Do you have the "equipment?"

Every few classes or so I get a question about spinning shoes. I am always shocked at the amount of members that continue to take class without clipped in cycling shoes. I know you still get a workout, but it would be similar to running on the treadmill in jeans and loafers. Or doing the eliptical in your pj's and slippers. Wouldn't it look strange to see Michael Phelps up on the block wearing big, baggy Hawaiian print swim trunks before he starts a swim race? How about Lance Armstrong wearing sneakers as he charges a hill in the mountains of France?

If you want to be good at something, I mean really good, make progress, be an "expert", you need the proper equipment. If you plan on taking a spinning class once a week or more, you really should get the shoes. Besides the physical benefits, both to your feet, legs, and lower back, there is a definite mental aspect as well. You get the shoes, you get on the bike, and you ARE a cyclist.

Now, like I said, you can still get benefit from taking a class without the proper footwear, but wouldn't you want to get the best workout for your time (and money)? I have taken a few classes when the instructor does not have spin shoes and I am sorry, I just can't take them seriously. If you feel passion about something, especially to be a teacher and mentor, to push people and make them better, then you must be an example.

Cycling shoes have hard soles which can completely change the feel and results of your workout. A soft-soled shoe (aerobic or running type) absorbs too much of the pedal force and makes pedaling inefficient. A soft-soled shoe will also bend over the pedal  and make the feet feel uncomfortable, numb and/or painful. Shoes are easily available at bike stores or larger retail places. You do not need to buy the top of the line shoe, the cheapest is fine, just as long as they are for biking and have hard soles and a place for a clip to be attached. The clip or cleat that goes in the bottom of the shoe are sold separately and needs to be screwed on. Most places will do it for you. If you say you need the clip for indoor cycling, they should know which one is appropriate. It will take some practice getting clipped in, but don't worry you'll get it. It's just like riding a bike, at first it seems hard but once you get the feel, you never forget.

Feel free to approach me in class if you have questions about proper shoes for spinning. I want as many members as I can training like real athletes, and that means having the "right" equipment.

On another note, today and Thursday night we did our last little tribute to Valentine's week...so here is "Love Spin 2010 version"....

Love Spin (54 minutes)

1.Crazy Thing Called Love- Queen (warm up)
2.We Belong (remix)- Candice (run)
3.L.O.V.E.- Ashlee Simpson (climb)
4.It's Love- Chris Knox (run)
5.You Give Love a Bad Name- Bon Jovi (climb)
6.Love Bites (remix)- QED (run)
7.Tainted Love- Soft Cell (seated climb)
8.Here (in your arms)- Hellogoodbye (seated sprints)
9.Me Love- Sean Kingston (climb)
10.Lollipop- Mika (run)
11.Strong Enough- Cher (run)
12.Oh L'amour- Big Mama (fast standing run)
13.SexyBack- Justin Timberlake (climb)
14.Leave Me Alone- P!nk (run)
15.Let's Get it On- Marvin Gaye (cool down)

Have a great weekend! Keep cheering on our athletes in Vancouver! We only have one week left...

Portia :)