Spinning Experiment in Off Season

I am a fair weather kind of person.  Meaning, I have a problem with cold weather.  This certainly poses problems when training in the off season, especially on the bike.  As a matter of fact, I usually just put it up and focus on swimming (indoors) and some light weight training.  This makes for a tough spring in catching up on Bike conditioning.

So I tried an experiment this off season and jumped into a newly formed Spin class.  I have many people tell me that unless you are out on the road on a real bike you are not really gaining anything in your training.  I understand there is no true replacement for the real thing, however, I could not ignore the fact that common sense was telling me that doing something was better than nothing.

So I made notes on my first ride last year as I started back on my Bike training.  MPH, time, distance, weather, etc, etc…  Then I rode the exact course on my first ride out this year after spinning in the off season.

The result was an average of 1.9 MPH faster this year, obviously resulting in a much better time.  Now obviously I can’t replicate the exact weather conditions and certainly a little wind either way can make a difference.  And who knows, in the back of my mind I knew I was trying to prove a point and it could have made a difference.  However, had the result been a 1/2 MPH difference I would have probably just blown it off.  But 2 MPH is a big difference and means a lot over a distance.  Not to mention, very little soreness and an overall better ride.

So, take it for what it is worth, but for me it answered a question without a doubt.  Spinning made a difference.  Even so I am still spinning as a supplement as I train right now.  Like I said, I figured it had to help, but now I know.

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1. osepilowo — August 25, 2009 @ 4:59 am

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