So tell me about spinning.

[wildeyed]

The spinning classes at my gym always seem to be full, so it must be fun. Is it mostly a cardiovascular workout? What, exactly, does it entail? I may give it a try. My routine is stale, maybe something new would spice it up.

[MissMillie]

1. It is cardio

but given that you play with the tension on the bike and spend time "out of the saddle", you will also find that you are building plenty of leg muscle.

[wildeyed]

4. I have no quads.

My main sport is climbing, which doesn't build quad strength. Yoga has helped some, but this ought to be interesting......

[Kathleen04]

2. Hi wildeyed

Spinning is primarily a cardio workout, but you will build strength in your legs. You pedal the bike in 3 different positions..1) sitting, 2) standing straight up with your hands on the base of the handles, and 3) leaning forward with your hands on the upper handle of the bike and your rear hovering just out of the seat.

The instructor tells you which position to be in, prompts you to turn the tension up or down, or to pedal faster. But, the good thing is that you can go at your own pace..if you're not able to stand, stay sitting, and you don't have to turn up the tension if you can't handle it.

The instructor chooses some good music for you to work out to which makes it fun.

The first time I took the class, I wasn't able to follow all of the instructors commands to stand, but I built strength faster than I expected to and the next class I was able to stand.

My tip: buy a padded gel seat cover. It is a great investment. I thought people were just being wimpy when they told me that I should get one, but believe me, during the first 5 mins of the class, you'll wish you had gotten one!

I've really grown to love it..no other workout has me dripping with sweat in the same way. Hope this helps. :)

[wildeyed]

3. Thanks, that helps.

I will look at the schedule and see what I can manage next week. I am soooo bored with my regular routine, and my fitness level is starting to slip. Spinning might be just the thing.

[Kathleen04]

5. Let us know how it goes

if you find the time to go try it. :)

[flamingyouth]

7. I've always wondered about those classes.

But I don't think I'd be able to do them. I have several herniated discs in my neck and lower back and that sounds like a really bad idea at this point. But I see the cycles in my gym and they look really cool. Maybe someday. :D

[WolverineDG]

6. Give yourself a few classes

before you make up your mind. So many quit after one or two because it takes a while (about a week) to get used to the saddle. I could have sworn my thighs were bruised they hurt so much! BUT, it's a great work out & once you get over that hurdle, it's a matter of building up your leg muscles. It took me a couple of weeks (going every other day) before I could do a full standing climb. Everyone goes at their own pace (like yoga, it's not a competition, except with yourself to do better than the last time). If you feel like you can't add more resistance & the instructor prompts for it, don't. You probably will be able to at the next class. :)

dg