Get Started with Spinning with this Indoor Cycling Guide
If you’ve been following my (Dave) blog, you know about the exciting merger between Beachbody and MYX Fitness. If you’re new to indoor cycling, I want to make it easier and more fun for you with this indoor cycling guide.
With the Beachbody-MYX Fitness merger, you now have access to one of the BEST indoor cycling bikes available through Beachbody—the MYX Bike.
You don’t just get the bike…you get a phenomenal interactive workout experience.
So, let’s take a look at how to set yourself up for indoor cycling success with this indoor cycling guide!
Why Indoor Cycling?
Indoor cycling offers so many benefits. I love cycling—both outdoor and indoor—but, there are a few things about indoor cycling that make it the perfect weapon to have in your personal workout arsenal.
Indoor cycling is super convenient and safe. If your schedule is crazy and you find yourself working out early in the morning or in the evening before or after the sun is shining, you don’t need to worry about safety because you’re working out in the comfort of your own home.
The safety aspect is especially important if you’re new to cycling and aren’t a confident outdoor rider.
In addition to not worrying about sunlight, you don’t have to worry about stopping for red lights and stop signs, inattentive motorists, and the ever-present danger of unexpected potholes all while trying to train.
And, of course, you also don’t have to worry about the weather.
Is it too hot? Too cold? Raining? No worries—indoor cycling isn’t weather-dependent!
You just can’t beat the convenience of having everything you need for a great workout right in your own home.
Did you know cycling is also a low-impact exercise? Indoor cycling doesn’t put as much force on your body as walking and definitely not as much as running, so it’s easy on the joints and knees.
With Beachbody On Demand, a MYX Bike, and BODgroups, you have everything you need to get in shape and stay in shape.
RELATED | The New MYX Bike
Getting Started with Indoor Cycling
It’s important to get your bike set to your specifications. Comfort is important so you can get the most out of your indoor cycling workouts.
Here’s how you set up the new MYX Bike:
➡️ Adjust the Seat
The first thing to adjust is your seat. The MYX Bike has adjustments for both seat height and depth and you can also adjust the handlebars.
A good starting point is to stand next to the bike and adjust the seat to your hip height.
Next, get on the bike and rotate the pedals. You want about a 30-degree bend in the knee when your leg is at the bottom of the pedal stroke.
When adjusting the forward/backward position of the saddle, put your hands on the front handlebars, then put the pedals in a level position.
Make sure your kneecap is above the center of the pedal—not in front or behind the center. Adjust forward or backward as necessary.
➡️ Adjust Your Feet
Another great thing about the MYX Bike is that you’ve got two choices for your feet.
Don’t have SPD clip-in shoes? No problem!
You’re good to go with regular athletic shoes. If you prefer SPD clip-ins, you can use those, too. It’s great having choices.
Always make sure you position the ball of your foot in the center of the pedal. That’s true for clip-ins or athletic shoes. This gives you the most efficient and comfortable ride.
➡️ Adjust the Handlebars
Limit back and neck strain by aligning the handlebars close to seat height.
➡️ Calibration Ride
Now that the bike is fully adjusted, you’re ready for Beachbody indoor cycling!
Be sure and take your calibration ride before you start training. This is a 20-minute ride for assessing your cardiovascular fitness level.
Heart rate is super important when it comes to getting the most out of your workout. The calibration ride helps you set up your three custom heart rate zones.
NOTE: Try to avoid too much caffeine before your ride so you don’t skew the results.
During the calibration ride, closely follow your trainer’s instructions. The app uses data from your ride to set your heart rate zones so you want to do it right.
Remember to do a calibration ride every six weeks. As your workouts progress, your heart rate zones change and you want to make sure they’re up to date.
RELATED | Using a Heart Rate Monitor to Improve Fitness
A Wide Variety of Workouts
Your MYX indoor cycle routine is going to be one of your favorites — there are so many classes to choose from!
The MYX stationary bike has more than bike classes, too. There are hundreds of total-body workouts along with the bike workouts. Use that rotating screen to bring your workout from the bike to the mat and back.
Another thing I really love is the wide variety of music.
You can MIX it up and use a different playlist every time you workout.
Remember, since you’re inside, you don’t have to worry about getting run over by a car because you’re so into your music!
Get Cycling!
I hope this indoor cycling guide gives you the confidence to get your MYX bike set up so you can get riding!
You’re going to love the many benefits of indoor cycling.
As I mentioned, I’m a huge indoor and outdoor cycling enthusiast, so if you have ANY questions, please contact me. I’d love to help you make the lifestyle changes and fitness choices that enable you to live your BEST life!
