RealFit TidBit: What's the best way to spin? Upper body "grooves" or "doesn't move"?

A RealFit subscriber had a great question about my riding technique in my spin videos. Do you move your upper body or not? Which is correct? This video explains my methodology & why I ride the way I do. It depends on what you want out of your spinning experience. Are you a road cyclist? or just want to pedal away stress & burn mad calories? There's a difference in how you approach your indoor cycling workout depending on which category you fall into.

3 Comments

Fitnessnupe91 on March 26, 2013 at 8:17 pm

Hey Dana! Thanks for the info on this one…I totally agree. I did reffer to your style as being a ‘Rythmn Ryder” and I can totally relate to it. It not only allows you to expend more energy/burn more calories but it also lets the riders put a little fun into what is already an intense and challenging workout. When I teach and we’re doing a really tough drill I always tell them to “find your swagger” i.e. a little shoulder movement or ‘bop’ if you will. It makes them feel like they’re dancing the pain away by having a little fun while going harder!! I totally get it…GOOD STUFF!!

One question before I go. What are your thoughts on instructors teaching on or off the bike?

Thanks
Wendell

admin on March 27, 2013 at 11:04 am

Hello Wendell! LOVE “rhythm rider” – Never heard that before but YES! That’s it! & “swagger” is a great way to put it… encouraging people to find their own rhythm & go with it.

As for instructors teaching off the bike, I’m not a fan… unless someone is doing something that needs to be corrected or they will hurt themselves because they are oblivious that you’re talking to them when you’re coaching the group. I try not to call people out when I teach, unless its to push them harder. Once I know them well, then I can laser coach them in the group without them feeling like I was picking on them or feeling bad about being “wrong.” I NEVER want anyone to feel bad in any way, so I’m careful of how I choose my coaching words or when I do get off my bike, I move the mic away from my mouth & go over & help them.

If an instructor is teaching too many classes & needs to get off the bike for that purpose, I say… stop teaching so much. If they need to be off the bike because they are sick, well, they shouldn’t be teaching then. They should be home resting. There was a video I mentioned this actually… & how it de-motivated me when an instructor got off the bike. It didn’t seem authentic to me, so I don’t do it to my class. They seem to enjoy when I suffer along with them 😉
Reply

Fitnessnupe91 on March 29, 2013 at 5:07 am

Thanks for the feedback and I totally agree…Motivation is a powerful concept in a cycle class and what better way to accomplish that than through LEADING BY EXAMPLE!! “We suffer and finish as one I always say” Not a fan of teaching off the bike unless you absolutely have to…the Ryder’s love you for it. Thanks again!!

Wendell