Make your Spinning Classes even Better
In the history of the fitness world there have been a few seminal moments that bring a change to the gym world for the better. The Swiss Ball or Fit Ball has been one of the recent ones as has the introduction of Spinning Classes on stationary bikes. You can probably find a selection of Spinning Classes near you and you may have even given them a go. As a general rule the only element that sets one class apart from the others is the quality of your instructor. Well, all that might be about to change with an introduction of a brand new piece of equipment that I feel could really take the gym world by storm.
What is the RealRyder?
The RealRyder is the brain child of competitive cyclist Colin Irving and quite literally brings a new dimension to stationary cycling (or as they put it, un-stationary cycling). The difference is that the RealRyder has pivot points allowing the bike to move from side to side whilst peddling, therefore replicating cycling outdoors more realistically and providing a better, more functional workout for your body.
Why do we think it is so good?
The gym environment has been very linear and stationary for a long time, it is only recently that we have realised that the gym does not build functional muscle, muscle that will replicate our movements outside of the gym. By removing the stability of the bike we have to recruit all the core muscles that are needed to keep us and the bike balanced. Having to balance whilst cycling makes it more difficult to perform your usual routine and therefore it is harder and we should all know by now that a harder workout gets more results from our bodies both physically and aesthetically. It will also make cycling classes more varied and interesting and it could be just what these type of classes have been waiting for.
Why should Gyms start buying them now?
If I had the choice of two gyms that were virtually identical to join and one had standard bikes and the other had the RealRyders I would choose the one with the RealRyder bikes. The gym membership battle is a fiercely fought one that requires fitness professionals to be at the top of their sales and marketing game. It is the small differences that gyms can make, like having the latest equipment, that make the membership sales easier for the owners and bring real profits in. The RealRyder is the sort of equipment that could easily establish itself in gyms around the world and offer that new boost and excitement that the gyms haven’t seen since the introduction of Spinning.
It can’t all be good news
Whilst I love the concept of the RealRyders, I do have to hold back some judgment as I have not been able to test drive the RealRyder yet. There are no examples available in the UK which I hope is something that will change soon. There is no doubt that this machine offers more than a standard stationary bike, but it should always be remembered that there is never one piece of equipment that will get you the body you desire. The bike in all its forms has limitations on the muscles it trains and how it trains them. Yes it is a more functional piece of equipment than a stationary bike but functional for what? If you are a runner or a footballer then you may find its functionality would hinder your performance rather than improve it. For Joe Public the RealRyder will be an added addition to their workout that will bring real benefits, but only if it is combined with a complete routine for your body as a whole.
If anyone has used a RealRyder then please let us know what you thought and your experiences with it. In the meantime keep your eyes open for one appearing at a gym near you soon. Learn more at RealRyder’s website.
February 18th, 2009 at 3:20 am
This post, Make Your Spinning Classes Even Better, is exciting. I’m a physiologist and supposed expert
in functional fitness and sport training and I love the RealRyder. By the way, I’m lecturing at FitPro, up in Loughborough in April. I’m amazed and appreciative that your experts are open to a new type of bike; RealRyder has broken the mold…no matter what you do with RPMs and output measurements…no other stationary bike has the feel of a real bike that moves under you. Whether you’re hardcore or into fitness…don’t underestimate the FUN factor. And roller trainers are okay, but they’re work! And, it’s easy to stay comfortable, meaning for 20-years there has not been a significant design-change in stationary, static, spin-type bikes. And, by the way–regarding your question, I have found cross-over functionality in the RealRyder movement to other sports like skiing, motocross, running etc., because of the interval training and core stabilization opportunities. But, like you say, one product can never be the "be all to end all." I think RealRyder is going to shake up the industry…no other bike has the feel or ride the RR offers…once you try it there is no going back…I’m an ex-Ironman triathelete and know that my pro cycling friends appreciate the difference, but so does the average fitness enthusiast…it’s a great way to "roll!" Definitely check it out when you get a chance…it’s all in the ride!
February 18th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Hi All, the RealRyder is available in the UK through PlayFitness we have a demo bike which which is on trial at a gym in Tyne and Wear. Get in touch you’re welcome to work out on it.
February 19th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Fantastic news for anyone wanting to have a go on the RealRyder. Anyone who tries it let me know how you get on
September 21st, 2009 at 9:14 am
I am impressed by the RealRyder concept. I did a Spinning class video in a dark environment. I wonder what you think about it. Any feedback is very appreciated.