what is spinning? Is it the same as cycling or bike riding?

lee c

Answer
Spinning - whether it be on an indoor exercise bike or an outdoor type bicycle is basically the same thing. Spinning means pedaling at a relatively high rpm or "cadence".

On an outdoor bicycle, you want to use gears that are easy to "spin" using only moderate pedal pressure at a rate between 70-90 rpm, minimum. You will need to learn when & how to shift gears to reach & maintain that cadence. For bursts of speed or to climb a hill, the cadence or spinning action should increase to around 100-125 rpm.

If you're "pushing" or mashing on the pedals, you're in too high of a gear. Simple as that.

Whats spinning? How do you do it? The person said that it provides a great arobic workout. Its done on a bike.

Yersinia P

Answer
Spinning is indoor cycling classes. Spin bikes are highly customizable to your body and are more like real bikes than exercise bikes. Usually an instructor will have music playing and try to imitate a real road ride with hills and everything. Many cyclists (who don't want to cycle outside in the winter) train on spin bikes during the winter. They are as close to a real road bike as you can get but still be inside (unless one uses their actual road bike on a trainer).

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Indoor Cycling Spin bikes?

KT

I'm looking to purchase an indoor spin bike. Unfortunately, I know nothing about what brands or features to investigate! I am 5'0 so I'm also concerned with buying something that will adjust well to my size. Any advice would be great! =)

Answer
Some bicycle and sporting goods stores sell stationary (indoor) bicycles. You can also buy them online. Shop around carefully because there are important differences between a LeMond RevMaster, a Schwinn stationary bike, a Spinner (tm) bike, and a Keiser M3. Most stationary bikes do adjust to fit people between approximately 5' and 6'3".

Contact the manufacturers to see if they can refer you to a local fitness center that has their bikes. Then you can go test them. Otherwise, try to find them at a store and take a test ride. This is important because you don't want to be stuck with a bike you dislike or makes you uncomfortable!

See if you can get any free DVDs or training. Is there any support if the bike breaks or needs maintenance? How will you learn to set up the bike properly, to ride with proper form, to exercise safely and to train appropriately?

You can also buy a a trainer, a frame that holds a regular bicycle still while you ride it. These are readily available at bike and sports shops too. I would definitely visit a local bike shop to discuss options involving trainers.

what is spinning? Is it the same as cycling or bike riding?

lee c

Answer
Spinning - whether it be on an indoor exercise bike or an outdoor type bicycle is basically the same thing. Spinning means pedaling at a relatively high rpm or "cadence".

On an outdoor bicycle, you want to use gears that are easy to "spin" using only moderate pedal pressure at a rate between 70-90 rpm, minimum. You will need to learn when & how to shift gears to reach & maintain that cadence. For bursts of speed or to climb a hill, the cadence or spinning action should increase to around 100-125 rpm.

If you're "pushing" or mashing on the pedals, you're in too high of a gear. Simple as that.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

When you cycle do you lose weight all over?

best spin cycle bikes image

Ciara

I just got a new spin bike and I was wondering if you lose weight all over your body, or do you just lose it in your lower body? Some people are telling me I won't lose weight on my upper body and some people say I will. It's not the only thing I will be doing to exercise by the way.

Answer
yes u will because this is a cardio workout. cardio burns fat and the fat is burned from all the fat cells in ur body .. we dont just shrink from one place.. however ur lower muscles are becoming stronger so dont ignore the upper ones so that there would be no imbalance .

What is the difference in muscle movement between biking and walking?

Chris Do

When I bike, I noticed that the motion that I'm doing is the same motion as walking, but for some reason biking is harder on my legs. Why is that?

Answer
Cycling (not biking) and walking use almost completely different muscle groups & different "load bearing joints" on the body. I should know - I walk with the aid of a cane - but can ride a bike nearly anywhere I need or want to go.

If you're having a hard time cycling - it could be at least two reasons or a combo of the two.
1) Improper saddle (seat) height. With the ball of your foot centered on the pedal & in the 6 o'clock pedal position, there should be only a SLIGHT bend in the knee. Have your saddle set right for optimal leg extension & power. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html#height

2) You're "pushing" instead of "spinning" the pedals in too high of a gear. "Cadence" is THE key word. You should always be in a gear easy to use with moderate pedal pressure & spin the pedals at a rate or "cadence" of at least 70-90 rpm. Higher cadence but in lower (easier) gears climbing hills - around 95 rpm and above if possible. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears.html Good cyclist are always around 90 to 105 rpm.

3) If you have a one speed bicycle - there's 99.9% of your problem right there.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Is it OK to wear a bicycle helmet during spin class?

best spin cycle bikes image

Blazer

I have recently begun taking spin classes. However, I have heard of people having accidents, where the spin cycle tips over or where an irate participant pushes the cycle over out of spite. I would feel more comfortable wearing a helmet. In addition, it would allow me to create the proper mental atmosphere for the exercise, similar to being on the open road. Would that look odd or result in ridicule from my fellow spinners?
I can't believe you thought I was serious!

Answer
NO!!! no helmet in a spin class, those are all rumors and if some one does push you over etc, you can take them to court for assault. Find a bike next to the wall or pillar so you can steady yourself if the bike tips.

