Stationary cycling can be full of information with a couple of inexpensive wearables. The bike you're on doesn't need to be fancy or expensive. Below are some of the basics you can purchase to have informative data on any bike you ride. One goes on your shoe, the other goes around your chest; both talk to your phone.
Before we talk about wearables, let's discuss shoes because they are essential (in my opinion) to a great ride.
Shoes: I highly recommend cycling shoes. They don't bend and support your entire body weight over the whole foot as opposed to just the ball of your foot. If I cycle in regular cross trainers, my feet will hurt the next day, guaranteed. Zero foot pain in a cycle shoe! You can get them cheap on amazon ($30+), be sure you purchase the ones that support SPD cleats, the two screw ones. Peloton uses the three hole giant triangular clips and the bikes at GLAC (where I currently teach) are SPD. Some shoes come with 5 holes to support both types of cleats, those are fine as long as the two holes for the SPD cleats are there. Have peloton shoes? Remove the triangular cleats and check to see if you have the two SPD holes, all you need to buy are the cleats.
Cleat link: https://a.co/d/c4s50Az
The wearables below need bluetooth/ANT+ technology - it's an open source system as opposed to apple and their closed source language; don't get me started.
App: Any ANT+ workout app will work, but I use Wahoo Fitness. You can track every ride and really see your improvement over time. This app is free and works for Apple or Android.
Android Link: Wahoo: Ride, Run, Train - Apps on Google Play
Apple Link: Wahoo on the App Store
Cadence sensor: Any cadence (speed you're going) sensor that offers ANT+ tech will work, this one is my fave. Just zip tie it to your cycle shoe (see note above re: cycling shoes) or your regular shoe.
Cadence sensor link: https://a.co/d/5QKm6lq
Heart Rate Monitor (HRM): Even though most of your watches offer this, the most accurate way to track your heart rate for exercise is a chest strap. As long as it has the ANT+ technology (like the cadence sensor) it will work. From lots of experience, simply handwash the strap when it starts to smell and let it airdry; don't put it in the washing machine.
HRM Link: https://a.co/d/fzSPL9Y
**always bring a full water bottle and a towel to each class**
Class Blurb: If you are apprehensive about taking my class, don't be. Everybody is at a different physical level, all the bikes are different, all of our stresses are different. The thing that's the same is everybody's desire to be better, mentally or physically, and that's what class will do. You'll get better every ride, you'll feel better every ride, and your mental and physical well-being will improve. If we are doing something you don't feel like doing - don't do it. That being said, in class I always say let's do what we need, not what we want.
Be sure your bike is set up properly. Click here for bike setup directions. Some of the displays are not calibrated correctly, but with the wearables above and a class or two under your belt, you don't need the display.
Thank you for riding with me, being a spin instructor is my antidepressant and I wouldn't be able to do it without all of you!