I'm battling Runner's Knee which is now fired up after the half marathon I ran today (dumb, I know but I couldn't help myself). My next half isn't until April 20 and I think it's time to rest. I still want to cross train and keep up cardio so I don't lose too much strength and someone suggested spin class. It's been two years since I took spin class and I am a little freaked out! Do you love spin? Is it a good cardio workout? Any suggestions or words of advice? Thank you!
I added a question below...
Re: Spin class? *updated question*
[QUOTE]I'm battling Runner's Knee which is now fired up after the half marathon I ran today (dumb, I know but I couldn't help myself). My next half isn't until April 20 and I think it's time to rest. I still want to cross train and keep up cardio so I don't lose too much strength and someone suggested spin class. It's been two years since I took spin class and I am a little freaked out! Do you love spin? Is it a good cardio workout? Any suggestions or words of advice? Thank you!
Posted by Giaspo[/QUOTE]
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</div><div>I love and hate spin b/c it its sooo effective. The first time I ever did it I literally thought I would die. Now I'm better at it, and if I don't feel like pushing myself too hard, I just dont. My advice is to bring a giant water bottle and work at your own pace. Sometimes I know if I turn that knob the way the instructor says, I will be overly exhausted and half to quit, so I might skip that turn. Its still a great exercise, and I always try to do everything the instructor says, but dont feel bad about customizing!</div>
Firsttimer....
"Running/spinning work your hip flexors, so it's important to work the back side to balance out, or you'll end up like me: Super tight hips, a hurt iliopsoas, and pain in the back when sleeping at night."
This! Yes...I started last summer with all of this and found a great PT who helped me realign my right hip. I also found a massage guy who knew what an ilipsoas was and he helped me during training. Are your hips rotated-in or -out? This was the bulk of my hip/soas/piriformis issues.
What should I know about the equipment? Is it seat height only that needs to be adjusted?
[QUOTE]What should I know about the equipment? Is it seat height only that needs to be adjusted?
Posted by Giaspo[/QUOTE]
As PP said, seat height and forwardness. On some bikes you can change the handlebar height. Also, some people wear clip-in shoes so you may need to check that your pedals have the straps attached still. (I'm assuming you're wearing tennis shoes) If your gym offers a beginner spin (most I've seen have this once a week) I'd do that - they build in time for the instructor to check everyone's bike to make sure it's adjusted. Otherwise, just get there early and let the instructor know it's your first time and they'll set you up. Bring a towel (you sweat a lot) and a waterbottle that you can drink out of with only one hand (sport bottle? maybe it's just me but if I take both hands off the bike I feel like I'll fall off) and you're all set! Have fun, and I suggest trying classes with a few different instructors at first, until you find one that motivates you and plays music you like :)