About Spinning Classes for Bike Racing

Spinning classes are an alternative method to train for bike racing.

Since their inception in the 1980s, spinning classes have become a popular aerobic workout for avid cyclists and amateurs alike. Spinning combines adjustable stationary bikes, team camaraderie, entertainment and a skilled instructor to create a full workout experience.

The Bike

Spinning bikes are different than the average stationary bicycle you find at the gym. On one style of traditional stationary bikes, you sit with a backrest and place your legs forward to pedal. This style hardly mimics a real road bike. A second style sits upright but still is a far cry from the real thing--it has a wide, soft seat, the handlebars don’t match a real road bike’s and it cannot be adjusted to your specifications. Spinning bicycles, on the other hand, attempt to recreate the road bike feel indoors. They have true road bike seats and handlebars, both of which are fully adjustable. They have clip-in pedals should you wish to bring your clip-in bike shoes. Plus, you can adjust the resistance at any time, mimicking the shifting capabilities of your road bike.

Classes

If you have ever participated in any aerobics classes or been a regular--or not so regular--gym attendee, then you know that it helps to have a workout buddy. Spinning classes provide a whole class full of buddies and an instructor, too. The standard class length is 40 minutes, but you may encounter a rare class that is longer or shorter. Spin class aims to achieve multiple goals at once. First, spin class ought to provide a challenging aerobic workout. Second, and distinct among aerobics classes, spin class aims to provide authentic training for outdoor cycling. Third, spin class is supposed to be fun, assuming that, if you are the type of person to go spinning, you are the type who would find a good class fun. Instructors work with you to achieve these goals by leading you through intervals of tougher and easier work, all choreographed to upbeat and motivational music.

Benefits

Spin class provides practical benefits along with its simpler, pleasurable benefits. The pleasures of spinning include a stimulating workout environment with an energizing and diverse soundtrack and a motivating teacher. From a purely practical standpoint, spin classes let you work out on a bike indoors if the weather is bad, it is dark outside, if you don’t have a bike or if you don’t have it with you. Spinning has extensive aerobic benefits as well. In each spinning session, you can burn more than 500 calories, improve cardiovascular health and increase your lung capacity. Spinning is also low-impact, meaning it does not stress your joints as running on a treadmill might.

Drawbacks

If you are a cyclist, surely nothing compares to the thrill of riding outdoors on the road. Spinning cannot accomplish this, unfortunately. Along with lacking that particular thrill, spinning bikes do not cover the full range of motion you experience on a road bike--the bike does not angle toward the road on a turn, nor do the handlebars turn. The natural movements on a road bike are necessary to properly train for bike racing. So, while spinning provides a viable training option, it cannot replace cycling as a bike racing training method.

Availability

Most gyms offer spin class throughout the day to cater to members’ differing schedules. These classes are usually free to members of the gym. If you are not a member, some gyms allow you to attend a single class for a fee between $5 and $20. Or, if you are friends with a member, go as their guest. A gym membership is certainly more economical if you plan on spinning regularly, and sign up or show up early for classes, as they often fill up quickly.

References

• Roadcycling: Training on a Spin Bike
• Spinning: Understanding the 40-Minute Ride
• Colorado Adventure: Ten Benefits of Spinning Exercises
• The Washington Post: Deserving a Better Spin