Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Former Member — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:38:06 GMT

I'm another big fan of spin classes. When we first began the instructor wasn't quite the 'style' we were looking for. In my small town, it was the first spin class, so exciting to find the bikes. But we were looking for more specific trainig type workouts. Now I lead our class, as I coach these swimmers and triathletes . It's a terrific workout and definitely is beneficial to overall fitness. I follow the season plan we are doing in Swimming so our energy systems are not overloaded. I use heart rate sets and recovery based training ideas. I include wall sits and plyometrics on some workouts. We end with 30 mins core strength and 20 min stretch. We dubb it the 'super soaker' workout. When training for my marathons (swim that is) I bike 90 mins to the lake, swim 3 hours and then bike back. The spin class makes my endurance and power much stronger. Happy spinning and swimming. Kiwi

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Former Member — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 06:07:32 GMT

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!

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

WPSWIMS — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 03:32:16 GMT

Beth, I did spin classes during the winter in Atlanta. As the weather gets nicer, enjoy a nice ride on the Silver Comet. I have been xc skiing at 9,000 feet and alpine skiing which has helped me gain arm and leg strength and endurance. I even was able to do a couple 20 mile bike rides inspite of all our snow. Even though I have been swimming little during the winter I was able to complete 4,000 meters today long course. I will be in Atlanta in May...lets ride and swim! I am wishing all of you the best at Dynamo next week. I always have competed at the meet since day one! I am looking forward to the Colorado State meet in April.

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Former Member — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 12:06:49 GMT

Oh yes. I do from time to time. Hurts so bad I was actually crying. I think. Maybe it was just all that sweat. But it hurt, in a good way.

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Former Member — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 14:38:36 GMT

I'm addicted to Spinning. I find it supplements my swimming and vice versa.

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Former Member — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 16:11:30 GMT

I love to spin and bike for cross training. Easier on the knees and shoulders. Great variety. Builds leg strength. More cardio. I've said it before, when I retire, I'm going to be a mountain biker. You are very brave. I gave up mountain biking after a trip to the emergency room and some stiches caused me to miss my first date with my husband. Fortunately he was understanding and willing to reschedule, or I'd probably still be single. :laugh2: Spin bikes are safer.

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Former Member — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 14:43:20 GMT

All the classes I've been in the instructor dictates what parts to be do standing and what parts to do seated, so that wouldn't work unless you just ignored the instructions posted by Kirk Nelson Good point Kirk.....But I talked to the instructor ahead of time and mentioned the discomfort and she allows me to go to a semi-standing position (which is about half way between a fully standing postion and a seated position) when we are suppose to be in a seated position as a class when my backside is hurting a lot. I will sometimes use the fully seated position....but she lets me alternate from seated to semi-standing/ semi-seated when I need too....Seems like a lot of instructors would also be o.k. with that....but I guess it just depends? Newmastersswimmer

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Former Member — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 14:36:35 GMT

I love to spin and bike for cross training. Easier on the knees and shoulders. Great variety. Builds leg strength. More cardio. I've said it before, when I retire, I'm going to be a mountain biker.

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

swimr4life — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 09:42:39 GMT

Thanks so much for the replies! I'm sold! I have tempramental shoulders and knees so I can't do a lot of swimming yardage or running to build up my endurance. I hope this will be the answer!

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Former Member — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 17:28:35 GMT

I use to go to spin classes twice a week (minimum) when I first got back into serious swimmng again a few years ago....I attribute the spin classes (along with some of the other crosstraining I did) as the main reason I was able to lose over 80 pounds in a year. I need to find time to go back and do some more of those spin classes....We had a great instructor for the spin classes....and we spent 15 to 20 minutes after spin class doing some rather serious Ab exercises too.....She (the instructor) is a machine/ Animal !! Newmastersswimmer

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Former Member — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 13:52:31 GMT

I love to spin too when I get a chance! Running makes my knees sore, so I don't do much of that. And I enjoy the spinning. Definitely strengthens the legs right up. Try it! :agree: Especially if you can't swim as much as you want.

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

swimr4life — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 12:30:30 GMT

Thanks for all the replies. It sounds like something definitely worth trying. I think I'll try one this week. I'll let you know how it goes! THANKS AGAIN!

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Former Member — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 12:25:26 GMT

I have a gel seat cover too. It doesn't eliminate the problem, but it does help . . . and it was much cheaper than buying the shorts.

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Donna — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 11:40:04 GMT

I don't do spin classes but I have started riding outdoors 10 miles on Saturday and 10 miles on Sunday. Now that there is still some light when I get home I'll do 5 or 6 miles depending on the conditions. The only thing it is doing for me is helping me to loose the rolls on my thighs and butt. Since I do distance most of the time I don't kick. I don't think you need to worry about that Beth, I would love to have your build. Donna

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Muppet — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 10:13:29 GMT

I've never done a spin class, but I do enjoy a good bikeride when the weather is appropriate. I have found that doing some bike work has helped out build leg strength that has helped on turns and with kicking, so similar benefits as spinning.

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Former Member — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 09:20:50 GMT

You can try a Tri short for a little extra money. I recommend DeSoto Tri Short DS-6. They even make a low cut to feel like a Speedo/bikini bottom. The advantage is they are made for Swim/bike/run. So they have a thinner and I think more comfortable pad, the in-seam is shorter than most bike shorts. If you decide not to spin, they are designed for swimming so now you have Jammers. As bike shorts go, I prefer them to "real" cycling shorts since I do normally ride very far for training. If you watch for sales, you can get them for between $30-$35. I like www.trivillage.com

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Former Member — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 08:59:20 GMT

Thank you!!!!!!!!!! I didn't know there was such as thing as padded bike shorts! I just love swimming too much to give up a lot of time to other activities like spinning and buying specific clothing may not be worth the money if I am not going to use it a lot. Thanks!

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Former Member — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 08:52:37 GMT

I avoid the uncomfortable seat thing by spinning in a standing position (or ina semi-standing position) for large parts of the spin class.....its the same position you would be in if you were climbing a steep hill on a real bike....but when I do sit I use a towel under my butt or extra padding as others have suggested. Newmastersswimmer

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

swimshark — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 08:19:43 GMT

I do a 45 min spin class every Monday and love it. I also have my bike set up on the wind trainer at home but I find that boring. I started spinning in June and at first my times were bad in the pool but now they are dropping (33 sec off the 800 free in LC!) and I think part of it is the spinning. My leg strength is getting better. I think it's a great exercise since it's high endurance but yet lower impact than other sports (say, running). I have bad knees so I skip the jumps and only every other one. so if you have knee problems or find they hurt during class, do fewer jumps. Alison

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

FindingMyInnerFish — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 08:06:11 GMT

I took spin classes ten years ago (not really convenient for me now as my current gym doesn't offer it), and really found them helpful. I was recovering from a running injury so couldn't do too much intense stuff on foot. The spin class offered a great alternative. I got the intensity of a track workout without the impact. So when I was able to return to regular running I hadn't lost much if any fitness. Had a couple different instructors, so the level of difficulty varied depending on who was teaching the class. One guy who had been in the military was kind of a drill sargeant--but very funny and entertaining as well, so I really got a kick out of his classes. Some people didn't appreciate his style, but I loved it! If the opportunity presents itself, go for it. Right now, with my schedule, I'm glad to get in my running and swimming, never mind trying to find spinning classes.

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Paul Smith — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 08:05:56 GMT

I don't know how it helps with swimming, but I love it. So much so that I actually have a spin bike in my basement (and I've been cleared to ride it again - YAY :groovy:). Like Fortress mentioned it is a great calorie burn. I also love that you can jump in to a class matter what level you're at - just adjust the resistance accordingly. Morgan - you might ask the instructor if they would be willing to come in a few minutes early to show you how to set up and work the bike. I know the instructors at our club will do that. It's worth a shot anyway. Wren....we ended up buying one as well....Ive been a big advocate of its usefulness for cross training for years...for me I can't "build the engine" via just swimming because of the two shoulder surgeries and spinning has been my "secret weapon" the last 5 years!

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

m2tall2 — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 08:01:22 GMT

I don't take spinning classes but I've been trying my own dryland experiment lately. First two weeks I added weights and a bit of rowing. I saw some quick improvements. Then I signed up for a sprint distance triathlon with my mother-in-law. Not to get a great time but with the goal as finishing. A side object for me is that this will "force" me to be consistent with adding in dryland training. I am keeping up my normal swim schedule but I need to learn how to run and cycle. Saturday, I did a beginners running workout.(2 minutes run, 1 minute walk)x4. Sunday, I did a mini-cycling workout. 15 minutes spinning at about 90-95 rpm, it averaged about 13-14 mph. Monday, sore and exhausted, I did (1 minute run, 1 minute walk)x5 This was all in addition to me regular swimming workouts - between 2500 and 3000 yards depending on the day and stroke. This morning when I got in the pool, this time not feeling exhausted, we did 4x50 *** kick as part of warmup. I regularly do breaststroke kicks and normally average :58 to 1:02. I did them all relaxed hitting :55-:56 this morning!!!! And I am certainly not tapering yet. The drylands are definitely helping me. Can't know for sure which part is helping me but I will continue to include the spinning.

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Former Member — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 06:49:00 GMT

I tried spinning a couple times, but had to stop. My exercise induced asthma couldn't cope with the lack of breathable air in the room; although, at the time, didn't know it was asthma. I should probably try again. I hear it is great for keeping the hips slim. As for the bruises on the rear, I was advised ahead of time to use padded cycling pants and a padded seat cover. I was still saddle sore, but no bruises.

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

Former Member — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 06:11:58 GMT

maybe all you spinners can tell me how you avoid having the seat from leaving two little bruises? The BF thought they were 'cute' but (lol) sitting for a couple of days was unpleasant. I can't do an entire class because the seat just isn't comfortable.

RE: Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

aquaFeisty — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 05:24:25 GMT

I haven't done spin class in a while, but used to often (we had a 5 bike spin class at our refinery at 5:30 am, how cool was that?) Judging by the amount of sweat dripping off me, it was a fantastic workout and definitely made my legs stronger from hip to toe. If you have cruddy knees (I do) it might help to keep the toe clips a little loose to allow some wiggle room for your knees. Good luck finding some nice shorts, Laineybug! One tip about the bike shorts - they are meant to be worn without underwear. You will cut down on your chafing significantly because the bike short liner in made to wick moisture away quite nicely. The tri shorts are nice for tri's, but not really padded enough to make a big difference in a spin class bottom soreness.