Why Every Triathlete Should Have A Spinning Bike in Their Living Room

 

As someone whose least favorite part of a triathlon is the bike portion, I am surprised by how much I like my spinning bike. I should admit that the first time I ever got on a spinning bike, for a class at the local gym, I swore I would never do it again.  The whole class may have heard me… but now my bike at home in a living area is a huge part of my training efforts AND an enjoyable, appreciated part. This is why –

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Spinning workouts at home are family oriented.

• I can keep up with my husband, while he still puts in his maximum effort.
• He is close enough to poke and harass, when needed (and vice versa).  Sometimes, he even talks to me.
• We can enjoy our own entertainment set-up, along with any kids that happen to be hanging out with us (the bags on the handle bars hold phones and remote controls).

Spinning workouts prepare me for real bikes.

• They are safer, tipping or pedal whacking being the only real concerns, so I can concentrate on things like cadence and form.  Then, those elements come more naturally for me on the real bike.
• I would not be able to keep up a consistent cadence on the road (due to traffic, etc), so get the benefit of longer training at a certain rate.
• I can do power interval workouts on them like I can’t on a real bike, which directly translates into stronger performance on the road.
• I can ride at any hour of the day, thus increasing my total time in the saddle, which is important in many ways.
• The spinning bike seat is more like a regular bike seat than other exercise bikes I have been on, making correct form more likely.

Spinning workouts help me with my running.

• Again, the spinning bike has helped me with the whole concept of cadence tremendously.   Don’t have to think about where I am going or if I am consistent enough to avoid falling off the treadmill, but I still get a very strong sense of rhythm.  I have worked up to a cadence that is fairly fast, which is closer to a good running pace for me.
• Spinning is low impact, so I can still work on aerobic capacity and leg strength, while giving my legs the rest between runs that they need.
• I wear flip-flops on my feet, allowing me to let my feet stretch through their full range of motion.

Spinning workouts are easy to do when dealing with most injuries.

• There is more than one place to put pressure on the foot to pedal if I have a sore spot on my foot.
• It is possible to ride fairly “lightly” and still get some sort of a workout, rather than none at all.
• If I have to stop a recovery workout sooner than I had hoped, I’m already home.

Odd observances:

• The dog can come along without any trouble.  She doesn’t attract other dogs, and she doesn’t get in the way of the bike.  She does look a little depressed sometimes, like she can tell we are having fun without her…
• I have to think about what exactly to do with my upper body.  I want to try to mimic the real ride as much as possible, but it is fun to just sit up and ride with no hands, too!

I hope this helps you evaluate how you might use a spinning bike in your favorite living area.  It might make other people jealous when they visit, but then maybe they will get inspired.   Why sit on the couch when you could be spinning!?