Spinning / Cycling classes

[Qacer]

Spinning is the only work out that I've done that makes me sweat so much. My entire shirt feels like I just jumped in the pool. There is one thing that strikes me curious. I've seen older ladies run through the entire class without having to break off from the drills temporarily. Usually after 20 minutes from the start, my legs start hurting and feel weak. I need a few seconds of rest to recover before I re-start with the drills.

That being said, I probably don't have my tension settings set right, or maybe my spinning position is incorrect. I'm just impressed that older folks are able to run through the entire class without taking a break. I've only been to about 5 classes, so I'm giving myself a couple more before I can run through it with out any stops.

 

[Maleficus]

I've never done a cycling class, but my mother/sister do, the correct chair settings make all the difference in the world, I'd ask someone to help you out in adjusting it.

 

[Qacer]

One instructor helped with the settings before. She told me that the important part is to have the chair slightly above your hip and the handle should be set so that your elbows are loose (i.e. your arms are not fully straightened out). However, other instructors don't say anything, so I just assume that my settings are right.

On a side note, I need to find a longer water bottle that can hold a lot more water and still fit in the machine slot. I can run through one bottle of water in less than 30 minutes. My towel also ends up soaking wet. It's really intense.

 

[mjh]

Assuming your settings on the bike are all correct, it is possible you're riding at a higher cadence (harder workout) than the older people in the class. If you're riding 100 rpm and they are riding 80 rpm, you're likely to break a bit faster.

Spin classes are always a great workout, so keep it up!

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I was just suggesting a spin class to someone in another thread who was saying it is too cold to ride a bike this time of year. It really is an awesome workout. BTW, 5 classes, if you aren't a regular cyclist already, isn't enough to be on par, even with older folk that are avid riders or been spinning a good while. I have ridden with a couple in their late 50's hammering single track at and around a rock quarry, and it was all I could do to stay with them. I have a friend who is 59 that would kick most 25yr olds asses running a 10k too.

 

[Bateluer]

I've only done a few spin sessions, and while I did sweat a lot, it was more due to the enclosed room with only two fans for airflow. I didn't feel a thing the next day, and I had the resistance consistently set higher than what the instructor was telling us.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: Bateluer
I've only done a few spin sessions, and while I did sweat a lot, it was more due to the enclosed room with only two fans for airflow. I didn't feel a thing the next day, and I had the resistance consistently set higher than what the instructor was telling us.

Either you're a cardio beast, or that class sucked or both.

 

[mjh]

Originally posted by: Bateluer
I've only done a few spin sessions, and while I did sweat a lot, it was more due to the enclosed room with only two fans for airflow. I didn't feel a thing the next day, and I had the resistance consistently set higher than what the instructor was telling us.

While it's true that the enclosed room does make you sweat more than if you were out on a bike in the "real world", you should still be able to feel something the next day IMO.

 

[Qacer]

You know, I really don't feel my leg muscles being sore the next day. Actually, I went to spinning class yesterday, and today, I feel like I definitely had a workout, but it's not a feeling of soreness. My arms feel a little tight and so are my legs. It's the same kind of feeling after you get a few good games of racquetball or basketball.

Also, yesterday, the room was much colder and the instructor even had the fan on. There were only two of us plus the instructor in a classroom that normally holds 20 people. I was still sweating like heck.

What really makes me sweat is when the instructor gets us to "come out of the saddle" (i.e. pedal standing up) for an entire song. An entire song normally last between 2.5 to 3 minutes. After that, it's followed by a "get out of the saddle for 10 seconds and sit down for 5 while sprinting" drill for another song. That's intense, and I can start feeling the workout burn a few seconds into the first drill.

 

[acegazda]

my dad is a cycling instructor so I do know what you mean about dying in the first 20 mins. Some people just have higher vo2 maxes than others. Also, years of building up your cardio, even if you're old, equates to superior riding compared to one who has not trained for very long. Just stay motivated, stay healthy and try not to worry about people around you.

 

[Unmoosical]

One of the things I like about spinning is that the classes are really a go at your own pace. So if you're always challenging yourself you'll always be dog tired by the end. If a class is to easy push the resistance up or increase your RPM.

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER

Originally posted by: Bateluer
I've only done a few spin sessions, and while I did sweat a lot, it was more due to the enclosed room with only two fans for airflow. I didn't feel a thing the next day, and I had the resistance consistently set higher than what the instructor was telling us.

Either you're a cardio beast, or that class sucked or both.

Everyone else looked like they were about to drop. I do a good amount of long distance running, so its likely I could be considered a 'cardio beast'.