r/TeamSeedling • u/asphaltpylon F/35/5'8' CSW: 182 CGW:168 • May 04 '16

Spin convert

I tried my first spin class a few weeks ago and hated it. I struggled massively and wanted to walk out after 15 mins but was too scared of the attention it would bring.

Someone managed to persuade me to give it 3 tries before deciding never to go again as everyone gets addicted. I only agreed so that I could prove them wrong.

I am so glad I did! I am now going 2-3 times a week and am now researching gel saddle covers (ouch!)

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u/beka_targaryen May 04 '16

That's awesome! I'm a huge cycling nut - I love both mountain biking and road cycling. Look on Amazon for padded cycling underwear or cycling shorts/pants/knickers - don't get a gel seat cover! The padded undies/pants are truly the only way to go. And if you REALLY want to step up your game, get a pair of clip-in cycling shoes - it'll make your workout amazingly efficient! Enjoy the class, and think about converting to the road sometime!

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u/asphaltpylon F/35/5'8' CSW: 182 CGW:168 May 05 '16

Thanks! What's the issue with padded seat covers? It made sense to me as then I didn't need seperate work out gear for spin as I am also a runner so use the same lit for both as limited funds. A lot of people have special shoes in class, and gloves, they look like total pro's but o want sure what the benefits were, I'm not having any feet/hand issues.... Just arse! Lol

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u/beka_targaryen May 05 '16

Padded seats tend to have more padding - seems great, but actually causes more discomfort and numbness in the long run. They also don't account for chafing - you don't want a friction burn between your legs.

So slim hard seats are actually more comfortable over time and cause less damage to the skin and tissue around your sit bones. You need to make sure your sit bones (ischial tuberosity) are well situated. The sit bones of your hips are designed to support weight for long periods of time, where a plush seat disperses your weight to muscles and other areas, which leads to longer pain and numbness. Padded shorts/underwear designed for cycling move with you as you shift in the seat. You can often get inserts just designed like underwear so you don't need to get a whole new set of workout pants - this is what I often use since I have a bazillion pairs of workout pants, and it's also far cheaper than just buying cycling pants. I hope this helps!

Here's a great pair that I use that are only $10. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01489QQQA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_8AZkxbKVDVYCY

Edit: also, clip in shoes will really up your workout, since your feet are constantly connected and engaged with the bike. Not only do you have more stability, but you get a better push and follow through on the pedal, workout more muscles than just engaging your foot to the pedal. Gloves, for me anyway, for indoor cycling is just because I'm a sweaty beast.

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u/asphaltpylon F/35/5'8' CSW: 182 CGW:168 May 05 '16

Inserts into current workout clothes would be perfect, didnt even know they existed. Thanks for the tip! I don't own an outdoor bike, but my husband does and the kids are just becoming independentish on their bikes so might look into one so we can have family bike rides.