Contributed by Terry Ambassador, Claire Baragona, RYT, PICI.
My introduction to indoor cycling came in 2000, after my first hip replacement. Our local YMCA offered indoor cycling, and I found it just the right fit for my cardiovascular conditioning and the new way I needed to approach activity following recovery. It had sadly come time to bid adieu to horseback riding and my snow skis, but I welcomed indoor cycling wholeheartedly.
EZ Rider Cycling Instructor and Terry Brand Ambassador Claire Baragona
In 2018, I began spending my winters in a wonderful active adult community in sunny Tucson, AZ. There, I joined our EZ Riders Indoor Cycling Club, where the health benefits and camaraderie are tandem and create a win /win environment. Becoming a member of this community inspired me to take my spinning to the next level and so I began studying for my Indoor Cycling Instructors Exam. By January 2020, I was excited to start leading my classes and sharing my energy and expertise with fellow riders. However, two months later the world was shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Deterred but not defeated, the EZ Riders took to the outdoors and we began offering small open-air and socially-distanced classes. These outdoor spin classes in the steamy Arizona climate presented new challenges but we persevered through the lockdown and were finally able to reintroduce indoor riding safely in 2021.
My teaching style focuses on making indoor cycling accessible to all. I work with a lot of beginners and individuals who have a variety of physical compromises and it is my goal to break down the barriers between them and the bike. I had the same interest when I taught yoga; I believe it is important to offer people the benefits of an activity and make the necessary modifications to have it fit their needs and abilities. A few years ago I developed allergy-related asthma, so now spinning isn’t just something I love to do— it’s integral for maintaining my lung capacity. That benefit alone allows me to enjoy golf and hiking at higher elevations out here in the mountains of Tucson. I love teaching and sharing the benefits of riding so others too can live their best life both on and beyond the bike.
The EZ Riders eager and ready to spin with Claire
Many of the students who start as newbies to indoor cycling transition to higher-intensity classes and even become instructors themselves, but we encourage all members to spin/work to their unique ability. My best advice to new spinners or anyone interested in riding is to always listen to your body for feedback, take advantage of your instructor’s knowledge by asking questions, and understand that any new activity will have a learning curve— especially for seniors—but there’s no time like the present to start spinning.
Another essential for sticking with spinning is having support from proper indoor cycling gear. I personally cannot spin without padded bottoms and my go-to choices are Terry’s Actif Bike Knicker and Bike Bermuda Short. The side pocket on the Bike Bermuda is lovely and I like that the fit and fabric of both the Bermuda and Actif are extremely comfortable and non-binding. All the tops I use for spinning also come from Terry. I am partial to the styles with pockets in the back and let the weather dictate my sleeve length. I like going with Terry’s relaxed-fit “Flow” styles, as they suit my mature body type and are very forgiving. I always recommend Terry to new students and suggest they speak with Terry’s amazing Customer Service Team to find what apparel or saddle will best suit them. Terry’s Customer Service is so knowledgeable about their products and always advises on proper fit.
The Actif Knicker — Terry’s best deal riding. Perfect for all-season cycling indoors or out.Bike Bermuda — A truly comfortable choice for everyday cycling, including higher mileage rides. Claire’s most-coveted Terry cycling bottoms.
I was recently asked about my role models and what motivates me. Especially as we face all sorts of obstacles as we age…. health issues, family situations, and losing our partners and other loved ones. When faced with an obstacle, I’m thankful to two women in particular who have helped shape the person I am today. First is my own mother, who truly gave all her children ‘roots and wings’. She taught me that the best way you can learn to fly is by knowing how much support there is behind you. I often hear women ( cringe ) and say “ I’m becoming my mother!” Well, I certainly hope I do…she was the most wonderful role model for me. My mother-in-law is another exceptional woman. She developed Parkinsonism in middle age and faced every challenge with grace. She had a fierce determination to live well and give back to her community. She was a wellspring of love and support and a practicing psychologist with arms open to the word. Their encouragement, generosity, and determination have inspired me in many ways. I also hold admiration for the many women who have “broken the glass ceiling” in areas of science, health, and legislature that have helped bring women forward to a better place in our culture. There is a special place in my heart for the Notorious RBG, who quietly and determinedly brought about changes in laws that have positively impacted women in this country for decades. All the women remind me that by standing beside each other, riding beside each other—we can accomplish so much good in the world.
