After taking spinning bike classes, perhaps you’ve gotten to the point where you’ve invested in your own bicycle. You’ve even found the perfect space for it and made time to have regular workouts. In order to stay on track, however, you may find it helpful to build a library of cycling DVDs or videos. But do you know how to choose the right ones for your training or other needs? It can be a bit trickier than it might seem.
You can start with familiar spinning bike DVDs or videos, which have been used during sessions in a gym or exercise center. Odds are, however, that you are so used to those that you may be bored with the same old routines. You want to shake things up and challenge yourself. You want to see signs of progress.
A good place to start is with a fair assessment of your fitness level and performance. How often do you work out? Also, be sure you know whether you are a beginner, intermediate, advanced or professional spinner. If you use spinning bike classes to augment training for top cycling events, you are probably fairly advanced. Luckily, there are DVDs and videos for all levels of spinning bicycling enthusiasts. If you have questions about your skill level, ask a professional instructor to provide an honest opinion.
Next, find out if you can “test drive” certain DVDs, perhaps within a fitness center offering spinning classes. Some centers offer DVDs for sale, perhaps even some made by instructors you like. Some come with money back guarantees or a 10 day trial period. But don’t buy a DVD or video just because you like the spinning class bike instructor. Make sure that when you test out a product, your heart rate reaches desired levels and that you feel like you’ve gotten a satisfactory workout. Because workout goals can vary, choose the DVD or video that will meet your specific goals.
Some very cool – and fun – DVDs allows spinners to feel as if they are in a major race. When going uphill, tension on the spinning bike is adjusted to feel the reality of an uphill course. The scenery matches the exact race and this allows for maximum training as well as a “feel” for the race (or as close as anyone can get inside a home or fitness center). Imagine pedaling away to a view of a sunny European location while – in reality – there is snow piled up outside your home. When the snow melts, you could be well on your way to participating in just that race!
Another important tip when choosing spinning bike DVDs – be sure to check for the certification of the trainer. Unfortunately, some very shoddy products do hit the market and they can not only waste buyers’ money but result in potential setbacks or injuries. So be sure to ask trusted professionals about products which are reliable. Talk to spinning bike class friends who are experienced and get their opinion. Hopefully, they’ll be enthusiastic and rave about particular DVDs. When asking for opinions, be clear about your fitness goals. This will help ensure you won’t buy a product with a training routine which is too easy or too advanced for your skill level.