Question on spinning/cycling class.

curiousgemfit
curiousgemfit Posts: 42 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
As a part of my exercise regimen, I have chosen to attend the 45 min spinning/cycling class at my local gym.
I started last week and I have done 4 classes so far. At the end of the first 3 classes, I had very tired, achy and sore legs.
Today, at the end of class 4, I was not exhausted. My legs didn't ache as much and I felt pretty good.
That's when the instructor asked us to look at the wattage numbers on our bike. She said that that number should be more than our current weight. Mine was not. In fact, it was quite a bit below.

Now, my questions are:

1) Do we really need to maintain a wattage value above our weight for the session to be productive?
2) is that why my legs didn't hurt? Because I probably didn't push myself hard enough? In other words, are tired, achy and sore legs the hallmark of a successful spinning class?

Thanks :) Really appreciate all the advice and guidance you can give me !

Replies

  • curiousgemfit
    curiousgemfit Posts: 42 Member
    Anyone out there who can help answer my question?
  • bologna111
    bologna111 Posts: 57 Member
    I do at least one spin class a week, sometimes I'm a little sore after and sometimes I'm not. I have never paid attention to the watts. We usually watch the gear and rpm at the gym I go to. I just make sure I'm working as hard as I can. I have noticed that I have gotten stronger and my heart rate recovers faster. I think if you're doing the best you can and seeing improvements than that's success!
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Never heard that before and it sounds rather arbitrary. Don't worry about it because you're new. As you build up your ability you'll be able to push harder and faster
  • curiousgemfit
    curiousgemfit Posts: 42 Member
    Thanks for all the replies!
    I tried my best.. Of course I was no where near the level that the others in the class were at.
    But I am not comparing myself with them. They've been doing this for a while now.
    Also, good to know that achy/sore/tired legs are not the indicator for a good spinning session !!
    Thanks again :)
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    The tired achy legs are normal as you`re new to spinning (you`d have the same thing new to running or weightlifting etc) - it`s part of the adaptive process and just tells you that you`ve been pushing yourself.

    As to the wattage I agree with DavPul - pretty arbitrary, you`ll find that your power output improves over time.

    Keep it up & have fun!
  • drlaugh4u
    drlaugh4u Posts: 16
    Yes
    Thanks for the encouragement.

    I find myself getting stronger in cycling.

    An added bonus, is my improved lung capacity has helped my harp(harmonica playing)

    On the down side, I still find walking up stairs not so easy.

    My lower back, likes the bike better than the stairs or stair machine at our gym.

    harris
    if we can't laugh at ourself, others will beat us to it.
  • ShibaEars
    ShibaEars Posts: 3,928 Member
    I do at least one spin class a week, sometimes I'm a little sore after and sometimes I'm not. I have never paid attention to the watts. We usually watch the gear and rpm at the gym I go to. I just make sure I'm working as hard as I can. I have noticed that I have gotten stronger and my heart rate recovers faster. I think if you're doing the best you can and seeing improvements than that's success!

    It's gear & RPM at my gym as well. I don't think I've ever looked at watts.

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