Claire and her crew of spin stars shining in their favorite Terry tops
I want to thank the team at Terry for their continued interest in the lives and stories of the women who rely on the Terry brand for their wonderful products and insight into the indoor/outdoor cycling community. You make our clothing choices functional, comfortable, and colorful. Kudos to you all!
How to prevent and relieve pain from indoor cycling
Stationary bikes and trainers are more popular than ever, but they don’t always come equipped for your best comfort out of the box. Check out these tips and tricks to help you ride happily and pain free for the long haul…
Many newcomers to indoor cycling are riding a Peloton bike, and riding hard
One welcome side-effect of the lockdowns and restrictions of 2020 is the number of people who turned to cycling for exercise and mental health, both outdoors and indoors. For many, indoor cycling has become a regular part of a new workout routine, and the Peloton stationary bike has launched thousands of new cyclists into a world of competitive, aggressive riding for fitness with a lot of fun.
Unfortunately, that sudden increase in demanding exercise on new equipment creates potential for a variety of injuries, aches and pains.
Most of the causes of pain riding a Peloton, or other indoor cycling equipment, are no different than issues affecting any other cyclist riding indoors or out, mostly to do with how the bike fits you, and how it is equipped.
However, Peloton cycling comes with competitive group dynamics and hard-charging leaders, and it’s easy to push yourself harder, more often, than you might if you were out for a ride around the lanes. That sets you up for overuse injuries, and if your bike and accessories are not set up correctly, it’s even more likely that something is going to hurt and spoil the fun.
Peloton muscle pain from overuse and sudden increase in exercise volume
Jumping into a new workout routine can bring on very painful aching muscles. That goes for any form of strenuous exercise, not just indoor cycling. If you find yourself hobbling around with sore muscles for a few days after starting a new regimen, or pushing yourself unusally hard, you are most likely suffering Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. That’s the result of stressed muscle fibers suffering many tiny tears, bringing pain, limited range of motion and temporary loss of strength.
Prevention involves building up gradually to more intense levels of exercise. Keep effort and duration at a lower level to start, increasing both over time until your muscles are adapted and resistant to injury.
Try mixing it up more too. Varied exercise is less likely to produce DOMS. Alternating workouts with yoga or stretching routines can help too, and foam rolling can make a big difference by helping to remove lactic acid immediately after hard exercise.
Treatment – rest is best, while the muscle tissue repairs itself. Ice packs and topical analgesics can help reduce inflammation and pain. Heat pads or warm baths can help circulation and relax everything.
Peloton pain from incorrect riding position
Getting your position on the bike right is a critical step. If you ride your regular bike with a roller or trainer setup, any pain you had from incorrect bike fit when riding outdoors may become worse with more intense indoor sessions. On the other hand, stationary bikes like the Peloton are made to adapt to riders of any shape and size, so it’s easy to end up with adjustments that are close enough to feel okay, but wrong enough to cause discomfort over time.
Particularly for new cyclists, it can be a little mystifying how a small tweak to your riding position can have such a big impact on your comfort. Whatever machine you’re riding indoors, if you have any of the following pain points you may benefit from some adjustments to get a better bike fit.
Pain points from incorrect saddle height
Pain in front of hip or groin pain
A saddle that’s much too low can lead to pinching in the hip joint and muscle strain as you lift your leg on the upstroke.
Pain in the middle of the knee, or quads and glutes
Can also be caused by a saddle that’s positioned too low, putting strain on the knee during the downstroke. A seat that’s much too low demands power from the quads and glutes without extending them fully, which can cause extra strain and pain.
Pain behind the knee
A saddle that’s too high can make you hyperextend your knee as you maintain force at the bottom of the pedal stroke. That can produce pain in the tendons behind the knee, or at the top of the calf muscles just where they join the knee.
Pain, tingling, or numbness in the saddle contact area:
A seat positioned too high can make you rotate your pelvis too far forward to reach the handlebars, producing too much pressure in the wrong places. Saddle pain can also be caused by a saddle that’s simply the wrong shape or padding for you. See also the section on saddle comfort.
How to adjust saddle height correctly
One simple way to get saddle height right is to place your heel on the pedal, in your usual cycling shoes, and adjust seat height so that your heel is in good contact at the bottom of the pedal stroke, with your leg straight and no tilting of the hips from side to side.
If your heel loses contact with the pedal at the bottom of the stroke, the saddle is too high. If you find your knee is bent at all at the bottom of the stroke, it is too low.
When pedaling normally this will give you the very slight bend in the knee that you need at full extension of the stroke.
