Why Cycling Shoes?

Ever heard that old saying "Use the right tool for the right job'???  Well it's the same thing when it comes to shoes for fitness, in particular cycling shoes.

You may have noticed some people wearing cycling shoes when they ride both indoors and outdoors.  In spinning we don’t do it because we are playing out some weird Lance Armstrong cycling fantasy nor do we require them because we really want our storeroom to conjure up memories of the bowling alley (all those rental shoes have to go somewhere). We highly recommend cycling shoes because, to us, its just good common sense.

Cycling shoes are going to make your ride more efficient. They literally clip into the pedals so you are essentially one with the bike; a well-oiled, high performing (wo)man and machine.  You are getting power through your whole stroke, not just the downward push. As a result, the 100% you give during a ride is going 100% into the pedals and 100% pushing you towards your goals.

With regular old “gym” shoes or running shoes, you’re only reaping a percentage of what you are putting into your ride. A running or cross-training shoe is designed to absorb some of the blow when you are pounding the pavement, which is good when you are running or bouncing up and down a basketball court but counterproductive when you are on a bike. Instead, the cushioning is absorbing some of your “power” when energy transfers from your foot to the pedal. You lose another little bit just because you’re not attached to the bike so you are working extra hard for, well, nothing.  Cycling shoes are also safer. No spinning out of control and no laces getting caught in any part of the bike. Just good, clean fun. 

For your convenience, our bikes are equipped with SPD pedals and we supply shoes for you to use at no cost!

with help from velocityindoorcycling

Do You Really Need A Sports Drink? It Could Be Adding Weight Gain

Do you bring a bottle of Gatorade to every workout? The big question is why?

A lot of people come to a cycling class or a workouts in general day in and day out and they are hydrating with a sports drink.  It’s great in making the right decision to hydrate during workouts but do we really need a sports drink to do this?  The short answer is no.

So what’s in a sports drink? They are essentially called “tasty sweat” with carbohydrate. Carbohydrates, potassium, sodium and water are the primary nutrients we lose during exercise and sweat.  Carbohydrates are our main energy source and potassium & sodium are necessary for muscle contractions.  However, besides water these nutrients are not necessary for individuals who work out less than an hour.  Many sport drink companies will try to convince you that you need them, but don’t let them confuse you.

If you are working in a very hot environment or working out longer than 60 minutes then you would need a sports drink to replace nutrients and re-hydrate.  Those individuals training for endurance events such as marathons and triathlons would be the ones to benefit from a sports drink. 

All sports drinks are not alike….they range from 14g to 17g of carbohydrates per 8 ounce of fluid.  Also, that when you drink a bottle of it you may be drinking 2-3 servings depending on the size bottle you choose.  That’s a lot of extra calories and sugar you don’t need if you are trying to lose weight and also working out 60 minutes or less per day.

So for those of you trying to lose a few extra pounds and can’t seem to do it, look to that sports drink you carry every day for your workouts….it may be the culprit.

We do have a Quench cooler dispensing excellent water.. Just bring your water bottle.

with help from velocityindoorcycling