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Spinning: What's with the weird hand positions?

VW Beetle2010-05-02 17:56:15 +0000 #1
I've learned so much browsing this board in the past few weeks, and you have now inspired me to go for some spinning classes(!), which I will be starting in February.

So I took a look at the "official" Spinning website. I was a little baffled by the hand positions described in their handout, particularly #1 and #2.( )

I had assumed that the basic hand position would be similar to riding the hoods on a road bike, but not so, apparently. The hand position for seated flats has the hands folded together in something like polite first-grade "hands-folded-on-desk" style. Even position 2, which supposedly opens the lungs for out-of-saddle movements, seems to have the hands only a few inches apart, which seems kind of cramped to me. Do people really stick to these positions?

Can anybody enlighten me?
Irulan2010-05-02 18:08:57 +0000 #2
that's probably for official Spinning (TM) classes. They do some other brand at my gym and hand positions are never discussed.

Raindrop2010-05-02 18:29:12 +0000 #3
Yeah, the hand positions only apply to the Spinning program. Other valid certifications (Heartzones, Reebok, Schwinn. Lemond etc.) do not address them.
Eden2010-05-02 19:13:00 +0000 #4
They look like they might be emulating time trial and/or triathalon (aerobar) positions?
SpinSis2010-05-02 18:19:00 +0000 #5
My instructors use the terms for Position 1, 2, and 3 and they look similar to what you read. But frankly, I rarely do the "good student" grip--but instead adjust for seating or standing. I find my main concentration is just keeping my knees and back comfortable and safe with proper seat and handlebar adjustment, and staying loose on the grips so that I'm not leaning on them. It's a good time to focus on your core.

Have fun!

VW Beetle2010-05-02 18:25:21 +0000 #6
Thanks, everyone. Guess I'll find out soon enough!
alpinerabbit2010-05-02 20:02:23 +0000 #7
How bout good first grader position is to prevent people from resting their upper body weight on their hands (bad positioning)? I've seen a guy shaking out his hands in class because he did that.

I was actually explained the two other positions:

Standing position 2 - again no resting your weight on the handlebars, you keep your stance with your leg muscles.

also, our trainer says to round your back sometimes in pos. 3, standing, to work your glutes.
han-grrl2010-05-02 20:10:48 +0000 #8
Hand position 1 is meant for warm up and recovery style classes. It is meant to be a relaxing position.

Position 2, should be the "normal" position to hold your handebars. Normally i tell people to close their eyes and go for their handle bars. that's their natural position

Position 3 is to be used in standing position only.

The hand positions were meant for the "spinner" bike. I am not a total stickler for the "exact" positions, except for hand position 3. some people like to use it seated but it is not ideal for the back, and tends to be used when they are feeling "lazy".



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