Putting a Spin on it - taking a break

They do say that absence makes the heart go fonder.
With this in mind the author is taking a break from Spinning and the Blog.
We may return refreshed and invigorated later this year.
Happy Spinning, keep warm safe and enjoy the ride!

Spinning- goals in 2018

In these days of a quest for the personal best aided by the fit-bit and all sorts of technology to monitor how we are doing in any chosen activity, have you entered 2018 with a goal for your Spinning?
Perhaps just more regular attendance at a class is sufficient or purchasing a bike with all the latest on board technology? Or is it some part of a multifaceted health plan to combat the excesses of the festive season?
Spinning is a safe way to spent those dark winter days: you are not a hazard on the road or likely to suffer through slipping on ice or mud.  Corrosion of your bike through salt from the road grit is not possible through may be sweat is.
What ever your goal -enjoy your Spinning in 2018.

Is it the real thing?

When you ride on a Spinning bike do you want it to feel like you are out on the open road? Or do you want an experience that you could not have outdoors?
If you want the authentic bicycle ride then climbing must be a part of it and then removing the resistance as you come down the hill.  If you imagine a race then a sprint near the finish must be integral to the session.  May be the next step would be to wear a helmet even though you are not likely to fall off the bike or hit a car?
Alternatively may be you are hooked on what can be done precisely because you are not on a road bike- the back pedalling, the eyes shut the standing and sitting in time with the music rather than in response to an incline?  Does this give more scope for the imagination or the expense of energy?
Every rider will be different, but the most important factor is whether you enjoy it. Happy Spinning!

Sick as a Spinner?

Our little group convened to spin in our regular slot after a late summer break.  It seemed that everyone had something wrong with him or herself.  From the jet lagged, through to those with backache, the hung over and the injured from other sports we were all there adjusting our bikes and grumbling about our respective ailments.  But think about it for just a minute :isn't it great that with all our plethora of little niggles we can still Spin.  For how many other sports would that be true?
In some to take part in the activity whilst injured or not fully alert would be highly dangerous to one self and to others but with Spinning there is no steering or throwing involved and with careful warm up no risk of further injury.  What a great gift to us and to the well being of our world.  We all found that when we got off the bike we felt strangely better.  So even when one degree under Spinning can improve the quality of life of its participants, to whom would you like to recommend it?

Dreaming or Concentrating?

When you get on a Spinning bike are you in the mood to dream or to concentrate?
If you are a dreamer then does music in your Spinning studio help or hinder?
Or perhaps you prefer to Spin in silence so that you can read whilst on board the bike?
Is it a good idea at all not be focussing on your surroundings? Surely not having to concentrate on the immediate environment or time is one of the big advantages of Spinning over riding on the road.  If as a road rider and  you are not concentrating on your position on the road and the proximity of other road users then this can prove disastrous.  Many accidents are caused through these means.  So Spinning may be a good outlet for those who wish to day dream or read whilst on a bike?  Autumn is coming -how many of us have started dreaming about Christmas??!

Simplicity or Technology?

We live in a world where there is a piece of computer based technology for almost every single task known to human beings.  Do you import this into your Spinning activities with technology to measure the distance you have covered, the calories you have burned, even the sweat you have perspired! Or for you is the joy of Spinning the absence of technology, the freedom to pedal with your eyes shut, to respond to the music you are hearing?
It is a relief to discover that both categories of people can be easily accommodated in Spinning -those who buy bikes with every imaginable meter affixed to them ( and to their own flesh) and bikes that are simply bikes with no frills just handlebars pedals and resistance controls.
What do you hope to get out on your Spinning sessions? Figures and numbers, personal bests or release from the pressures and stresses of a  computer driven world?

Do you hover?

Are you one of those spinners who just likes to go as fast as you can? Or do you prefer to mix things up - jumps, sprints and the like? If you do then no doubt you will have tried hovering.  You slow down to a virtual stand still and come out of the saddle then hover as close to it as possible.  Probably you will feel the effects the next day! At least if you wobble you are unlikely to fall too far. This is not like our road bike colleagues who if hovering as they push up a hill are quite likely to fall off.
The stamina and strength benefits of hovering may be great but that is not the point - it can be good fun especially if done in company and done as part of a medley of jumps, dips and sprints.  It makes Spinning sound almost like swimming? Go on have a try!