Thread: Spin Classes as HIIT Cardio

what does this class entail?

A combination of with light-medium sprints and heavy resistance (simulating going up steep hills) and everything in between. The specific structure of the class changes every week, but there's always a combination of sprints and hill climbing.

High,very high!!!
Is it the 1/2 hour,or 45 min.,or the full hour class?
Ask AlBob, our Spinn class instructor!!!

I have watched these guys go, walking from the locker room to the weight room at my gym, this is definately HIGH intensity.
My hat is off to you if this is your cardio eskimo.

I have become quite addicted to the spin classes and I would encourage everyone to take a class if your gym offers them. It has made a big difference in my body since I started.

Originally posted by eskimo515 I was wondering if people thought that the classes would qualify as High Intensity Training, which I believe it is.

Depends on the individual. I've got people in my classes that do nothing but Endurance (75%) five times a week. That's good for fat loss but doesn't do much for your cardio-vascular system. On the other hand, I've got psychos in the class that will go 92% every single day. As much yelling and screaming as I can do about the need for recovery, they still won't be satisfied unless they get dizzy during the workout. If you're as addicted as you say then I'll peg you as one of the few sensible trainers out there. You obviously understand the need for variety and also the importance of recovery. GOOD JOB! Now, is it High Intensity? Hell yeah, when you can maintain an 85% or 92% heart rate for 40 minutes that's DAMN high intensity. Just remember, that's not a range you want to get into more than once or twice a week. Also, Interval routines will give you the best of all worlds. Most cardio programs should be based on Interval training.

Originally posted by ALBOB
Just remember, that's not a range you want to get into more than once or twice a week.

So I should probably not be taking spin classes three or four times a week?

ALBOB, I definitely know what you mean about those crazy people who never recover. You would think they were running the friggin Tour de France

Originally posted by eskimo515
So I should probably not be taking spin classes three or four times a week?

You can take it seven days a week if you want, just make sure you get a good mix of high and low intensity. That will keep you fresh, help you make consistant gains and keep it interesting. Remember, the instructor is teaching to the majority of the class, but you don't have to follow him/her to the letter. If you need a Recovery routine because you just did a Race Day, then let the instructor know that's what you're going to do. You're in charge of that little resistance knob, if you need to back off a bit, do it.

Originally posted by eskimo515 You would think they were running the friggin Tour de France

That's EXACTLY what I ask them. All I ever get in response is a blank stare.

Originally posted by eskimo515
I was wondering if people thought that the classes would qualify as High Intensity Training, which I believe it is.

YES.

I've taken spin classes to help with my mountain biking. Most spin classes make you go hard for a few minutes, then rest for a bit, repeating that cycle. If people are following the instructor correctly, it is HIIT. It helps to have a good instructor, too. Spin classes are not supposed to be fun and easy.

Originally posted by I Are Baboon Spin classes are not supposed to be fun and easy.

BULL I'm fun AND easy................but I'm not cheap.

Originally posted by ALBOB
BULL I'm fun AND easy................but I'm not cheap.

I don't know WHAT to think about that.



There are a couple of instuctors that don't challenge us enough. I avoid their classes. I prefer the insane ones that try to kill us.

Originally posted by I Are Baboon
I don't know WHAT to think about that.

Well, take into consideration who posted it.

Originally posted by I Are Baboon
There are a couple of instuctors that don't challenge us enough. I avoid their classes. I prefer the insane ones that try to kill us.

I continually emphasize to the class that if they don't feel challenged all they need to do is add a few turns to the knob.

If I can walk after a spin class, it wasn't tough enough. And if the music sucks, its like a route canal.

Originally posted by eskimo515
If I can walk after a spin class, it wasn't tough enough.

You training for the Tour De France or something?

Yeah, music can make or break the class. What REALLY sucks about making a workout CD is that you choose songs you like and then go in there and realize you have to do a climb or a sprint to them, they don't seem all that great then. I've learned a VERY valuable lesson; NEVER use the live version of a song.

Originally posted by ALBOB
What REALLY sucks about making a workout CD is that you choose songs you like and then go in there and realize you have to do a climb or a sprint to them, they don't seem all that great then. I've learned a VERY valuable lesson; NEVER use the live version of a song.

Your students should be thankful that you actually mix a CD together. I know some teachers that are trying to mix their CD's in the classroom. And you see CD's flying around like the teacher was working at a Benihana!

Very high intensity I use it help with the mountain biking, also other cardio is so frickin BORING

I think thsis is going to sound sexist, but I have to say that the best looking women (and usually the men, but I am not concerned with them) at any gym take spin class. So not only do you have a great time, but you get a nice view.

Originally posted by eskimo515
I think thsis is going to sound sexist, but I have to say that the best looking women (and usually the men, but I am not concerned with them) at any gym take spin class. So not only do you have a great time, but you get a nice view.

Yeah sure, rub it in. I teach on an Air Force base, the only students I get are 35-40 year old fat men who can't pass their PT test.

Oh, goodness. Sucks to be you!!!

I have to run now. I have my Tour de France training starting in a few minutes!

I think I might try it.

I hate cardio but I love biking but you can't get out on the bike everyday so this maybe a good alternative.

Originally posted by Jodi
I think I might try it.

I hate cardio but I love biking but you can't get out on the bike everyday so this maybe a good alternative.

The "nice" thing about spinning is that it's not boring, mundane repitition. Between the three riding positions and using the resistance dial, the pace is constantly changing.

Originally posted by Jodi
I think I might try it.

If you're already used to biking you'll be fine, otherwise you might want to invest in a gel-pad for the seat.

Also, Spinning is built around very specific "Energy Zones" and the only way to tell if you're in the correct zone is to have a heart-rate monitor. Some gyms supply them, others don't. You'll need to check with your gym to see if you need to get your own. If you do need to buy one I suggest the cheapest model you can find. You do NOT need all the fancy bells and whistles, just something that tells you how many beats per minute your heart is pumping.

Originally posted by ALBOB
If you're already used to biking you'll be fine, otherwise you might want to invest in a gel-pad for the seat.

If you want to save your cheeks, definintely buy the gel seat! I would get butt burns like you wouldnt believe, especially if you take more than one class per week.