What makes a good spinning class for cyclists?

[SWAGG]

So with winter coming up and more cyclists making use of spinning classes to stay in shape, I was wondering what those of you that do attend classes think makes them worth your time or not?

 

I have been instructing classes now that I am aiming at attracting cyclists (road & MTB) and thought this the best forum to get some valuable input as to what works and what doesn't . Obviously it is never possible to cater to everyone's individual preferences, rather gather the majority of views.

 

To kick off, some questions that I am looking for answers to:

 

1. What is the one single thing that will get you to come back class after class?

2. Music - loud and pumping or less intrusive so that you can follow instructor more?

3. Class profile - simulating rides (long time in the saddle) or lots of typical up and down spinning class movements?

4. Duration - is 45 mins enough? 60, 75 or 90'?

5. Pet hate in a spinning class?

 

If you do want to add anything to the conversation it will all be taken into account but I do prefer positive contributions and not just bashing the spinning community in general.

 

Thanks again if you do participate

 

Ryan

[Tatt]

I would love it if someone offered something similar to these guys in London:

 

http://www.cyclebeat.co.uk/

 

Pretty competitive when you can follow everyone on screen...

 

Tom

[GlockG4]

1. A good friendly vibe in the class, instructor not just going about his/her business(get to know the people).

2. Depends on what we are busy with. Grinding up the last hill, put the music a bit louder, but dont try and blow up the speakers.

3. This is a brilliant idea. Get a white board marker, draw a route profile of an up coming race and try to simulate it, specially the trailseeker series.

4. I prefer a 90 min class, but it can be a bit to much for some, so try a back to back 45min.

5. When the instructor makes you taste blood, but he is barely sweating. If you have been in a few classes you can see if someone is just trying to pass the time.

 

If you see guys with hr monitors, try and incorporate that, let the people spin in different zones(but read up on the subject). And when you establish a few regulars try and organise a group ride. It help to motivate the people to come and spin in the cold when their friends are there. And one last thing, 17degrees in the class in summer is also 17degrees in the winter.

[milky4130]

5. Spinning bikes with KnObs!!!!! I hate that cause you'll never ever be on the same resistance as the instructor. Get proper bikes first, ones that are straight forward "everyone set resistance to number 5" that way everyone is getting the same workout.

[Uni]

I'm probably not quite your target market... But I do 2 classes a week with different instructors and that shakes it up a bit.

 

1. A good work out. A fun vibe. Some people are stiffs in my morning class.

2. Nice beat - not quite fond of doef doef ... I think I would enjoy a class with some hard core aggro metal too doubt that would go down too well.

3. Mix it up.

4. I enjoyed a 90 min class over December, during the week - just not enough time. Instructor suggested a 60min class tonight (I usually go in the AM) - need to get home, grocery shop, cook dinner etc... Can't.

5. My friend was saying how some of the lady instructors have a very shrill voice ... Don't like that. Had an instructor that would sit on his bike and pedal occasionally while watching the class and barking orders ... Um..no!

 

 

P.s whys this duplicated in chit chat?think it's relevant - get it merged.

[GlockG4]

5. Spinning bikes with KnObs!!!!! I hate that cause you'll never ever be on the same resistance as the instructor. Get proper bikes first, ones that are straight forward "everyone set resistance to number 5" that way everyone is getting the same workout.

This will scare away a lot of people. I like the fact that I control the resistance, in the end you are there to improve your fitness and enjoy yourself. If the instructor is a 5 time epic finisher 9/10 people would not enjoy the class.

[CAAD4]

Allow a reasonable time to warm up.

 

Put some effort into planning your playlists. Anyone can copy doef doef cd's. Themes work really well.

 

Gauge your class and adapt to your audience if need be.

 

Don't continually ask us how we are doing or scream lame phrases at us.

 

How many people can sprint at 100% for two minutes non stop?

[milky4130]

This will scare away a lot of people. I like the fact that I control the resistance, in the end you are there to improve your fitness and enjoy yourself. If the instructor is a 5 time epic finisher 9/10 people would not enjoy the class.

then spinning class is not for you then, there are free standing spinning bikes else where in the gym.

[Speeltyd]

3. This is a brilliant idea. Get a white board marker, draw a route profile of an up coming race and try to simulate it, specially the trailseeker series.

 

I agree - use a profile of an upcoming event - and prorata it to the available time

[HappyMartin]

5. Spinning bikes with KnObs!!!!! I hate that cause you'll never ever be on the same resistance as the instructor. Get proper bikes first, ones that are straight forward "everyone set resistance to number 5" that way everyone is getting the same workout.

