Comments on: Turtles can Spin?

By: Middalia

Middalia — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:15:41 +0000

runnrgrl,
Thanks for taking the time to write down all those great tips and advice! And thanks for your encouraging words

By: Middalia

Middalia — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:02:52 +0000

Amy,
I just wore my running shoes. Only the instructor and one other person had the special shoes, so I wouldn’t let that hold back. Go for it!

By: Amy S.

Amy S. — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 21:52:55 +0000

Cool! Did you wear special shoes? I’ve always wanted to try spinning, but would I look dumb walking in there with gym shoes on?

By: runnrgrrl

runnrgrrl — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 03:02:47 +0000

hey there
great job on the debut spin class. a gel seat will help but you’ll find you get used to it. i love spin and i love cycling – great xtraining for a runner. and if you run with spin – at first its easier to run first and then spin.

the seat height should be adjusted so at the top of the pedal stroke your knee is at a 90 degree angle and your foot should be flat at the very bottom of the stroke – not pointing down. the distance between the edge of your seat and the beginning of the handlebars should be the length of your forearm and hand with fingertips extend.elbow at the end of the seat and the fingertips touching the handlebars. for form its important to keep your core stable, not move side to side (calm body) and to ensure that your knees are straight not pointing out or in – if you can see yourself in a mirror that will help. If you really get into it, you can get a pair of spin shoes (if the bikes have clips) and that will ensure that you get the most out of your pedal stroke (the shoes last for a few years). sounds like a lot but you’ll adapt in a class or two.

as for stretching afterward, you will want to do a quad stretch, a back of the leg stretch to get your hamstrings, a glute stretch where you cross over your one leg onto your other knee – can use the bike for balance. you can gently arch your back back and then also lean forward and very gently stretch your lower back. if you are spinning in the am, be careful with your back stretches – very vulnerable. you may also want to stretch your chest with clasping your hands back behind your back. sometimes your neck can get sore if you don’t keep your shoulder blades down and back.

look forward to hearing more about a spinning turtle.

By: Crystal

Crystal — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:44:14 +0000

I am terrified of a spinning class but I have always wanted to try one. I love to ride but, casually. I am glad to hear a newbie perspective. My gym just added a spinning class and I am slowly working up the motivation to give it a try. Glad you found a new workout. Enjoy =)

@crystalware

By: Middalia

Middalia — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:27:10 +0000

Jamie,
Thanks for the tips. Don’t have a pair of bike shorts, I will definitely get a pair before I do another class.

By: Jamie

Jamie — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:21:40 +0000

Good job, girl! Were you wearing bike shorts? Bike shorts make a huge difference. I also use one of the gel seat pads, when I’m wearing tri shorts (because the chamois is thinner). That makes it MUCH more comfortable. Also be aware that seat height and position will make a difference. Might take a look at the saddles on the spin bikes. Some will probably have noses that point up, some down. Try out different angles and see which feels the best.

Spinning is great cross-training! Keep it up!

By: workout mommy

workout mommy — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:19:46 +0000

yay for spinning!

Your butt will get used to it, I promise!

As for resistance, that is the best part of spinning. You control the ride. Challenge yourself and enjoy the sweat-fest!

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 01:05:10 +0000

Woot Woot – way to spin

By: Chic Runner

Chic Runner — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:28:48 +0000

Wow, Spin KILLS Me, way to get out there and spin turtle spin!