Is Spinning BAD For You???

Is Your Spinning Class BAD for You?

Last week I heard through the grapevine that one of my spinners stopped taking my class because her crossfit instructor told her it was a waste of time.  I waited a week to write this because obviously I was upset and confused.  So what gives?  What would encourage one instructor to say another’s class is a waste of time?

Let’s start the conversation this way: which exercise is the best exercise?  The answer is very clear and simple and sadly is what many fitness professionals forget.  The best exercise for a person is what they enjoy the most.  But wait!  What about HIIT? Crossfit?  Insanity? Kettlebells?  Power Plate?  TRX?   Every modality has their benefits.  And yes, some interval training does produce more bang for the buck BUT cannot be done everyday.  AND that type of training isn’t for everybody.

Why would my trainer/instructor say to only take their class?

Sadly, here is the deal everybody.  The fitness industry is very competitive.  Same as when we review research, we need to know where the money is coming from.  Can your instructor financially gain from you going over to the health club to take a spinning class or Zumba?  No.  They earn their money from you taking their boot camp/crossfit/small group training.  The same goes for the sale of supplements.  Do they get a cut of the money you spend in the purchase of the supplement? Chances are you don’t need what they are pushing. 

So if EVERYTHING is good for me, is there anything I should avoid?

Yes.  Any workout with contraindications which put you at increased risk for injury should be left out.  This includes some boot camp and Crossfit classes with inexperienced instructors.  OR a “small group training” boot camp with one instructor that exceeds 25 people (can one instructor really analyze safety and form for 40 people at once?).  Even some spinning classes are taught with contraindications (think, lifting weights while on the spin bike, peddling with no resistance, etc.).  As fitness consumers, please educate yourself as to what is safe, unsafe and  downright dangerous. 

So what is your thing against Crossfit? 

There are many wonderful things about Crossfit.  Primarily the competitive nature, culture created, and the camaraderie.  For those who move properly and safely, this fun and competitive environment was created for them to push themselves more than ever before.  In fact, if I ever had a day of free time around here, I would love to incorporate some Crossfit into part of my training routine.

But here are some issues all must weigh before joining a Crossfit program:

·      What is my level of athleticism and technique before beginning this?  Crossfit is NOT a program that is safe for the beginner lifter or one with a low FMS score.  One quote I recently read (and agree with): “Crossfit - where technique-dependent lifts are taught to technique-deficient athletes and then performed for high reps so that what little technique there is, fails.” 

·      What are my coaches’ qualifications and level of experience?  Inexperienced coaches in this level of training can lead to very serious injuries. 

·      Do I have FUN with this type of training?  If it’s not for you, please know there are other options!

Of course the below video shows some extreme cases, but these situations are what have the world of serious fitness professionals outraged by some Crossfit programs:

What does this all have to do with spinning?

Back to the original issue: one of my spinners was told the class (not just mine, but all group exercise) was a waste of time. 

Let’s look at some of the benefits of spin classes:

1. If you’ve ever looked at the program structure of a typical cycling class, it IS interval based, scientifically working in all of the different energy zones.
2. Low impact and SAFE.
3. Something for everybody.  Every person in class adjusts their own intensity and resistance.
4. Group experience and camaraderie.  Many of my cycling classes are just as close and motivating as many Crossfit programs!
5. IT’S FUN.  And that my friends, is what exercise should be all about.

What about Zumba, Pilates, Turbokick, Yoga, Water Fitness, and all of the other group classes offered at my gym? 

There are unique benefits to be gained from each.  Personally, I’m not much of a dancer, but I’ve seen lives changed by the Zumba program.  Why?  They found a way to make exercise fun.  I look forward to my Thursday mornings in the pool for water fitness.  It may not be as intense as my circuit training days (but careful, it will surprise you!) but guess what… it’s FUN and a different type of workout.

Moral of the story. 



1. Do what you love.  
2. Stick with a VARIETY of fitness modalities (be sure to include some resistance training!).  
3. Consider an instructor’s motivation when pushing a program or supplement on you.
4. Get out of any unsafe fitness situation.  

Note: I get paid the same (small!) amount if I have 1 spinner, or 32.  I have nothing to gain or lose from writing these opinions except to hopefully help a few folks make educated fitness decisions.