These RPM things in the gym...

[currystomper]

Any cycling veterans out there been to RPM sessions regularly, are they any good? How do they compare to a turbo session in the garage.

...thought they may help me keep motivated over the winter!

Cheers

CS

 

[Rob3rt]

Do you mean spin classes?

Personally I find them to be awkward and not conducive to my cycling performance. HOWEVER, they will vary from gym to gym, instructor to instructor etc. What I didn't like was A) Disco lights, B) Happy Hardcore Music, C) Being told to wave my arms around, D) Doing a seemingly random series of "efforts", E) Being told I was not allowed to assume a time trial position (I am a time traillist, I do 90% of my training in the position).

The reality of the situation is that most spin classes are not aimed at cyclists and cycling performance, but weight loss for average gym goers.

Comparing a spin class to a turbo session in your garage is not something that can really be done without knowing how you use the turbo trainer. The way I use my turbo trainer in no way corresponds to my experience of a spin class.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

RPM is much better than random spin classes - the ones I went to were run by a cyclist, and most of the attendees were cyclists, so it was not just people looking to lose weight. The waving hands in the air crap is spin; the sequenced programme is RPM.

 

[jarlrmai]

RPM is Les Mills, Les Mills stuff is generally okay and well designed. (most of the music is awful imo tho)

The better half is a Jam, Pump and Attack instructor.

 

[rb58]

I've been a regular spinner for quite a few years. It's not the same as cycling, but I've found it beneficial to cadence, core and leg strength. Good fun too (no arm waving in the ones I attend) but that will depend on the instructor. The classes I attend are pretty hard core and a really good workout. No substitute for bike miles, but complements cycling well in my experience. I'd suggest getting down there and trying a couple of classes and decide for yourself.