Spin classes - do they help?

[Cathryn]

I've been doing a weekly spin class at my gym as part of my training for my forthcoming century ride n September. I went to a different class today and it was quite spectacular - the closest this old girl has got to being in a club for many years now. Lasers, some pretty cool music and a spin instructor who was clearly a failed DJ in a past life. I cycled my socks off and dripped sweat by the end.

Apart from the entertainment factor, how effective are spin classes as training? I feel like they're good as high intensity training sessions but am I fooling myself?

Rehydrating with a glass of wine

 

[Cathryn]

Also...spin classes vs turbo-trainer sessions. Please discuss?

 

[Keith Oates]

I look at spin classes as good entertainment but Turbo Training as more effective training.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Thomk]

It's all good stuff. Variety is a life of spice as they say. I love a good spin class and feel it does me some good. Perhaps not the very best training for a century though.

 

[Cathryn]

I look at spin classes as good entertainment but Turbo Training as more effective training.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Could you expand on this? I've started doing spin as part of my century training - one long ride, one intensive ride (the spin class) and one easy ride - I run 2 or 3 times/week as well. Any thoughts on how a turbo trainer would be better? We have a decent trainer, I'm just not entirely sure how to use it well, which is why I've been spinning.

 

[Keith Oates]

The spinning classes I've been to have nothing on the bikes to tell you what power you are pushing and also had us trying different types of cycling (turning the pedals) but with the turbo you can dial in the power and ride to sustain it over a period of time which (IMO) is better training and you can actually see if you're improving.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[uclown2002]

Spin classes seem great for mixing things up but doubt it'll be much help to reach your goal of riding a century. Focus on increasing your mileage and time in the saddle and longer distances will become easier.

 

[screenman]

Do you cycle to the spin class? if yes just add a bit more to the journey to and from and enjoy the bit in the middle. You are training for a ride after all, not a race. Most important, have fun.

 

[vickster]

It's summer, just get outside and ride your bike

 

[Drago]

I'm with Vikki. Unless you're really training to the Nth degree and doing so many minutes at X percent of max heart rate etc then go ride your bike. Spinning and turbos are better than nothing fitness wise but do zero to improve your balance, control skills and road craft.

 

[Milkfloat]

HIIT (like a decent spin class) has been proven to get you fitter than mindless miles. If you want serious training, then simply turning the pedals for hundreds of miles is not the way to do it. Take a look at http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-libr...durance-training-battle-of-the-aerobic-titans

I do a spin class and use a turbo trainer, but I actually prefer to be out on the open road putting in the mindless miles

 

[Drago]

It doesn't have to be mindless miles. You Can still HIIT it on a real bike as you can on a pretend one, and you can occupy yourself scrupulously practicing your road craft and making it second nature. And even if you do just disengage brain and plough ahead mindlessly you're still enhancing your innate balance sensing and ability and sharpening your bike control skills.

 

[oldroadman]

Spin will help with souplesse. Long road miles at a good pace will help stamina. Interval training will help power and the ability to produce intense efforts for short periods. Turbo will drive you crazy looking at power meters, but can be a check on where you are in fitness. Anyone who is working towards a 100 mile event and is running needs to cut that back. Running works heart and lungs well, but wrecks your legs. It's OK off season along with a bit of MTB, CX, gym work. Cut it out at least three/four months before the event targeted to let your legs recover from all those nasty impact through the joints. Pros stay off their feet as much as possible, when your legs are an important part of your living you take care of them - not a bad example to follow.

 

[Citius]

Spin classes are thoroughly useless for effective HIIT - the bike is not yours (so is fit is likely to be a compromise), you do not control the exercise process (the instructor does) and there is rarely any efficient cooling, meaning you will begin to overheat as soon as you complete the warm-up. And if you're too hot, you won't hit the required intensity for the durations that HIIT requires.

That said, if you've got a spare 45 minutes for a spin class, then it won't do you any harm either. Just don't rely on it as part of your training program. If your target is long distance rides, then rides of increasing distance is the thing to be doing.

 

[Ian H]

They're good as one gets older and lazier. Having someone shouting at me does spur me on to efforts I might otherwise avoid.

By the way:-

...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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