What makes a good spinning class for cyclists?

[BLACKvoodoo]

Since the arrival of the Wattbike spinning classes have become redundant for me at least. Got myself a good set of training headphones, decide how long and what type of training I want to do upfront and make a play list to suit the workout. With joburg being hilly I feel that I get more than enough intervalish training on weekend rides, so I tend to use the wattbike for 30+minute consistent efforts.

 

You're talking about Joburg South Africa??  

 

What does that make the Cape, Everesty?    

[rudi-h]

You're talking about Joburg South Africa??

Haha. I didn't say we've got climbs around here, I just said it's somewhat hilly... Now that Suikerbosrand is closed we need to drive really far for climbs!

[rouxtjie]

HE IS BACK  

 

DUTCHIE HOEZIT

Dips, lekker en jy mnr....heard you and mr steer are gooing j2c. Klap dit flou 

[Mr Winter]

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

 

This would be awesome 

[cas247]

Hi Ryan

 

1. What is the one single thing that will get you to come back class after class? The ability for an instructor to get my average heart rate up, ie I know I'm working harder, 
2. Music - loud and pumping or less intrusive so that you can follow instructor more? It needs to be loud, but not ear busting loud, type of music that's relevant to your audience (you never going to make everybody happy)

3. Class profile - simulating rides (long time in the saddle) or lots of typical up and down spinning class movements? On long 90 min spin classes ride/race simulations are possible, on shorter 45/60 min spin classes (up and down spinning class movements are key to get the heart rate up)  
4. Duration - is 45 mins enough? 60, 75 or 90'? I find 60 min spin classes at very high intensity perfect, I also like 90 min spin classes that simulate rides.
5. Pet hate in a spinning class? People that walk past my water bottle and brush up against it :0

 

6. I go to Virgin Grayston - These 2 instructors Elsa Storm and Anthony Bishop hit the nail on the head when it comes to Spinning for  cycling, try out their classes and get some tips. Ps. They're also Master Spinning Instructors, the only 2 in SA. http://www.spinning.com/en/master_instructor_team_africa

 

I hope this helps

 

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

[BLACKvoodoo]

Haha. I didn't say we've got climbs around here, I just said it's somewhat hilly... Now that Suikerbosrand is closed we need to drive really far for climbs!

 

Lol just talking some trash 

[Vlakvark T]

Music is the biggest killer. Adjust your music to the people you give class to. Very difficult to adjust because i do many years spinning and the biggest complain after a bad instructor its the music. 

[Tothehills]

Re-post from the other thread

 

I accept that you cannot keep everyone happy. As a cyclist in a spinning class my comments are as follows:

1. Pet Hate. Spinning instructors that chat/speak throughout the spinning class. There are certain classes I avoid like the plaque for this specific reason, and so do many others.

2. I want to spin the full 45min/60min class. Music 5min before the class starts to warm-up is a good idea. I have to agree with Talus, certain warm up/down procedures and stretches are just silly. There are many cyclists in a spinning class that continuous spinning to avoid the warm down ritual.

3.Loud music with a good beat. Your playlist should have structure. Using an IPod to search for songs while the class is in progress is not cool.

4. Again, as a cyclist, classes should be hard. I want to suffer with a big pool of sweat underneath my. There was an instructor at Randburg for many years, I think his name was Morne. His Sunday 17:30 class was always oversubscribed. What a great training coach, not spinning instructor in my opinion

5. As a weekend warrior on a bike, I remain committed to maintain/fulfil an exercise routine. Spinning offers this limited opportunity to me during the week between family and work commitments. Spinning instructors that inspires, contributes to my level of motivation to attend your spinning classes.

 

Spinning (Exercise for cycling) at home was a consideration at one stage. Instead I hop between gyms following spinning instructors just to avoid the chatter boxes.

I appreciated that as a spinning instructor you are asking for feedback. It shows commitment with a sense of responsibility towards us demanding people in lycra.

 

Were do you instruct from?

[Brandon P]

1. Music: Beaty & chunky (130BPM+). 

2. Foreground rather than background volume but able to hear instructor.

3. Variety: Interval up & down type earlier in week & longer later in week; Or mixed in a class.

4. 45min is extremely long in a boring class, 90min too short in a vibrant class. Ideally 60min for regular spinning.

5. Soppy music (Elton John has no place in a spinning studio). Hot & stuffy studios. Bikes that need attention / un-level saddles.

[BLACKvoodoo]

Music is the biggest killer. Adjust your music to the people you give class to. Very difficult to adjust because i do many years spinning and the biggest complain after a bad instructor its the music. 

 

Can't please everyone 

[BLACKvoodoo]

Music on !

Lights off ! 

[milky4130]

I disagree I spin every morning 6 days a week, Classes are half full , plenty of room for everyone. As far as the training goes I go as hard as I can but there are people in there that have different goals. You need to be able to control your level , a good workout for you might make someone else puke and hate cycling all together.

then count yourself lucky, my local gym I'm not so lucky.

[Skubarra]

then count yourself lucky, my local gym I'm not so lucky.

 

I'm curious milky, why is it so important to you what the people around you are doing?

 

I can't be bothered whether the person next to me is slacking off or working harder than me, I'm only there to improve my own fitness?

[milky4130]

I'm curious milky, why is it so important to you what the people around you are doing?

 

I can't be bothered whether the person next to me is slacking off or working harder than me, I'm only there to improve my own fitness?

they suck up oxygen, take up space denies someone who wants to do the actual workout from the instructor, they cheat, also see Cadre's post a couple up.

[SWAGG]

Hi Ryan

 

1. What is the one single thing that will get you to come back class after class? The ability for an instructor to get my average heart rate up, ie I know I'm working harder, 

2. Music - loud and pumping or less intrusive so that you can follow instructor more? It needs to be loud, but not ear busting loud, type of music that's relevant to your audience (you never going to make everybody happy)

3. Class profile - simulating rides (long time in the saddle) or lots of typical up and down spinning class movements? On long 90 min spin classes ride/race simulations are possible, on shorter 45/60 min spin classes (up and down spinning class movements are key to get the heart rate up)  

4. Duration - is 45 mins enough? 60, 75 or 90'? I find 60 min spin classes at very high intensity perfect, I also like 90 min spin classes that simulate rides.

5. Pet hate in a spinning class? People that walk past my water bottle and brush up against it :0

 

6. I go to Virgin Grayston - These 2 instructors Elsa Storm and Anthony Bishop hit the nail on the head when it comes to Spinning for  cycling, try out their classes and get some tips. Ps. They're also Master Spinning Instructors, the only 2 in SA. http://www.spinning.com/en/master_instructor_team_africa

 

I hope this helps

Thanks for the feedback, I was actually trained by Anthony Bishop so I know exactly what you mean.

[SWAGG]

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time and effort to reply. What is clear to me (and this is good) is that cyclists just want a proper environment with well structured classes and good music.

 

I will be sure to take this into account when putting together my new classes.

 

one thing I do ask each of you and this not me making excuses for poor instructors. Please take a minute after the class to give the instructor honest and constructive feedback about the class and also about what it is you want from the classes. Believe me, when I was spinning I always thought I could do a much better job than the instructors - it is not that easy. It takes a lot of time and effort getting music, putting together the class structures and trying to keep everyone motivated. Add to that is the pressure you feel when up there trying to work hard yourself and drive the class forward and you can begin to see that it is hard work. So I encourage you to assist by talking to your instructors and if all else fails - hit the road.......

 

Thanks again all.

 

Ryan