Spinning? - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

nikki24 · 03-12-2006, 11:42 AM

Hi I am new to this board but not to exercise. I am 24 and have been working out regularly since about 17. This past January I started taking spinning classes about 4-5 times a week. The classes range from 45-60 minutes. Since taking the classes my jeans no longer fit on my legs. I did not expect to put on bulk from this class. I am 5'11 and 125lbs. I have also developed these weird muscles in my lower back, upper hip area. I love the class and do not want to stop but will this continue to bulk me up like this??

Thanks

MaxOT26 · 03-12-2006, 08:44 PM

The gains you are expirencing from the spin class are pretty much totally gentically determined. Your gains will tapper off and if you don't like the way your legs are looking (your complaining about building muscle?) then just cut out a couple of the classes. More then likely though your muscle gains will pretty much even out.

nikki24 · 03-13-2006, 10:36 AM

No No I love my new legs. I would love to build muscle all over so this is a start at least. Plus I could never cut back at this point I love the class too much. I am working on form right now with the bike as I am tall and have a hard time on such a small bike sometimes. Is spinning a good way to train for a bike race? I would love to do one this summer.

Thanks
nicole

MaxOT26 · 03-13-2006, 12:55 PM

Thats awsome you want to race! You should definitley go for it! Here is what I suggest. Find the race you want to do. Look up the distance and the posted times from last years race. Set a goal for a certain time. Be ambitious but realistic. Now go establish a route that is comparable to where the race will be ran at. Once a week maybe twice a week go out and run the course. Figure out what it takes mentally and physically to do the distance. Figure out at what points you feel strong and at what points you feel weak. Learn the pace. Learn how to run the race so you can have a gook kick at the end. Learn exactly how to ride the course to achieve your desired time. Definitley keep the spin class in 2 or 3 times a week. It will really help with your speed and strength. I would also throw in some weight lifting twice a week and once a week do a longer run thats like 7 or 8k longer then the course you will be running. If your not that serious about it then belay my last, but I always find my training better and more enjoyable with specific goals!

nikki24 · 03-14-2006, 05:04 AM

I cannot wait to start training more outdoors. The weather is starting to get warmer here but once April comes it should be much easier to get out there again. I am thinking of doing the Five Boroughs Race in NYC. It is more of a tour than a race but it is 42 miles. Which type of bike would be the best for touring/racing? I need something on the not so expensive side as I am in college full time. With being tall I want something that will not put a lot of strain on my back. I have always wanted to run a marathon too but had two surgeries on my lungs and have a hard time sometimes with running sometimes, usually doesn't stop me from running just long distances. So the biking has been my alternative for now.

Thanks again,
Nicole