Pain points from incorrect saddle position front to back
Pain in front of the knee, or quads
If the saddle is too far forward you may feel pain from extra stress at the front of the knee, particularly riding hard on the downstroke.
Back pain
Pain in the lower back can be caused by a seat that’s too far back, as you strain to reach the bars.
How to adjust fore and aft position of your bike saddle
Once you have the height dialed in, use trial and error to move the saddle forward or backward, so that as you pedal comfortably your knee cap is directly over the pedal spindle at its forward position. That is halfway on the downstroke, when the cranks are horizontal.
Pain points from incorrect handlebar position
The height and reach of the handlebars should be adjusted so your weight is comfortably distributed between hands and seat. You will move around on the bars as you ride, but normal, endurance riding will bring you back to a position where you can relax. If you’re feeling strain in your back or arms, you know that’s not it.
Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain
With handlebars positioned too low, you can find yourself leaning too far forward, with uncomfortable tension in your neck as you hold your head high enough to keep eyes on screen or coach. Most strains in upper back, shoulders and neck can be improved by raising the bars or shortening the reach.
Pain, tingling, or numbness toward the rear of the saddle contact area
If the bars are too high, you may be sitting more upright with more pressure on your sit bones and the rear of the saddle. See also the section on saddle comfort.
Peloton pain from unsuitable equipment and accessories
Stationery bikes of all kinds come equipped with stock saddles, pedals and handlebars. They are chosen for adequate performance and comfort for the average rider, at an acceptable cost to the manufacturer. However, these are the contact points between you, the cyclist, and the machine, and your entire indoor cycling experience depends on how those feel as you ride.
There is a lot of room for a mismatch between what comes out of the box and what would be the most comfortable equipment for your unique physique. If you are experiencing pain in your hands, feet and particularly the saddle contact area when cycling indoors, it will be worth some time and effort to find a better setup for your needs.
Peloton saddle pain
The choice of bike saddle is critical to comfort, and while many indoor stationery bikes, including the Peloton, may have a good quality seat as standard equipment, that does not mean it will be the right saddle for you. Most new indoor cyclists will be well served by trying a saddle upgrade to suit their individual shape and riding position. First make sure your bike fit and riding position is as correct and comfortable as possible, as many saddle pain issues are related to bike fit. If the fit is good but the seat still hurts, it’s time to search for a better saddle for you. Our saddle selector is a great place to start.
Read more about saddle selection and cycling comfort:
If your palms are sore or you get numbness in your hands from pressure on the bars, padded cycling gloves can really help. You may also need to check your position to make sure you’re not too far forward on the bike, putting extra weight on your hands.
Pain points from incorrect foot position, or poor shoe choice
Peloton foot pain
The pedals that came with your indoor bike will determine what kind of shoes you wear.
If the pedals are the clip in type, you will of course need cycling shoes with cleats to fit the pedal. Pedals with no clip mechanism allow you to ride in any shoe. You may have ended up riding many hours in shoes that don’t fit ideally, or let you feel too much of the pressure from the pedal in the ball of your foot.
Making sure your foot is positioned correctly, with the ball of your foot right over the spindle of the pedal, is important. Shoes that have a stiff sole help to eliminate pressure points from the pedal, and it’s essential to get a good comfortable fit with no tight spots.
Most shoes made to accept cleats will have a stiff enough sole, but you may need to fine tune the position of the cleats to make sure your foot is not too far forward or back. The rotation of your foot is important too. It can help to set the cleats just loose enough for them to move as you test pedal for a few revs, so your foot can find a comfortable, natural position, then tighten them up all the way once it’s feeling good. If your foot is twisted even a little away from its natural position, you can end up with ankle or knee pain after riding for a while.
Achilles Pain
If your foot is too far back on the pedal you will be using your calf muscles more to compensate, and potentially straining the achilles tendon.
Good bike fit is essential for any cyclist to get the most enjoyment out of cycling, but it’s especially important if you ride hard and often. Intense Peloton workouts and Zwift sessions can magnify problems, causing enough pain to derail you from your routine.
Don’t let that happen – with a little time and effort to fine tune your position on the bike, and choose the optimum equipment and accessories for your indoor setup, you can happily crush your workouts far into the future.
I’m kind of an “every day is a gift, make it great” kind of a person. That said, this New Year came with a need to personally kick-start the year and make more time to ride…perhaps I could call it a resolution. Since I have a lot on my plate (and it’s cold and snowy) I cleared out my home office and made room for new riding equipment…the closer the equipment the better!
