I'm considering doing a spin class to get some extra aerobic endurance. Does anyone else do this? If so, has it helped your swimming?
Parents
Former Member
I started spinning classes about four years ago and it's helped my SDK a lot -- gave me another 2-3 body lengths off the walls.
I go to spinning about 3x a week and now that it's not getting dark until 6, I'm slowly folding in a few road rides a week. When I get to the end of my swim races, I know the legs will still be there.
Plus, doing a combination of swimming and cycling means I don't get sick of either one.
As for saddle comfort, I couldn't imagine doing it without padded shorts. It may take a while to find the right pair for you (I'm fond of Pearl Izumi's Microsensor model). Short of that, consider picking up a gel seat cover at your local bike shop.
Also, as soon as you're ready, switch to bike shoes/cleats. You'll be a lot more effective when sprinting and climbing.
You may also have to sample a few different classes to find an instructor whose knowledge/style/music agrees with you. I steer clear of the glorified aerobic teachers and seek out the ones who actually ride bikes outdoors. There's a big difference in their approaches!
I started spinning classes about four years ago and it's helped my SDK a lot -- gave me another 2-3 body lengths off the walls.
I go to spinning about 3x a week and now that it's not getting dark until 6, I'm slowly folding in a few road rides a week. When I get to the end of my swim races, I know the legs will still be there.
Plus, doing a combination of swimming and cycling means I don't get sick of either one.
As for saddle comfort, I couldn't imagine doing it without padded shorts. It may take a while to find the right pair for you (I'm fond of Pearl Izumi's Microsensor model). Short of that, consider picking up a gel seat cover at your local bike shop.
Also, as soon as you're ready, switch to bike shoes/cleats. You'll be a lot more effective when sprinting and climbing.
You may also have to sample a few different classes to find an instructor whose knowledge/style/music agrees with you. I steer clear of the glorified aerobic teachers and seek out the ones who actually ride bikes outdoors. There's a big difference in their approaches!
