Spining, Spining, Spining

01-13-2005, 03:24 AM

With the weather in NJ, it is very difficult to get any riding time in
as I've written repeatedly. I have been going to the gym at least
three times a week in preparation for my 25 mile ride in May. Last week
my trainer decided that I should use weights. I was told that the spin
class would help with both cardio and leg muscle strength, but I need
upper body strength as well to eventually be in shape to ride long
distance. I started out with riding a bike for fun, ended up in a gym
taking spin classes and now I am on weight training equipment working
all the muscles in my body. When I arrived home last night I started
to wonder how buying a bike could lead to all of this. My only goal
was to buy a bike and ride for fun. I am now spending more time at the
gym and working on muscle toning. Some of the machines look like
torture devices. Is upper body strength really that necessary for
riding a bicycle? Or is my trainer trying to convince me that I should
get in shape and not just ride a bike. She is a crazy person (as all
trainers in my opinion) and she takes pride in helping people
strengthen, tone, look and feel better. Did she use my goal of riding
25 miles to convince me to use the weights or is it essential that I
do? What does upper body strength have to do with riding a bike? Call
me stupid, but I really don't think it is that necessary. How much work
are my arms doing when I ride a bike. I want an answer to that. My
trainer just tells me, its important...end of discussion. So do you
know? I am working my buns off at that gym to ride in a 25 mile charity
fun ride.
Maggie
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