London’s thriving spinning scene offers a wide variety of classes, but they’re not all necessarily useful for road cyclists gearing up for a summer of sportives. The current trend towards banging tunes, flashing lights and weight training while on the bike makes for a great workout, but will do you little good when you’re halfway up Box Hill during RideLondon 100.
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Fortunately, there are also sessions designed to improve your road riding. No weights, no press-ups on the handlebars – just a steely focus on building the type of fitness that will help you through your next long outdoor ride. Here are five of the best spinning classes for road cyclists.
RaceReady
You know it’s a serious cycling class when it lasts 90 minutes. That’s an hour and a half. Of spinning. The class (which lasts NINETY MINUTES) takes place at the VeloStudio in the Lee Valley VeloPark and involves group activities as well as heart rate-spiking challenges to get you ready to race. Race ready, if you will. Hey, that’s the name of the class! £10, visitleevalley.org.uk
WattBike Tour Ride
Available at Third Space gyms, this 60-minute class puts you through paces by simulating the undulating terrain you might expect on a long road ride. That means rolling hills, steep climbs and long flats. Monthly membership from £150, thirdspace.london
The Sufferfest
This excellent class uses a video screen and real footage from races like the Tour de France to insert you into the action as if you were a member of a pro cycling team. The sessions last one to two hours and train every aspect of road riding, from towering climbs to bunch sprints. You can access the videos solo via the Sufferfest app but it’s better still to join others in a group Sufferfest session at the Lee Valley VeloPark. £7, visitleevalley.org.uk
Fitness First Pro Cycling
If you’re a Fitness First member and a keen road rider, swap the chain gym’s standard spin class in favour of these sessions. This is broken down into three different sections – power, speed and endurance – and finishes with a brutally long sprint. Monthly membership from £18, fitnessfirst.co.uk
Virgin Active The Pack
If you find that nothing gets you working harder than a little friendly competition, this is the spin class for you. The class is divided into three teams that compete against one another over an hour of different challenges that build speed, power and endurance. Available at select Virgin Active gyms (check with your local gym for membership options), virginactive.co.uk
