What NOT to do in an indoor cycling class

Spinning · IndoorCycling

Spinning instructors are on a quest to stop contraindicated moves across America, and I have joined the battle!

For the past few years instructors have abused their creative license and morphed indoor cycling into some sort of aerobics (and acrobatics) class on a bike. I have seen absurd moves from one-legged pedaling, push ups on the bike, “walking” on the pedals to cycling with hands behind one’s back, all in the name of “fitness”.

Sadly, participants are dupped into believing that these perceived “hard-core” moves provide fitness benefits that outweigh the glaring risks of injury. In reality, these movements are contraindicated, unnatural and pose a great risk to participants.

My opinion is that, as instructors, clients place their wellbeing in our hands one hour at a time, the least we can do is respect them by providing them with the best and safest class possible. I think you would agree…

So, next time you feel the urge of doing push-ups, go to the strength training area and do them, DO NOT by any means, do push ups on a bike, it is just not what the bike was designed to do. Don’t do one-legged pedaling, it’s absurd, let alone being an accident waiting to happen… the pedal will leave a pretty mark on your shin/calf… ouch! Same goes for pedaling with hands behind one’s back… believe me, this is not a “true” test on how strong your abdominal muscles are, this is just nonsense.

Recently, Jennifer Sage Master Instructor for the Spinning Program, posted a thread on her blog worth reading. Not only she is dead on about the issues on contraindicated moves but she has posted some outrageous videos that show what not to do in a Spinning class.

Click here

to read Jennifer's post and watch the videos, you will have a blast!

Please pass it along to all instructors / members you know… we want to keep you fit and safe!

Alex Leemon, CPT

Star 3- Certified Spinning Instructor

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