Lisa’s indoor cycling setup, with bike on a stationary stand in her office, and shelves of bike gear near at hand
Using my road bike as a trainer, I added a rear wheel power unit, downloaded and set up a Zwift cycling account, and used screen mirroring on my cell phone to project my rides onto my TV.
My riding gear had been stowed away since the weather turned frosty and I wanted easy access to all of my favorite gear and apparel, so I built a shelving unit, added bins, and loaded them with my favorite shorts, tops and accessories. Easy access, for a quick ride anytime!
While many spinner friends like minimal padding, I prefer a bit more, especially during the first few tender rides. My Holster Hi Rise Knickers are best for good knee warmth, a great chamois and a very comfy hi-rise waistband.
Since I am definitely feeling out of shape, I prefer riding in Terry relaxed fit jerseys and the colorful prints keep things fun. I usually grab a Soleil Flow top or Tech Flow Tee, both are easy wash and wear options!
Keeping it fun with spin towels to match the cycling gear.
For visual incentives, I bought a few fun spin towels, complete with pink flamingos, they are my favorite vibe of the season! Also along the incentive line, I’ve decided that a new spring kit will make the perfect reward for a winter of good personal care and fun!
To track my progress, I’ve downloaded a single page calendar, and to stay true to my goals of riding 6 days a week, I will note each ride with a red dot. At the end of May, I hope this page is a polka dot plastered page of joy!
I am committed to my plan and I know that every day I will get stronger and each ride will get better. Cheers to 2021 and doing what makes you happy and healthy!
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What is your plan? Have you been riding more than ever, are you a steady rider year round, or are you looking to get going again? Feel free to share your stories, we can all learn and motivate each other for a great year ahead…
We may be a little biased toward riding outdoors, but quite a few of the Terry team actually do enjoy indoor cycling in the winter months, or as a convenient way to work out year round. Now that we’re facing increasing restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19, indoor cycling at home is an especially important option. We will ride outside as long as we can, but should the situation change we plan to be ready to keep riding indoors with a good indoor cycling set up.
We put our heads together to come up with some suggestions for setting up your own personal spin studio, and tips on staying motivated for indoor cycling during the Coronavirus pandemic.
How to set up your own personal indoor cycling studio
First, indoor cycling equipment doesn’t have to be expensive
There’s a lot of buzz these days about the Peloton bike, and new alternatives are popping up. The initial fee for the bike and monthly subscription for the service might seem a little steep at first glance, but it’s actually much more economical than a gym membership or frequent spin classes, with a number of advantages that are more important than ever now so many of us are spending so much time in isolation.
For one thing, people in a household can share the bike, and ride as often as they like. There are lots of choices of class leaders and music to keep it interesting, and the live performance stats can be very involving.
If that price tag is an obstacle, or you’re not sure you’ll use a Peloton enough, there are much cheaper alternatives – a bike on a trainer and a free online app can get you a lot of the same benefits.
There are often great deals on used stationary bikes to be found on Craigslist, and it’s worth looking for new options online. Many are quite affordable – maybe not top of the line equipment, but good enough to be serviceable for a few weeks or months.
Another option is to find a trainer that holds the rear wheel of a road bike and converts it to a stationary machine. Since it’s a relatively small piece of equipment, a good quality one is still a fraction of the cost of a complete stationary bike.
Bike rollers are another modestly priced option. Rollers mounted on a sturdy frame are connected by a band so your bike’s wheels turn as though you were riding on the road. The bike is free to move from side to side a little, so riding rollers calls for a higher level of skill. This makes it more challenging and interesting too – it feels much more like riding outside.
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Create a spin studio ambiance, and include audio/video
There are lots of great options online for apps and programs that bring a higher level of excitement and fun to indoor cycling, and other workouts too. See Dave H’s recommendations at the end of this post.
Alysia C., Graphic Designer:
Find an online program or teacher that you like. I’m a big fan of Les Mills On Demand Sprint and RPM. They are fun, motivating and always a challenge.
Set up a dedicated space in your house if possible so you don’t have to do a bunch of set up before a workout. Decide what days you’re going to workout ahead of time and stick to a schedule. Hang up string lights to give you that spin studio vibe.
They have extended the free trial period to 30 days (this link only) They have yoga, HIIT, core and a bunch of other programs too.
Alysia’s home indoor cycling set up.
