A Real Epidemic: Let’s Talk About Posture In Spin Class

Hi guys,

So.

I seriousy need your help.

I’ve observed something that’s sort of, maybe a weird observation…but…eer, ehh…I gotta share.

Pretty much I’m dying to know if I’m the only one who’s seen ‘the Quasimodo spin epidemic?’ AKA horrible posture while spinning.

Call me crazy but…

I swear 90% of people in spin class are severely hunched over 100% of the time they’re spinning.

& honestly? I want to pull my hair out every time I’m in class. I want to scream “please, please, please sit up straight!! Your poor back!” BTW: I say this out of concern for people’s neck/back/posture, not to be a bitch.

Not mention: how is their core engaged if they’re hunched over the whole class?

Seriously though. It’s my version of nails on a chalkboard. I so want to help during class, but I also don’t want to sound like a know-it all.

Personally, its just not necessary to spin so hard, that you’re banging your head to the pedal stroke/the beat.

Like, please, please don’t throw your neck out.

So, here’s why it ulimately bugs: we’re constantly hunched over driving, working on the computer, bending over, cooking, eating, painting our nails, cleaning, etc. so why make it worse with exercise?

Ultimately, exercise should improve posture…not make it worse.

I mean, it’s baffling…yoga & Pilates are meant to open the chest up, correct posture, & engage the core to create stronger posture. I sincerely believe if done right, every other exercise can do the same. For years, I taught Pure Barre & Pilates and I was constantly reminding the students to open their chest, keep that ‘ballerina posture’, &/or stick ‘the girls’ out more, so I don’t understand why the spin teachers don’t let their students know to ‘keep their head up.’

It’s super important not to be dangling your head down like a limp…carrot.

Anyway after years of observing fellow spinners, I’ve decided to do some research of my own.

Here’s what I found: while spinning it’s very important to keep your core engaged. Don’t let you neck jolt forward. You want to keep it up. So even though the girl next to you thinks you’re looking egotistically at yourself in the mirror, ignore her—- posture first!

According to Spinning Mixes Online make sure to “keep your head up, looking about 10-20 yards on the “road” ahead. Spinning is a leg and lung workout—if you feel sore in the forearms or are tight in the triceps, you are probably leaning too far forward over the handlebars and using your upper-body to support your weight. The handlebar is there simply to help with balance—it is not a stress ball that you should be squeezing. I like to tap my fingers and move my hands in different positions every few songs to make sure I’m not white-knuckling throughout class. Try to keep your abs tight: suck in your belly, pulling your navel to your back. This will strengthen your core and keeps your hips in the proper position over the pedals.”

Ok, so does anyone else see the bad posture in spin or am I bat-shit crazy?

P.S. if you ever see a blonde sitting up overly straight in spin class, come say hi because it’s probably me ; ).

x L