I'm drafting a letter to my health club. Some spin classes/instructors offered by my club are great. Others you couldn't pay me to take twice.
Can I get people's criteria for what they consider a good spin class? A bad spin class? 25 words or less.
No mentioning names/clubs. We don't want to get somone fired over an anonymous post. Nor do we want to see our favorite class so filled up we can't get in.
Good spin class. Bad spin class.
Sun, 12/04/2005 - 12:15pm
Sun, 12/04/2005 - 1:58pm
#1
What makes a good spin class (in 22 words)
A challenging, focused workout, with clear instructions (as to tension, cadence, etc.), and periods of high intensity interspersed with sufficient recovery time.
Sun, 12/04/2005 - 3:05pm
#2
25 Words or Less
Turn the AC and the fans on high and leave me alone.
Sun, 12/04/2005 - 4:54pm
#3
"All spin instructors are worthless. Just crank up the music and put me in the row behind several beautiful women.
I taught spin classes for a very short time. Us cyclist, at least where I was, are a monority. Most people want someone happy and bouncy that says alot of catchy phrases taken from the latest exercise rag.
How many times has an instrutor came in saying ""today we are doing an endurance ride, lets start out by doing 5 sprints""
By far the scariest thing I ever saw was an instructor tell the class to take all the resistance off the wheel and spin it as fast as they could. How she hasn't killed anyone yet is just pure luck.
I can't remember the last time I actualy followed what they are doing in the class. I go in with my own workouts and goals."
Sun, 12/04/2005 - 4:58pm
#4
Thank You... (nm)
Mon, 12/05/2005 - 5:47am
#5
Actually.....
Whilst your comments may be accurate for quite a few Spin Instructors in Manhattan I can think of at least 2 who are incredibly knowledgable and would lead Mr Z on a merry dance whether on the spin bike or more especially outdoors.
They both know more, are far better cyclists, and are nowhere near as arrogant or full of their own self-importance.
Mon, 12/05/2005 - 6:04am
#6
Thanks for the Recommendation
While I expect you will gutlessly remain anonymous, at least share the names of said spin instructors so we can learn from them…
Mon, 12/05/2005 - 6:12am
#7
Please do so offline. Thanks. (nm)
Mon, 12/05/2005 - 9:17am
#8
They, themselves are nothing to do with this directly - but worth noting as they are infact incredible teachers and would be recommended to any NYCC members:
Mike Henson and Chris Griffin
Mon, 12/05/2005 - 6:38am
#9
I agree...share please
If you know two instructors that are really that good, please share the names/locations. I will train in from Stamford, CT for those classes.
Bob
Mon, 12/05/2005 - 6:48am
#10
I agree: give us the names! (nm)
Mon, 12/05/2005 - 6:53am
#11
Article from NYVeloCity.com
http://www.nyvelocity.com/content.php?id=174
Chris Griffin @ Equinox
Mon, 12/05/2005 - 9:13am
#12
Spin class recommendations
Mon, 12/05/2005 - 8:54am
#13
method, not towel waving madness
"A good indoor cycling program should offer classes based on heart zone training principles. The ""official"" spinning program lists 5 energy zones:
http://www.spinning.com/page.asp?id2=33&id1=25
According to their program, high intensity intervals should only be done about once a week. The majority of the other classes should focus on endurance, strength, and recovery. This would be great if instructors actually taught that way. 95% of the classes I've attended are high intensity intervals taught to loud music by towel waving noncyclists that run off right after class to teach a pilates class. Unfortunately, this is the type of class most people prefer.
I've suggested to my gym that they follow some sort of science with their indoor cycling programs, but they want to leave it up to the instructors. I've found 3-4 instructors out there that I follow around that are really good. They are all triathletes or serious cyclists."
Sun, 12/04/2005 - 3:18pm
#14
Same as to instructions on tension and cadence. But then the music keyed into the cadence and work out. Are you really going to try to crash up the hill listening to Carole King?
Mon, 12/05/2005 - 8:33am
#15
Bad music
I consider much of the music I hear at my spin classes (usually featuring some whiny, I-will-survive, post-disco woman) truly horrible, but I consider the music good training for the truly horrible music I sometimes can't get out of my head on outdoor rides. Carole King would be a big improvement, in many cases.
Mon, 12/05/2005 - 10:36am
#16
that's one good thing about where I take spin classes the music is off the hook. Lots of jungle, heavy metal and industrial. Great for hard workouts!
Think tonight we will be playing brazilian drum n bass
Mon, 12/05/2005 - 8:39am
#17
Bad music
I consider much of the music I hear at my spin classes (usually featuring some whiny, I-will-survive, post-disco woman) truly horrible, but I consider the music good training for the truly horrible music I sometimes can't get out of my head on outdoor rides. Carole King would be a big improvement, in many cases.