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How to stay motivated to ride, and keep indoor cycling at home interesting
Indoor cycling is a great way to work off stress and maintain fitness and health while activities are curtailed. On the downside, compared to the variety of sensations and scenery you find outdoors, riding inside on a stationary bike can feel a bit boring. Also, riding in a group in a gym with a good teacher and a great sound system creates an energy level that’s had to match at home. If you find it’s a little harder to get motivated for an indoor ride, here are a few ideas to help you get in the mood and get going.
Break it up, mix it up – one benefit of cycling at home is that you don’t need to prep for the weather, wear a helmet, pack and check everything you might need, or even dress as though anyone will see you. You can just slip on your minimal kit and go. That makes it pretty easy to choose a series of shorter rides instead of one long one.
If it suits your routines, try riding for 5 or ten minutes two or three or more times a day, and get a good fast sprint going in each one.
This could have a couple of great benefits – it breaks up one longer, perhaps rather-more-dull-than-we-would-like ride into a series of much shorter sessions that aren’t long enough to get boring.
Also, especially important if you are working at home on the computer most of the day: research on work and exercise habits shows it’s better to get up and move every hour or two than to be seated all day and have one big workout. Finally, that could be easy to accomplish.
Build your routines and your space around your indoor cycling setup
Colin D., Web Marketing: My buddy Jack tells a story of finding his internet based lifestyle impacting his health and fitness after a few years, and having difficulty getting in the habit of using the exercise equipment he bought to get back in shape. His solution was very practical and worked wonderfully. He put the pieces of equipment right in the way of where he needed to go to move in and around his workspace. Instead of just leaving his office to refresh his coffee, now he had to actually climb over his treadmill, and walk under his pull-up bars. He used that as the signal to do at least one rep, or minimal distance, each time. Soon it was 10 reps, and it really wasn’t long before he had rewired his habits to include regular, creatively varied workout sessions throughout his day.
Consider rearranging your bike set up so that using it for a while is just a natural part of moving through your day. I bet you’ll get the same health and wellness benefits as Jack.
Use this time to create new routines that focus on health and self-care
One of the difficulties we face when switching to working from home and restricted activities is that our routines are completely different. Settling into new rhythms can be very calming, and we have an opportunity to choose new routines that support our well-being. Reducing stress, staying healthy, and enjoying as much as we can are going to be keys to coming through this challenging period together.
Cam M., Customer Care:
I’ve found adhering to my typical routine while working from home has really helped balance my mood. This includes hopping on my spin bike when I finish working to decompress from the day, figuratively and literally switching gears into a night of relaxation at home.
I open up the windows in my home studio, breathe in the fresh air, and imagine the hills I’ll climb later this spring. I have found some awesome free spin classes to follow on YouTube. Additionally, our local yoga studio, Sangha Yoga, has been offering free live streamed yoga classes that I have been attending. They offer a sense of community and relaxation without leaving the house! I am using this time at home to try out new healthy recipes that are outside my typical routine as a way to spice things up; tonight my partner and I are trying our hand at making take-out style chicken and broccoli and egg rolls!
Make your indoor cycling and workout space an environment that you enjoy using
Danielle L., Controller:
Being active reduces stress. Extremely important right now.
Try indoor biking while on FaceTime or streaming scenery.
Try a treadmill or elliptical if you don’t have an indoor bike.
I find good motivating music helps me escape the issues in the world for just a little bit.
It can really help to get other family members to join you, so you can motivate each other, maybe even get a little competition going. Make a game while outside or riding.
Try creating your own scenery in your indoor cycling space. Give yourself a challenge to create your perfect ride – by the water, the park – and make it a place where you like to spend time.
Mix it up and get the energy flowing with music
Phil D., Ecommerce Director:
I prefer rollers over a stationary bike or trainer, I find the ride isn’t as boring. Although, you can’t stand.
Download a good audio book or listen to a workout playlist of songs that get your blood pumping.
I have different daily interval routines of varying degrees of intensity to keep things interesting.
Use a heart rate monitor – the metrics make it interesting and give you another way to stay motivated.
Incorporate other exercises for variety.
Find online apps to connect with other athletes and energize your indoor ride
Dave H., Sales:
I prefer a stationary bike where I can use a cycling app and participate with others in the same situation.
There are a large number of apps and programs available to choose from depending on your desire to be pumped up by music, the ride or other cyclists.
The programs that tend to be used the most for indoor training are Zwift, Bkool, The Sufferfest, Concept 2 Logbook, Tacx Aps and of course Peloton.
