Spin Bike General Safety
The exercise technique using spin bikes is an indoor stationary bicycle exercise program designed to simulate road bicycle techniques, according to Spinning.com, a spin bike manufacturers website. Spin bike equipment simulates different road conditions and terrain on a fixed gear stationary bike.
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Spin Bikes
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Spinning.com reports the spinning program was developed by Mad Dogg Athletics Inc., a worldwide manufacturer of spin bikes. Since the creation of spin bikes in 1994, the spin bike exercise technique has been exported to more than 80 countries with Mad Dogg Athletics training more than 200,000 instructors around the world.
Before Exercising
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Spirit Fitness.com provides safety information for users of home spin bikes, which includes a warning that all people embarking on an exercise routine should visit a doctor before beginning to train. People at an increased risk of suffering from complications arising from starting a spin bike exercise routine include people over 35, pregnant women, people suffering from an illness and those who have not exercised in the past.
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Equipment
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According to Spirit Fitness, when using a home spin bike a rider should ensure the bike has been assembled correctly with all nuts and bolts tightened. Situate the spin bike on a level surface with the seat and handlebars adjusted for the rider before the exercise program begins. Spinning.com reports the correct positioning of the handlebars and seat can prevent injury to the rider and allow the rider to fully benefit from the exercise provided by spin bikes.
Exercise
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Spinning.com explains that a spin bike is designed to replicate the movements performed on a road bike. Only movements that would be possible on a road bike should be completed on a spin bike to avoid the risk of injury. Excessive upper body movements are not recommended by Spinning.com because of the risk of loss of balance and the straining of back muscles. Upper body strengthening exercise programs are not classed as safe by Spinning.com when completed on a spin bike. Other exercises that can jeopardize the safety of the exerciser and people around him include pedaling with one leg and backward pedaling. Top road cyclists pedal with one leg on bicycle training machines instead of fixed gear stationary bicycles, which provide no physical advantages of pedaling with one leg. Backward pedaling burns the same amount of physical exertion as forward pedaling while offering the chance of the exerciser losing her balance on a spin bike.
Preparation
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According to Spirit Fitness, the person using a spin bike should wear clothing suitable for exercise, including footwear. Long outerwear is not recommended when using a spin bike because of the chance of it becoming entangled in the equipment. Spinning.com recommends warming up and down before taking part in exercise on a spin bike.
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References
- Photo Credit Young man on exercise bike image by Elzbieta Sekowska from Fotolia.com
