11 Comments
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Mike B's avatar

It’s not a “need” but more of a “want”. 🤣

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Mike B's avatar

I’d highly recommend a spin class for those that have seen it and wondered about it or would like something different to add to your exercise routine. I’d also recommend taking a class w Dawn! The time and effort she puts into the music play list makes the sound experience well worth the price of admission, before adding in the health benefits. Also…for your first class, shorts/tights, t-shirt and basic sneakers are fine to wear, however, you WILL sweat and that’s why towels are provided in the room. I’d also plan to shower or bring a dry shirt to change into after class. Eventually, if you go often enough, you can spend a few dollars on a padded pair of cycling shorts and cycling/spin shoes so you clip into the pedals instead of using the strap in pedals. It would be interesting to hear about a first timer’s experience after a class. Maybe from someone who writes well, writes often, has a Blog, an Instagram account and maybe a medical degree? ps…that was a challenge! You have until 4/30 to schedule your class w Dawn! 😎

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Dawn Leusner's avatar

Oooooh YES Mike, great advice, and I agree! It's on Dr. H! If you need to borrow some padded cycling shorts, Mike B is your man!

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The Real Dr. Steven Horvitz's avatar

Are you implying I need padded shorts??

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The Real Dr. Steven Horvitz's avatar

Dawn- you owe Mike $25- 💪🏻

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Steve's avatar

Although I’m a fan of actual bike riding outside in the fresh air and sunlight, this is another option to get people to start being more active. Lots of good info presented about the benefits, but I will suggest that “increasing bone density”, is actually incorrect. Cycling is very low impact which is great for stressing joints less than running for example, but that also means that it is not “load bearing” enough to induce bone strengthening. I would strongly suggest that some resistance training is added to supplement cycling/spin classes. I would also recommend mineral supplementation if you are one that sweats or if you spin with enough intensity to sweat. As usual the big 4(Mg, Ca, K, Na). If you are “carnivorous” and/or and have limited leafy Green intake, I would also recommend VitD & VitK2 supplementation.

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Dawn Leusner's avatar

Good point, I should add that the cycle class I teach has 3 songs with weights, we do arm workouts during class by lifting dumbbells so it's not a traditional spin class per say, and why I added the bone density comment I guess. Glad you clarified! And true, I do need to supplement with Magnesium as you tell me every year after my bloodwork!

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Steve's avatar

I don’t know if it would be practical to do at the gym setting, but perhaps a circuit of strength and then cardio. I’m a fan of the leg press for cycling specific muscle groups. The squat is the gold standard, but safe form would be more difficult for a class. Another option would be a leg extension machine, since it’s just moving a pin, and not lugging 45lb plates. They could do a set of the weight exercises before the cardio(spin class). They could log and track their progression. For a little competitive fun, you can even have a board with their results posted separated by weight category. Just throwing out some ideas 💡👍🏻

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The Real Dr. Steven Horvitz's avatar

FYI

Steve commenting is not DrH

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Dawn Leusner's avatar

OH! :)

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Steve's avatar

Good catch, you beat me to it👍🏻

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