Are spinning classes a valid alternative to a turbo?

PutneyJoe

I don't have a turbo, but I notice that my gym has spinning classes.
Are these a good substitute? They have sprint and endurance variants.

dennisn

Only if you go there to spin and hammer and not to gawk at the ladies or men.

Dennis Noward

ut_och_cykla

Yes - they are better than nothing most definitely.
Plusses - dry , warm no, punctures, social (!), similar muscles to own bike, fixed wheel effect
Minuses - quality of classes vary, not always road bike oriented (more aerobics on a bike structure?), a deadline to meet, can't always set up bike like your own, fixed wheel effect.
I loved spinning but end up on teh turbo now because I can't make evening classes.

PutneyJoe

Thanks I tried it last night and found it pretty good. It all seems a bit unscientific - 'turn it up' - to whatever you like really, but I was sweating like a pig and must have burned a load of calories if nothing else...

Doom

PutneyJoe wrote:

Thanks I tried it last night and found it pretty good. It all seems a bit unscientific - 'turn it up' - to whatever you like really, but I was sweating like a pig and must have burned a load of calories if nothing else...

Best not follow the instructor if you are training for something specific. Spinning or turbo sessions should be focused on specific goals with specific types of workouts best suited to indoor sessions i.e. intervals, threshhold training etc

Or do what I do. Find out when the spinning classes are and then plan to go when they are not on. Lets me focus on what I need to without the distraction of the instructor shouting rubbish at you...

cougie

I teach it, but different teachers are of different standards.

I'll go to others classes if the times suit me and stick roughly to what they are doing unless I dont agree with things and then I'll do my own variant.

Some teachers are great for motivation and some arent. Some pick great tracks and sometimes the music just detracts from the class.

Its a more social alternative to a turbo but not as specific as your own session. I know a few good testers who go to classes to get pushed a bit more. They will still do a lot of turbo work themselves though - steady stuff, but like the interval type classes.

sean65

PutneyJoe wrote:

Thanks I tried it last night and found it pretty good. It all seems a bit unscientific - 'turn it up' - to whatever you like really, but I was sweating like a pig and must have burned a load of calories if nothing else...

LOL. First time I tried one I was also sweating like a pig. I don't generally push myself that hard out on the road, but my ego wouldn't let me be outperformed by a few very out of shape class mates.

I enjoyed it although I haven't gone back because I just prefer to be out on the road.

Wooliferkins

If you speak to the spin destuctor they will probably tell you what "Rate of Perceived Exertion"they intend you to be at during the class you can then link this to your heartrate to give you a more focused work out.

cougie

The RPE is up to the participant - thats the beauty of spinning - some people really go for it, and others hate to break into sweat.

Wooliferkins

The RPE is constant for the class, each individual will be working at different rates to achieve it. Which as you say is the joy as a lardy can work along side the racing snake and both be at the same RPE but at very different power output and heart rates.