Last weekend I had the chance to experience my first CompuTrainer Bike class at ProBike Falls Church. Wow! What an eye opening experience. Whether you are a cyclist, triathlete or just looking to mix up your training a bit, there is lots to learn from a session in the saddle. Here are my 5 Takeaways from My First CompuTrainer Class.
5 Takeaways From My First Computrainer Class
Quick briefing: A CompuTrainer allows you to train on your own bike on a stationary platform. Large screens allow you to ride a simulated bike course while measuring your watts, heart rate, cadence and speed in real time. You can ride against yourself or another rider.
CompuTrainer classes are not spin classes
Spin classes are a walk in the park compared to this workout. A spin bike is much more stable and requires very little core engagement. Spin bikes just keep “spinning” until you stop them. You are in control of your resistance on in a spin class.
You cannot cheat or coast
If you are riding a simulated triathlon or bike race course, the CompuTrainer will automatically adjust the tension to match the hill incline and there is no way around it. You have to pedal up that hill just like you were actually on it. There is no coasting down hill either.
You will learn how to use your gears
Participating in a simulated course ride forces you to learn how to use your gears more effectively. You quickly realize when you are not in the most efficient gear.
Practice a specific course
Many CompuTrainer classes have the ability for you to simulate the actual bike course you will be riding or racing. You can see and feel the hills of the actual course in real time providing excellent training.
Work your weaknesses
Since you receive immediate feedback via the screen on our pace and watts, it becomes clear what your weaknesses might be and allows you to focus on them. As you are stationary, CompuTrainer classes allow you to work on posture and positioning on your own bike and make any necessary adjustments.
Final thoughts:
I do spin classes a lot and thought I was ready for prime time and would move right into tri season. I realized that I have a lot of cycling work to do this summer once I get outside on my bike. I learned a ton in just one CompuTrainer class. It was humbling and Ioved it. (Well for the first hour anyway) I was challenged in a good way and I hope I have the chance to try another class and maybe ride a course for a race that I am actually going to do.
Ever tried a CompuTrainer class? What did you think?
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Oooh this sounds like FUN! I would definitely give this class a try!
It was fun for the first hour!
This sounds really interesting! I ride my spin bike every week but really take it pretty easy so Im sure this would be a huge challenge for me.
Yes exactly! I can get really complacent on a spin bike this was a whole other experience. You would like it!
I have never even heard of this class. It sounds amazing! I think the one reason I’m not a huge spin person is that I have yet to master the resistance so for the bike to do it automatically would be perfect.
Being in the correct gear on your actual bike is what it’s all about. I still have a long way to go
How cool, I love that you get that real time feedback on how you are doing.
Yes very helpful and interesting!
This sounds like a lot of fun. I didn’t know that about spinning bikes (they keep spinning). My FIL bought a stand for his bike so he could ride it inside…every time I’m over there I hop on it…it’s so much fun…although his isn’t set up with a computer or anything.
yes same idea. I’ve realized you can get a totally different workout on your real bike
It was a great experience! I felt more incompetent with my shifting than I do outside — obviously I need to get to where it’s automatic so I don’t have to think which way to push the lever. Yes, I’m that clueless!
Yes I felt a little clueless as well. I assume with practice we would find we quickly make progress
I think Computrainer is completely different than spin. I really liked it and boy did it teach me a lot about cycling! Are you going to stick with it?
I did learn a lot too! I would love to go back but not sure where to fit it into my schedule. Kind of wish I had done it all winter long
I have friends who have their own computrainers but I didn’t know classes were a thing! It sounds like a great way to train and learn about your bike.
Definitely! I would certainly think about getting one of my own next winter
That does sound much harder than a spin class. I have never herd of this before but it definitely sounds humbling
Humbling indeed!
I’ve never heard of this before, but it seems like a great challenge for tri training. I have a stationary bike at home, and that’s the only time I do bike.
I have a stationary bike at home too but do not feel like it’s too challenging compared to this
I tried spinning long ago — before it was super popular — but let’s just say bikes & I don’t get along.
But this sounds like an awesome course for a triathlete — or anyone wanting to improve bike skills.
I totally agree!
This is very similar to what my ifit is suppose to do!
oh how interesting! Hope you got that whole thing figure out by now
Looks like it was a lot of fun! I need to give those classes a try!
Fun yes and very challenging
Interesting! I would love to try a CompuTrainer class, or even just to own a CompuTrainer. Two of my friends own one that they’ve set up in their basements with their bikes/trainers, I had no idea that they were so different from just riding my tri bike on a trainer in the basement. We have a velodrome in our Town that was built for the Pan Am Games, I should look to see if there are any CompuTrainer classes there. Great review!
Yes so different I was really surprised. Hope you have the chance to check out a class sometime there
This sounds difficult but very cool not to mention beneficial.
Yes to all of the above! I really need to get on my bike
((gulp)) This sounds tough, but that is what intrigues me 😉 I’ve only done one spinning class…not really my gig, but I realize I need to do a few more to have a better taste of the experience. I think I would like a Computrainer class, though, because it sounds like it would mimic the road (or bike course) pretty effectively.
Definitely mimics a real outdoor bike much more so than a spin class. Hard but in a good way! Not sure my comment went through on your blog
Wow this sounds like a lot of fun … but also quite challenging. You look great btw. So in shape 😉
Oh thanks friend!
I’ve never done one of these classes before but I love that you learn how to use gears properly – that’s something I struggle with
I struggle with being in the correct gear as well I learned a lot
What a cool idea! When I ride at home I don’t get to class or anything. But I’m not hooked up to all the cool stuff!
I know it was fun for a change
Sounds like a fun class! Thanks for sharing!
It was! I learned a lot
You are braver than me, that is for sure! I can barely handle a spin class. 😀
ha ha it was fun to mix it up
this sounds like a intense class….
It sure was but in a good way!
I’ve never heard of a computrainer class but that’s awesome that you can use your own bike–I feel like that’d definitely help a lot on the road!
It sure was informative!
Harder than a spin class!? Spin classes kick my ass so hard, I can’t imagine how hard this is!
Definitely harder than a spin class