Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Perceived Exeretion Levels

Steve and I took advantage of our passes for one free spinning class yesterday. This was a first for both of us - and so we weren't sure what to expect. Overall it was a great work out - followed it up with an easy four mile (cramp filled run - note to self do not drink so much water during spin class)
Here is my problem with the whole spinning class. All you have is a red knob and in the instructor would say "turn your knob to add more road" ok - well how much road is enough road? i have no idea. On the wall is a chart of perceived exertion levels. It reminded me of the 1-10 pain chart they have in emergency rooms (another concept i think is silly) So she says ok - you should put on enough road so that you are at a "5" or "ok you should be at an 8 now" Now i was pretty tired - especially since i kept cranking up the road - but having trained for several marathons (i can't even imagine had i done an ultra or an ironman) I feel I've had my moments were I was in a high 8 range. Level 10 is "So tired i can't go on" Maybe i was there after my first marathon?? maybe? so how do you translate that to a one hour spinning class. There is nothing i can do in one hour that is going to make me feel like i did after that first marathon. So - I just kept cranking up the "road" and tried to not sweat on anyone. Think i'll give it another shot - just think the whole thing is a funny concept. Anybody out there have an opinion on spinning classes -- and their value or lack of value?

1 comment:

GP said...

Not only did I have trouble getting a handle on what the knob meant, where it was turning and how far it could (and would) go, but my feet kept falling out of the pedals during the two spinning classes I attended last year. It was a testament to my lack of coordination and general inability to ride a bike. Even a stationary bike.

When I wasn't falling off the bike (I'm really an embarrassing person to hang out with), I was convincing myself that I should follow the instructor's commands to "turn the knob." And I did. But I, too, associated the knob scale with a 1-10 in pain.

I don't think I'd sweat that much in the oven at 350.

And worry not: my curse sticks to elderly, mostly male celebrities. You should be clear. I won't say anything about meeting you, but I hope to see you around the Cleveland races this year!