs 45 minutes. Does this seem like a good breakdown for a fairly accurate calorie count? Should I readjust the ratio? I'm not quite sure what qualifies as vigorous effort.

Bicycling, stationary, light effort 10 63
Bicycling, stationary, moderate effort 20 160
Bicycling, stationary, vigorous effort 15 180

Chellekk

I commute home from work on my bike during the summer months and use that as my work, so I push myself hard...working on speed, climbing hills, tightening my abs, ect. I would rate that as vigorous.

Now that it's winter and my bike is inside on a trainer, I now rate my rides as moderate. I break a sweat, but it's no where near the effort as biking outside. BUT...you are in a class that pushes you to work hard and your heart rate is still up during the rest periods. I would say you are OK with rating it as vigorous!!!:happy:

lotusfromthemud

Just to compare, in an average spin class, I burn about 450 calories in 45 minutes.

I'm an experienced spinner, and weigh 140ish.

To me, "vigorous" is race day stuff, so I always list as moderate. IMHO, if you don't know for sure, better to underestimate than overestimate.:flowerforyou:

shorerider

I weigh a lot more than you, which means I would burn more calories than you, and in the few spin classes I've taken, I burned up no more than 425 calories. They were 50 minutes long, too, btw. With all the same stuff you mentioned--which is way I don't like them. Not realistic to riding a bike on the road.

Phoenixflame

Ok, thanks guys! So, I'd probably be burning about 400 calories?

I have two different spin instructors. One is a personal fitness trainer, who does the jumps and stuff. The other is also a personal fitness trainer, but also a certified cycling instructor. Her stuck mimics real rides more, and not what she calls "Bike Dancing."

arewethereyet

May I just say I am very impressed that you are working so hard to get healthy!

You can ALWAYS ask questions here and someone will help ya out. I know we go on and on about the HRM, but that is because we have experienced the difference it can have.

That being said I think you have a very :drinker: realistic grasp on the numbers!

Phoenixflame

May I just say I am very impressed that you are working so hard to get healthy!

You can ALWAYS ask questions here and someone will help ya out. I know we go on and on about the HRM, but that is because we have experienced the difference it can have.

That being said I think you have a very :drinker: realistic grasp on the numbers!

Thank you! That really means a lot.

Yeah, I know a HRM would be super helpful. Maybe I'll get one for Christmas.

Haha, I'm doubly determined to get a good workout today. Late last night the sophomores across the hall were throwing a little party. The moment I stepped over the threshold, a screwdriver magically appeared in my hand. I made the decision to indulge and have one drink (I still had quite a few leftover calories anyway), and I have no regrets, but I know that I need to put in some good work today.

I'm trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But I also know that I'm never going to be in college again after 4 years, so I'm going to enjoy it. Balance, I guess!

arewethereyet

May I just say I am very impressed that you are working so hard to get healthy!

You can ALWAYS ask questions here and someone will help ya out. I know we go on and on about the HRM, but that is because we have experienced the difference it can have.

That being said I think you have a very :drinker: realistic grasp on the numbers!

Thank you! That really means a lot.

Yeah, I know a HRM would be super helpful. Maybe I'll get one for Christmas.

Haha, I'm doubly determined to get a good workout today. Late last night the sophomores across the hall were throwing a little party. The moment I stepped over the threshold, a screwdriver magically appeared in my hand. I made the decision to indulge and have one drink (I still had quite a few leftover calories anyway), and I have no regrets, but I know that I need to put in some good work today.

I'm trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But I also know that I'm never going to be in college again after 4 years, so I'm going to enjoy it. Balance, I guess!

Oh how I pray you keep this attitude throughout your college years. Try a ultra light mich or something,at least then you will get few cals but not look like a party pooper. Also you can do like I did, and pretend to get a new one :blushing: but have the same one all night!!:laugh:

Phoenixflame

Yeah!

Thankfully, even if my parents didn't teach me the best eating habits, alcohol was one thing they did very well on. If I wanted some, I just had to ask. If it was a nice dinner out, my father would always offer to order me wine (it's legal in Texas for parents to order their children alcohol in restaurants). As such, I grew up liking the taste of certain drinks, so that when I drink, it's for the tastiness and the nice tingly feeling, not to cut loose and get drunk.

So I have little problem limiting myself to one drink. All the really "good stuff" that I might indulge too much in (mimosas, Irish coffees, etc.)...you won't really find in dorm rooms or at frat parties. The only red flag I've encountered is this guy on my floor who makes the most amazing nightcap cocktails.

Honestly, the biggest temptation is at 3:00 in the morning when everyone wants to go to a diner down the street. Greasy but yummy diner pie + nostalgia + late night inhibitions = Phoenixflame's expanding waistline. Luckily, I haven't given into temptation!