Spin class or exercise bike?

[tinkertots]

Hi, hoping someone can help!

I was looking into going to a local spinning class, this is about £7 per session. I have two small children and fitting this in around them and work will be tight, but do able.

However I know if I bought an exercise bike,
I'd likely get more done once the kids are asleep in bed and I could factor this in to my day a lot more easily.

So my question: if I make sure I do a full session on an at home bike - say 45 mins a day to match the spinning session - will I still get the same results as going to a spinning class?

Total exercise novice so advice would be great, thanks!

Overall, I'd say yes. I love my home spin bike. You do need to try a few different instructors on your platform (peloton, echelon etc...) to find one you gel with. An in person class is good though in terms of getting spurred on by others. I would do a few in person ones first to get a feel before investing in your own bike

Try the classes first. You might hate spinning and then be stuck with a bike!

an exercise bike is different from a spin bike btw

Everyone has best intentions. Even my husband who wanted a bike so he could peddle at home. You lose interest and hang things off it. I can't stand the things and wish I'd have talked him into a piece of equipment I would use myself.

I'm committed to exercise but training in a class is much more superior to training at home. The atmosphere is better and the encouragement is there.

Set up an iPad near your exercise bike

there are loads of free spin classes on YouTube

I'd say that if you can fit the classes in then do that as there's something about getting out for yourself.

Buy a peloton. Presume they still do a free trial. Give it your all during the trial and work out if you will stick at it.

Classes. For a class level bike you’ll be spending thousands and classes are much more fun. You get more motivation and never underestimate the input from others in the class to push you (in a good way). We have a sheet in our class where each we week we try and beat our own rpm PB.

If you do get bored then at least you won’t have an expensive bike to try and sell.

If you haven't done spinning, I'd try and go to 4 classes, that way you will know if you like it, what working hard is like (very sweaty 🤣) etc. I personally think a bike at home IS a great idea, but not just a standard bike. I have a Reebok one and it's clunky and hard work - I'd go for a Peleton, that is on my wish list! They have classes etc that go with it. I think they are great, you could jump on for 10 mins after dinner etc. alongside a full on class.

It kind of depends how disciplined you are going to be with it. Motivation will get you started but you need the discipline to keep going.

Will you actually do it at home?

I have tonnes of good quality free class accessible from home. I never do them.

I do however turn up to the in person ones I book in and pay for.