Yes, we run an indoor studio, but we love the idea of cycling of all kinds. The benefits of indoor and outdoor riding are awesome in so many ways!
About 25% of Spynergy riders are also serious about their outdoor riding. They do both inside and outside riding. The vast majority of our spinners do NOT ride outside....ever.
Riding inside and outside are different.........and the same.
The same because they are both rhythmic, low impact, cardio exercise. While fundamentally solitary endeavours, indoor and outdoor cycling are often done in groups and can be social. Both workouts can be intense....but both can be moderated. Both are exercise that experts agree is ideal for a range of health and fitness related goals.
How do they differ? Other than the obvious (you don't need a helmet indoors, the sun shines outdoors), there are differences that make the workouts somewhat distinct. One is time spent. Spin classes are an "in and out" workout. In less than an hour, you can burn huge energy. With time pressures everywhere, the "exercise value per minute" is extremely high in a spin class. With outdoor cycling, equipment and preparation and clean up issues add significantly to the average ride --- but you get scenery!
Outdoor rides tend to be a more varied mix of endurance and interval training, indoor rides focus more on intervals. Intervals (intermittent periods of high exertion) tend to be longer outside, leading to a very different feel and experience.
Spinning is great aerobic training for outside riding. Some outdoor cyclists complain that the cadence and saddle positions in spin class do not simulate outside riding ---- but even the most ardent admit that there is tremendous heart rate work in a good spin class, not to mention the toning of key muscle groups.
Spinners who don't ride outside usually cite traffic and safety concerns, or sometimes technophobia about all the "stuff". These are legitimate reasons not to ride ---- but if you're a spinner, you would actually be pretty good at it, and even periodic outside riding is great cross-training for your spinning!
What's the bottom line? Both are great exercise depending on your preference, your available time, and your mood! If you're an inside rider looking to explore outside (or vice versa) ---- feel free to email us with any questions. We love both.
Enjoy the ride!
Bill and Alex
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