I always had a bicycle; it was my escape from suburban New Jersey life. I felt free. I loved being outdoors and felt I could get anywhere on two wheels.
Having lived now in New York City for over fifteen years, my escape is now TO New Jersey via bicycle. Oh how I live to get out, to the smell of fresh cut grass and what seems to be fresher air. The rides, which last anywhere from one to eight hours leaves me feeling strong, relaxed and deserving of a good meal and cold beverage! It is invigorating.
Many Mind Your Body Pilates clients have taken to indoor spinning and ask me frequently which I prefer: indoor cycling or outdoor?
OUTDOOR CYCLING.
The main reason is the feel of the bicycle. Being on a BICYCLE vs a spin bike just feels more complete. When you are on a rode bike, you are truly using your entire body. It feels that the upper body works as hard as the legs and the core is for sure engaged when seated in the “cycling position.” When standing to peddle uphill, the legs get stretched, the core is working to balance the body on the bicycle and the arms are helping to move and control the bike.
Though some instructors try to instruct this type of thing, it is just impossible to conquer in a spin class.
I encourage everyone who spins indoors, to experience outdoor cycling. It is a better workout, the sweat is coming from your workout, not due to an over crowded room with a lack of air circulation, and the intensity is natural, as the hills are real.
Now, I am not putting any studio down. I too went to Soul-Cycle to spin my wheels but I find it a chore to get there indoors because nothing beats the great outdoor ride!
Some of my favorite one hour New York City rides include the west side highway to Battery Park or to Harlem, loops in Central Park and a ride to the George Washington Bridge via West End Ave. You don’t have to go over it; it is a workout just riding there and back!
I am available for a ride be it novice or B level. I am an advanced B rider.
Please contact me and we will definitely enjoy the ride together.
Ride safe. Gail
Interested in finding a recreational cycling group that rides in the evenings as I live in NJ but work in NYC. I would like to learn more about troubleshooting problems with the bike (chain off, fixing a flat) as well as learning to ride with toe clips (I use them in spin class) but am afraid to use them outside. I would like to become more comfortable riding outside but prefer a group and non-competitive. Any thoughts? I don’t own a car.
Thank you for your comment. I would highly suggest joining NYCC.org
Take the C-sig this spring.