Indoor Cycling – General Overview
The concept of indoor cycling is credited to Jonny “G” (Goldberg) who was a form pro cyclist. As a near bicycle accident with a car occurred during a night session while training for the RAAM (Race Across America), he sought a safer way to train. Jonny “G” developed the first stationary indoor training scenario for himself and his friends…Necessity is the mother of invention and guess what?? It caught on and Spinning (TM) was born.
Spin Class | Indoor Cycling
Entering a spin class for the first time can be daunting. You see people the room sweating, struggling, pushing, screaming and challenging themselves. The instructor may be intimidating too. There are so many good class, who’s class is best??? Or who’s is best for a beginner. Well sometimes you have jump in the water to swim….I say, in this case, maybe walk in first. A good instructor will ask if you are new and if you need help. If not, don’t be afraid to ask. Most instructors are super and can really make your first class fun.
Proper Positioning
Proper positioning is the utmost important while riding in your class, so make sure you engage the instructor to help size you properly. But be warned, even with proper sizing, if you have never spun or been on a bike for sometime your butt may be sore. That’s pretty normal. That will go after a few classes. I do recommend using cycling shorts with the pad inside. This helps a lot. So cycling short are are a good thing. I also recommend a good sports bra for women and wicking running shirt or cycling shirt for men. Running shoes are fine but if you are like most, you will really love your indoor cycling class and you’ll find you’ll enjoy being clipped in…Now this confusing. Indoor bikes usually have pedals that have a strap that come over your shoe on one side and a “clip” on the other. With indoor cycling shoes (not running shoes) they come with a cleat that “clips” into the pedal. This provides great stability. If you really want enjoy your classes, you may want to invest in a pair.
Final Prep
So, mind? check! Bike? Check! Instructor? Check! Equipment? Check! Now it’s class time…But wait, if you are new and even you are not I always recommend getting to class early if possible to get set up on the bike you want and WARM up….Yes, always pre-warm your body. Break a sweat by the time class starts…Trust me, you will thank me after.
Incorporate Heart Zones Training
Let’s go! Indoor cycling classes can be fun, challenging and social. If you really want to maximize your experience I highly recommend using a heart rate monitor. A monitor will allow to track vital metrics for weight loss or performance. If your really lucky, you may have an advanced studio that helps tack that data for you and may even include ZONING. Zone training is the bench mark for cardiovascular fitness, metabolic stimulation and ultimately health and overall wellness. Click here to learn more about ZONING
Safe Cycling,
Paul