How can I match beats per minute of music to indoor cycyling cadence?

funinsun

(The spin bikes at my gym have cadence displays on them). If my song is 120 bpm should my cadence also be 120?

Also, how do I determine my running cadence? Do I count strides in a minute?

Answer
Use a watch with a second hand you want to count your knee coming up 12-15 times in ten seconds. Match your running to your fitness level cadence is not important in running. Run hard enough that you do not get out of breath. The cadence in cycling is so you don't pedal to hard and it's more efficient.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

how long does it take to revert bulky legs?

best spin cycle bikes image

.

I've built bulky legs trough spinning/cycling. I'm trying to get my legs to be thinner in about 4 weeks. I will continue to spin but with lower resistance. How long until I start seeing results?
I also wondering if I should reduce the endurance (feel the burn type of thing) while spinning or not?

Answer
Firstly I will assume that you do have "bulky" legs. Not just that they are bulky in comparison to the anorexic flat chested, toothpick legged, models that you see in fashion magazines. (They are only used to make the clothes look good)

Personally I would like a look at these "bulky" legs myself. Not that I'm a perve or anything just so I can give you a more informed opinion. If you do post a picture then, if you could lightly exercise just before so that the morning sun will glisten in the sweat still trapped in your pores subtly accentuating the muscle tone.........oh alright I'm a perve.( Just trying to make a point here, already coped an earful from wife)

I can only assume that you have bulked up by jumping on your bike and going at it for all it is worth, for a relatively short time (30 or so minutes) many times a day. Your probably eating a fair bit of protein also things like (eggs, milk, chicken, fish). There is a good list of high protein food at this link.
http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-131850.html

To get rid of the bulk "roadiebiker" is pretty close to the money. Reduce the proteins and up the pasta fruit and vegies. get rid of all the bike's resistance and peddle for longer periods, the longer the better. (Quicker you will get rid of the bulk). Don't push it to more than a gentle pant. (60-70% heart rate) You shouldn't feel the burn at this rate.

By doing this you will be working the muscle fibres closer to the bone which will burn up the protein still in you diet. The fibres further out (the bulky looking) should start to fade.You should start seeing results within a few weeks

High repitition low load will keep you toned up. If you stay at a pant pace you will be able to stay on your machine longer and work you cardio system much more effectively.

Once you get back to were you want to be return to a normal diet.

When you cycle do you lose weight all over?

Ciara

I just got a new spin bike and I was wondering if you lose weight all over your body, or do you just lose it in your lower body? Some people are telling me I won't lose weight on my upper body and some people say I will. It's not the only thing I will be doing to exercise by the way.

Answer
yes u will because this is a cardio workout. cardio burns fat and the fat is burned from all the fat cells in ur body .. we dont just shrink from one place.. however ur lower muscles are becoming stronger so dont ignore the upper ones so that there would be no imbalance .

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Is it OK to wear a bicycle helmet during spin class?

best spin cycle bikes image

Blazer

I have recently begun taking spin classes. However, I have heard of people having accidents, where the spin cycle tips over or where an irate participant pushes the cycle over out of spite. I would feel more comfortable wearing a helmet. In addition, it would allow me to create the proper mental atmosphere for the exercise, similar to being on the open road. Would that look odd or result in ridicule from my fellow spinners?
I can't believe you thought I was serious!

Answer
NO!!! no helmet in a spin class, those are all rumors and if some one does push you over etc, you can take them to court for assault. Find a bike next to the wall or pillar so you can steady yourself if the bike tips.

how long does it take to revert bulky legs?

.

I've built bulky legs trough spinning/cycling. I'm trying to get my legs to be thinner in about 4 weeks. I will continue to spin but with lower resistance. How long until I start seeing results?
I also wondering if I should reduce the endurance (feel the burn type of thing) while spinning or not?

Answer
Firstly I will assume that you do have "bulky" legs. Not just that they are bulky in comparison to the anorexic flat chested, toothpick legged, models that you see in fashion magazines. (They are only used to make the clothes look good)

Personally I would like a look at these "bulky" legs myself. Not that I'm a perve or anything just so I can give you a more informed opinion. If you do post a picture then, if you could lightly exercise just before so that the morning sun will glisten in the sweat still trapped in your pores subtly accentuating the muscle tone.........oh alright I'm a perve.( Just trying to make a point here, already coped an earful from wife)

I can only assume that you have bulked up by jumping on your bike and going at it for all it is worth, for a relatively short time (30 or so minutes) many times a day. Your probably eating a fair bit of protein also things like (eggs, milk, chicken, fish). There is a good list of high protein food at this link.
http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-131850.html

To get rid of the bulk "roadiebiker" is pretty close to the money. Reduce the proteins and up the pasta fruit and vegies. get rid of all the bike's resistance and peddle for longer periods, the longer the better. (Quicker you will get rid of the bulk). Don't push it to more than a gentle pant. (60-70% heart rate) You shouldn't feel the burn at this rate.

By doing this you will be working the muscle fibres closer to the bone which will burn up the protein still in you diet. The fibres further out (the bulky looking) should start to fade.You should start seeing results within a few weeks

High repitition low load will keep you toned up. If you stay at a pant pace you will be able to stay on your machine longer and work you cardio system much more effectively.

Once you get back to were you want to be return to a normal diet.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers