Does anyone out there do Spin Classes?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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!

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

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.