FIVE MYTHS ABOUT INDOOR CYCLING
Spinning keeps growing in popularity, but instructors would like to shatter a few pesky misunderstandings about the workout.
1
Indoor cycling class is only for hardcore athletes
Indoor cycling is, in fact, the perfect workout for beginners. It’s non- impact, requires little to no handeye co- ordination, and lets you go at your own pace. “Indoor cycling is actually one of the best activities for exercisers of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels,” says national award-winning fitness instructor Shannon Fable. Each bike has a resistance dial that you can easily and quickly adjust.
2
The workout is designed to leave you exhausted
Your instructor should create a class that allows you to vary your effort, including easy spinning between hard intervals. Working at your maximum capacity for the entire class is a recipe for burnout. “Getting a good workout is not dependent on being breathless the entire time,” says Fable. Each drill should have a clear goal. If the instructor doesn’t offer modifications, there’s nothing wrong with doing so on your own.
3
You’re competing against the rest of the class
Your biggest competition is actually yourself — if you choose to compete at all. To measure your own progress, note whether your metrics (such as heart rate, distance, speed and wattage) are changing and whether the workout is getting easier.
4
It’s a pain in the butt
It’s normal to leave your first few classes with a sore derrière, but that should subside after three to five classes, according to Fable.
At that point, coming to class once a week is usually sufficient to keep the discomfort at bay. That said, most regulars invest in padded bike shorts. A gel seat cover can also be a quick fix. And you can always pedal out of the saddle.
5
You need special shoes for cycling class
While wearing bike shoes that clip directly into the pedals allows you to transfer your effort more efficiently to the bike, it’s absolutely not a requirement. There’s nothing wrong with wearing sneakers, especially if you have yet to make cycling class a habit. The stiffer the sole, the better.