Spinning for seniors/deconditioned market who can’t stand the bike seat?
I’d like to hear ways you have made spinning/group cycling more appealing for seniors and out-of-shape and overweight folks who may find the bike seat painful. We all know a spin bike’s seat is not very comfortable (!) and for many older or larger folks, its a deal-breaker. I will acknowledge here that a thinner/harder seat has its athletic advantages, that most people do get used to the seats, and that there are certainly some seniors and plus-size clients out there who don’t have a problem with the bike seats at all. But for those that do…. Beyond bike shorts and gel seats, do you know of any equipment or modifications that have made the bike seat work for less-than-athletic folks? e.g. have you every hauled a “regular” recumbent bike from the cardio floor into the spin room for someone who just couldn’t get comfortable on the regular spin bike? every jerry-rigged a wider bike saddle from a touring bike onto a regular spin bike? Are there any bike manufacturers out there that make a spin bike that is recumbent or has a wider or more comfortable seat? Other ideas?
I’ve been spinning for a few years, but more consistently over the last six months. I completely agree on the teachers and music. My usual instructor is tough and tells you how high to put resistance and has great music, lots of songs you can ride in time with. She recently tore her MCL and has a sub, who I like as a person but isn’t a motivating instructor. She says, ÔÇÿit doesn’t matter how high your resistance is just do what you can’ I like to be pushed! I also agree with the too much pushing and not enough pulling
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You shouldn’t have to rig up a different seat/saddle on a spin bike. The seats can be changed on all the models I have seen just like a road bike. I have changed seats before to offer clients a larger seat/saddle. I have had clients bring in their own gel seat covers.
But the simplest thing would be to use a progression system for an entry level class. Warm up on the bikes for a X minutes, get off and do some exercises. Back on for Y minutes, then off again. ETC. Increase the “on” interval 30 seconds every class or week as tolerable. Some people will never accommodate long periods in the saddle. If you make it optional to get off their bikes and do some squats or push ups, etc. Then your clients could self regulate comfort as well.
Hi Megan, trying to please everyone can be very difficult. Frankly, it can be a pain in the butt. There are many reasons the seat of any bike are not comfortable for all people. However, altering equipment puts liability on you. And, in most cases it will not make a difference anyway. What I have done in the past is add treadmills to my studio. And, in most cases seniors can walk( without a medical condition). This may sound ludicrous but, I conducted group treadmill class. Its a good deal with much less complaints. Or, maybe you can find a way to conduct a class with treadmills and, bikes. Good luck. Brian Rozzi.
