Spin classes - do they help your cycling

[Sweeper59]

I normally ride about 150-200kms a week on the road. I get bored on wind-trainers and started doing spin classes at the gym when the weather was poor. I'm now doing 3 classes a week, and have found that I'm stronger on the road, particularly on hills. Does anyone else do spin classes to improve their riding?

[RobRollin]

My opinion is yes they can help your riding technique (cadence) especially. I took a few classes to learn to really spin and they really helped. Some spin classes are not really suited for cyclists but gym goers who want a good work out.
Some classes are held for cyclists to build strength, endurance, sprinting, climbing etc which are a really good work out and would no doubt help your onroad riding.

[DanielS]

I've never done a spin class, but if they get you motivated to ride when you otherwise wouldn't then they've gotta be a good thing!

[mikesbytes]

I'm a spin instructor, I do the RPM version

[Sweeper59]

I usually do the RPM classes. I find they're a great workout, and it's normal to burn 800+ calories in a session. Being in a small room with 25 others, loud music and a good instructor - it would be difficult NOT to get fully involved.

[timbo]

I usually do the RPM classes. I find they're a great workout, and it's normal to burn 800+ calories in a session. Being in a small room with 25 others, loud music and a good instructor - it would be difficult NOT to get fully involved.

Not to mention it can be a good perv.

[ginz]

i do a home-made spin class.

if you rate your excersion from 1-10, 1 being easy and casual, 10 being hard sprint, here's what i do:
7 minutes of 8-9 excersion, then
4 minutes of 4-5 excersion.

then rinse and repeat between 4-6 cycles each session...

have found great results in general fitness and hills... now i love them!

[ginz]

i do a home-made spin class.

if you rate your excersion from 1-10, 1 being easy and casual, 10 being hard sprint, here's what i do:
7 minutes of 8-9 excersion, then
4 minutes of 4-5 excersion.

then rinse and repeat between 4-6 cycles each session...

have found great results in general fitness and hills... now i love them!

p.s. this is on the trainer...

[Supblek]

I've been doing spin classes now for over 3 months.

I can see an improvement in my cycling esp cadence and pushing bigger gears. It also helps to keep my upper body motionless when in the aero bar position which has helped in my triathlon positioning on the bike.

Pushing atleast 600+ cal every 45min class.

Highly recommended!