Don't know why you want everyone to have the same workout. It's not like it's a race. And what if you turn up and there is a first time person who is well unfit in the class. Then you get that workout. It will never work. A 5 is a middle effort and 10 is as hard as you can tolerate. You work it out.

 

What I hate in a spinning class is when you are expected to do all those jumps. What's that for? And as someone else mentioned. When you get asked to do an all out sprint for two minutes. Do I look like Chis Hoy?

[milky4130]

Don't know why you want everyone to have the same workout. It's not like it's a race. And what if you turn up and there is a first time person who is well unfit in the class. Then you get that workout. It will never work. A 5 is a middle effort and 10 is as hard as you can tolerate. You work it out.

 

What I hate in a spinning class is when you are expected to do all those jumps. What's that for? And as someone else mentioned. When you get asked to do an all out sprint for two minutes. Do I look like Chis Hoy?

isnt that the point of attending a spinnig class whether it be "advanced/intermediate" so everyone can do the same workout else as I mentioned earlier just go & workout on your own. There is actually a demand for spinning classes so much so that you have to book a bike & if you don't want to do the same workout as everyone else or what the instructor is offering there is someone else waiting to take that spot.

[TALUS]

Thread is also under chit chat. Merge.

[JanJan]

Please ensure there is proper ventilation and sufficient fans too cool us down. The spinning classes at Meyersdal VA are awesome, but only 5 of the 20 bikes actually get fresh air.

[HappyMartin]

isnt that the point of attending a spinnig class whether it be "advanced/intermediate" so everyone can do the same workout else as I mentioned earlier just go & workout on your own. There is actually a demand for spinning classes so much so that you have to book a bike & if you don't want to do the same workout as everyone else or what the instructor is offering there is someone else waiting to take that spot.

I did not know that was the point of a spinning class. I thought the point was to get a vibey, structured fitness class on a bike in an environment that was supportive and motivational.

 

So I can do that all on my own?

[Uni]

Have to agree with Happy Martin here. If the instructor wants us to climb on 9/10 for 2 minutes - his/her idea of 9/10 would mean me and many others can't even turn the cranks - does that mean we have to go ride on our own and miss the benefit of a group workout. I always though the benefit of spinning was that it could cater for all levels.

 

I would say it's the opposite, if you have a specific hard core programme you need to follow, go on the bikes outside or when there's no class on and do your thing.

 

I try and follow the instructor within my own range, there are those that seem to have one speed/one resistance but if that's what they get out of bed to go do, that's their prerogative - although in our case classes aren't that packed.

[Harryn]

So with winter coming up and more cyclists making use of spinning classes to stay in shape, I was wondering what those of you that do attend classes think makes them worth your time or not?

 

I have been instructing classes now that I am aiming at attracting cyclists (road & MTB) and thought this the best forum to get some valuable input as to what works and what doesn't . Obviously it is never possible to cater to everyone's individual preferences, rather gather the majority of views.

 

To kick off, some questions that I am looking for answers to:

 

1. What is the one single thing that will get you to come back class after class?

2. Music - loud and pumping or less intrusive so that you can follow instructor more?

3. Class profile - simulating rides (long time in the saddle) or lots of typical up and down spinning class movements?

4. Duration - is 45 mins enough? 60, 75 or 90'?

5. Pet hate in a spinning class?

 

If you do want to add anything to the conversation it will all be taken into account but I do prefer positive contributions and not just bashing the spinning community in general.

 

Thanks again if you do participate

 

Ryan

Hi

 

I do 2 carefully selected classes per week, on a Tuesday and a Thursday.

 

The thing that has me coming back to these particular classes is that both the instructors are cyclists (one is a triathlete) and the classes are 90 minutes. They are invariably either training themselves for events, and are not merely marking time - and they attract like minded participants, so there are a large bunch of regulars.

 

1. Music is key. If the music is good, its like a concert on endorphins, and the class is a rush. If the music is crap, the class is invariably unbearably boring.

2. Music must be loud and pumping. Slower older type hits for climbing, and upbeat dance stuff for high cadence sprint intervals.

3. I enjoy both simulations rides, and traditional spinning work, but not the type of up and down yada yada yada bs that non cycling type instructors get into for the sake of it. I hate it when it feels like it feels like an aerobics class on wheels.

4. My personal preference is for 90' minute classes. I feel this helps me with endurance, especially when long tracts of the class are spent climbing in and out of the saddle. The long duration allows plenty time for proper warmup, climbing, intervals,and sprints etc, and sufficient cooling down and stretching.

5. My pet hate in a class is a badly thought out playlist, awful music, and the feeling that the instructor is just "winging it" , with no structure or thought to it.