Spin class/stationary bike vs. biking?

rainbowbow
rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
edited November 8 in Fitness and Exercise
I just recently got a female city bike (the kind where you're sitting In a more upright position?) so I can commute in my city between 7-10k and do any shopping/errands/etc. And it is KICKING MY BUTT! I find myself winded so quickly as large parts of my area are uphill. Additionally we're dealing with 20-25 mph winds (directly against me at all times).

I have only biked the full 10km one time and it took me like an hour and a half!

My question is, while I'm at the gym would it be beneficial to work my way up on a stationary bike or a spin class? Do these actually assist with biking?

Also, I don't think my form is an issue and I'm riding in the right gears. I think im just woefully unprepared to do intense cardio.

Would it be better to JUST ride the bike instead?

Replies

  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    Just ride your bike more, build up your cardio and the strength in your legs
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    AJ_G wrote: »
    Just ride your bike more, build up your cardio and the strength in your legs

    It's not an issue of strength as I've lifted heavy consistently for 4 years (as of this month). It's a cardio issue.

    That's why I'm wondering if a stationary bike would assist in my performance on an actual bike. Especially considering it's sub-freezing temperatures and 20mph winds right now!
  • jeepskate
    jeepskate Posts: 16 Member
    Riding more either on your bike or on a stationary is going to help. Gains do come on rather quick, just stick with it!
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    AJ_G wrote: »
    Just ride your bike more, build up your cardio and the strength in your legs

    It's not an issue of strength as I've lifted heavy consistently for 4 years (as of this month). It's a cardio issue.

    That's why I'm wondering if a stationary bike would assist in my performance on an actual bike. Especially considering it's sub-freezing temperatures and 20mph winds right now!

    I meant more of an endurance type of strength in your legs. I should've said strengthen up the endurance in your legs.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    AJ_G wrote: »
    Just ride your bike more, build up your cardio and the strength in your legs

    It's not an issue of strength as I've lifted heavy consistently for 4 years (as of this month). It's a cardio issue.

    An inability to sustain a fairly low level of effort for a fairly short period of time isn't a binary strength vs CV issue. But as you've demonstrated to yourself, the two aren't equivalent.

    Riding a stationary will help you build the endurance (ability to apply leg and trunk strength in a meaningful way). What it won't give you is the ability to respond to changes in surface/ headwind or pick the correct gear for the challenge.

    Notwithstanding that, you're riding at a slow walk pace, which suggests that you're riding in too high a gear.

    Short answer, yes it will help. That's why cyclists use turbo-trainers when it's not possible to ride.

  • SingingSingleTracker
    SingingSingleTracker Posts: 1,866 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    AJ_G wrote: »
    Just ride your bike more, build up your cardio and the strength in your legs

    It's not an issue of strength as I've lifted heavy consistently for 4 years (as of this month). It's a cardio issue.

    That's why I'm wondering if a stationary bike would assist in my performance on an actual bike. Especially considering it's sub-freezing temperatures and 20mph winds right now!

    Yes, stationary bike will help. So would a spin bike. Try to mimic the "feel" - or perceived effort - on the stationary bike that you "feel" out on your commute. Wind is what they call a "hill" in Texas. Texas Hills (wind) provide plenty of challenge, especially when combined with real hills if you are going against it.

    Even better would be for your stationary bike to include a heart rate monitor (and a power meter) so you can work various heart rate zones to improve your outside on the bike commute performance.

    Building up your stamina by doing 30 minute, 45 minute, 60 minute, 75 minute training sessions on a stationary bike (shorter sessions at higher intensity, longer sessions at less intensity) will build a nice base for you when you can't ride outside.
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    Yeah, the spin bike will help. When you set up your spin bike try to get it close to the geometry of your real bike so the right muscles are getting hit.
  • seththealmighty
    seththealmighty Posts: 51 Member
    I'm with ya all the way, OP. I just read about switching the cardio up in the "you want to run" thread, and that biking uses different muscles. I just started my diet yesterday, and first time running in awhile, but accomplished 6 miles in just under an hour. (kinda slow but amazed I had that much stamina). I didn't even feel sore today, but figured I would try out different muscles today and jump on the stationary bike. Did 1 hour on the stationary bike at resistance of 11, and around 14mph. My legs are WORN OUT. I'm going to be lucky if I can walk tomorrow. Not sure if its because I don't have a past of biking like I did running, but man it is kicking my butt. lol
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