Outdoor Biking vs Spinning

As the winter approaches it is harder and harder to get motivated to ride outside - it's cold, windy, and not as enjoyable as the summer. An excellent alternative is taking a spinning class. Spinning classes are offered at most gyms and will help improve your aerobic base, improve strength, hill climbing, and overall bike strength. Typically classes are offered in 45-60 minute sessions.

I do want to point out that spinning should not replace biking when the season nears for a few reasons.
1) Spinning is in a controlled environment - it's important to get outside to learn to adjust to the natural elements (heat, wind, rain, etc)
2) Riding a normal/tri bike will work more of your quads and hip flexors then spinning. Spin class will work slightly different muscles, including the hamstrings. Spinning will tax your cardiovascular system more and you will feel like you're working a lot harder than you normally would on a typical bike. Some spinning classes promote standing while riding, while racing triathlons you want to stay seated as much as possible and keep your heart rate in check.
3) It is important to include outdoor rides so you can work on steering, braking, and gear shifting. Outdoor riding will also encourage you to learn how to change a flat tire or fix common mechanical issues on the fly.
4) Triathlon training is based on periodization and many spinning instructors won't take that into account while conducting a class. Make sure you find an instructor that specifies in triathlon training and fits into your training heart rate zones.

Speaking of which, I will be conducting triathlon classes at 7 Flags beginning January 5th. Contact me for more information. More detailed information will be coming in the near future