For Goodness Sake with Deanne Ashford

I bought a road bike about two years ago with dreams of everyone happily waving me off as I rode into the sunrise each day.

It hasn’t quite happened like that. I ride when I can, usually on the weekend when it is not too windy, rainy, hot or dark and the kids are “organised” - so I ride about once every three weeks.

Apart from nearly falling off every time I have to stop (those stupid shoes!!) I love it.

Cycling is a great form of low impact cardiovascular exercise and it has an element of resistance training - what could be better? Wanting more cycling, with fewer variables to contend with, led me to take a look at indoor cycling or Spin classes.

Spin (or RPM) classes are group exercise classes held on stationary “spin” bikes, so-called because the front wheel spins (true). Riders are led through a series of virtual rides including hills, flat roads and pack rides set to music.

It is the next best thing to riding outside, and you don’t have to own your own bike or wear a helmet, fix a flat tyre or ride all the way home again. You can ride with your friends and there are no potholes, cars or dogs. In essence it takes the frustration out of cycling.

So if you are finding it difficult fitting your family on the bike, or fitting riding into the short winter days, try a Spin or RPM class.

Sure the bike stays still but it takes you where you want to go. You can burn up to 800 calories per class – that’s a couple of Dagwood Dogs from the Easter Show!

When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race. 

~ H.G. Wells