At present I include a "spin" class at my gym as part of my weekly training program.
The classes are high intensity for about 40mins with a combination of fast spinning "sprints" and lower cadence hill climbing with increasing resistance.
I am wondering what people's opinion is of Spin Classes as part of a training program?
Also - I sometimes find the spinning speed a little artificial - i.e spinning without resistance at 130rpm seems counterproductive. and hill climbing at 40rpm unrealistic.
130 rpm with no resistance is almost comparable to riding a fixed 68-inch gear, and big-gear hill intervals was part of the program of the Renault-Elf team in the 80s. The spinning builds suppleness (supless?) and teaches your feet where the pedals are, and the big gears build strength. I wouldn't use the class in place of training on the road, but as part of the winter conditioning program or a rainy day activity, certainly.
So as long as the class is challenging, keep it up.
As a competitive racer and spin instructor, I too struggle to balance high intensity spin classes with miles on the road. I use the spin classes, much to the discomfort of my students, as MY interval training rides. As one can properly monitor effort, HR and time, with no regard to the road and its hazards, I tend to get a better “blast” on the spin bike than on the road (exception being races, of course).
Spinning will help maintain your fitness at the bare minimum. At higher intensities it can become a part of your training, like mine.
Speak to your instructor, tell him/her what you need and see if they can design a ride for you.
I've been known to dehydrate during a spin class. I used spin classes to work on my cardio, however I know need to work on my strength. I would imagine that spinning is good training for XC.
i only spin because of weather (ie - humidity, temp, rain, etc) i need the view from the road, not looking at walls. but it can offer a comparable workout to some intervals and sprints
I just bought a York 3600 exercise bike for home. Mainly because I can't afford my ideal bike at the moment (Trek liquid 20) and I also want an exercise bike for the winter months.
Haven't gone for any proper rides on the exercise bike yet, but I'm looking forward to it.
I go to spinning classes about twice a week (5:30 AM!!) to supplement my training.
As a newbie mountain biker (3-months, 500 miles), I've found the spinning classes extremely valuable in my conditioning especially in the areas of strength.
I've also had good spinning instructors who can give me tips to fine-tune my form and pedal stroke.
