Good work out, but...ouch sore bits! (Spinning)

Member Name: Mezamoo

Product:	Spinning
Date:	05/03/09 (353 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great work out, can work at own pace

Disadvantages: seats are very uncomfortable

I think spinning if one of those classes that you'll either love or hate. I have recently joined a new gym (after being a coach potato for the last year and a bit) and they have a class called "Indoor cycling" which is just another term for the killer class that is spinning.

So what is it? Well basically a group of stationary bikes, with very uncomfortable seats, on which you sit and peddle for 45 minutes to an hour. There are gears or levels which increase or decrease the intensity at which you work, the idea is to keep up with the instructor as they take you through the work out. Sounds easy? Think again!

I convinced my boyfriend to come with me the first time, now he loves it and I go because I know its good work out for me. The class at my gym is always packed, they have about 10 - 12 bikes and if you don't book well in advance you won't get a place. It's important to make sure that the bike is adjusted to your height, our instructor showed us how to do this in our first class, and at every class checks with each participant before the class starts that they have adjusted the handlebars and seat on their bike. When getting on to the bike check that the resistance is at the highest level so that the peddles are stationary and step over through the front of the bike rather than cocking your leg round the back (which seems more natural but can be painful because there is a huge metal bar there!) Ensure that your feet are strapped into the peddles, and you are ready to start.

Our class starts with a gentle warm up on the lowest resistance for about 5 minutes, and then the pace is picked up. The class involves what I would describe as interval training, timed intervals at different speeds and resistances which are then repeated, some seated some standing. The good thing about spin is that you can turn the resistance down at any time if it feels too hard or difficult, but in my class there seems to be a competitive edge where people really push themselves. I combat this by sitting on a bike at the back so I can work at my own pace, each week I try to push myself a little harder.

Possibly the worst thing about spin for me is the uncomfortable seat, which can be painful for a couple of days afterwards, the instructor (quite seriously) informed me that you can buy special padded bottoms, I'm not sure that I'm quite into spin that much!

All in all a good work out which can vary in intensity from instructor to instructor. I'm not a huge spin far and choose to go to one class per week, which is enough for me.

Summary: a bit like marmite