Lisa W., Customer Care, asked: What is the best cost saving indoor program/entertainment? I’m looking for something free that I can watch on my laptop while I ride indoors on my spin bike? Good visuals/great tunes?
Dave H. replied: We are lucky that we can ride outside to breathe in some fresh air and let our minds wander, but if you need something free to enjoy on your laptop or tablet while you ride inside, here are a few of the least expense cycling apps I found:
ERGVideo / Windows OS
Software is free to use and ride power workout files. Supports up to 24 riders.
The Terry Team Shares Spinning Tips & Recommendations for the Best Indoor Cycling Clothes – Updated for 2021
We’ve updated this article, first posted in October 2018, to reflect new additions to the Terry line for 2021. We hope you’ll agree that our new Studio collection & Rebel Short represent the best indoor cycling gear available.
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Here at Terry headquarters in Vermont, we brace ourselves every fall for the cold, cold weather to come, knowing that in a few short weeks only the very hardiest among us will still be cycling outdoors.
That’s where indoor cycling comes in – it’s perfect for staying in shape during the off-season, enjoying the physical and mental benefits of cycling without having to deal with winter roads and freezing temps.
Some of the Terry team actually include indoor cycling in their workout routines year round, others just for the winter months. Naturally, we all have plenty of Terry pieces among our favorite indoor cycling clothes.
If you are looking to add spinning or indoor cycling to your own workout program, here are some great tips and recommendations for the best indoor cycling clothes to help you get started.
New for 2021: Terry Rebel Short – cycling shorts optimized for riding in high heat conditions.
Super lightweight, with stylish, playful accents doing double duty as ventilation – the Rebel Short is a great choice for staying cool while looking hot! The Rebel features Terry’s lightest weight Flex Air Lite chamois with soft wings for great comfort on and off the bike.
Terry Studio Capri and Studio Top – our best indoor cycling gear for demanding riders.
We designed the Studio line to help you look great, feel great and rock the ride in greater comfort!
We selected fabrics to meet the demands of riders pushing themselves though high intensity workouts in hot and humid indoor cycling conditions. The high compression fabric is supportive and aids performance, yet still feels amazing against the skin. Soft mesh panels help with good ventilation in key areas, cut and fit are optimized for comfort and flattering looks.
The Studio Capri introduces an innovative new chamois pad – the Reticulated Chamois. Padded bike capris are already an essential for regular indoor cyclists. The new Reticulated raises the bar with thinner, lighter padding that offers greater breathability – ideal for indoor cycling. It includes Terry’s soft-wing chamois construction for outstanding comfort, and has the antimicrobial properties frequent riders depend on.
[clearfix] The Studio Top combines light weight with a great drape and feel that doesn’t get clingy when your workout intensity builds. The back panel is full mesh to shed heat and moisture. Neckline and armholes are tailored for full airflow without revealing too much when the heat is on!
NEW FOR 2021 – The Studio Top now features two convenient rear pockets for authentic cycling jersey utility.
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Check out all our Studio pieces here, or use these direct links for the Capri & Top.
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Kelly, Terry friend and relation – Favorite Indoor Cycling Gear: Breakaway Short
I’ve just started wearing cycling shorts from Terry. I tried a few options and decided on the Breakaway Short. The style and the light padding were perfect for my needs. I tie my hair back, pair my shorts with an easy tee, and of course I clip my shoes in for a more efficient work out.
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Check out all the Terry Breakaway options here.
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Cam, Customer Service – Best Indoor Cycling Shorts: Terry Peloton Short
I wear the Peloton TDF Short almost daily while using my spin bike at home. I love how soft the fabric and waistband are. This style is great for riding in a seated position as well as standing. The Peloton is easy to just throw on for a quick work out – there’s no need to shift and shimmy into a high compression fit.
I think this short is an especially good option for some of our older spinners who might want a little more padding.
[clearfix] I also wear the Soleil Racer Tank for my work outs a lot. The pockets are perfect for holding my phone both on and off the bike. It’s a perfect transition top – it takes me from spinning to weight lifting without skipping a beat.
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I go to the spin classes at Synergy Fitness, in Williston, VT. I love the workouts, but the great thing about spin is it’s always your ride – you can exert the amount of effort you want!
My top tips for spin class
I recommend you buy Spinning shoes that clip in to the pedals.
Try a few different classes and instructors…every class/instructor is different and you may like one instructors style/music better than another’s!
My recommendations for best indoor cycling clothes are the Terry Chill 7 Short and Tourista Tank. I like the light weight fabric of the tank (I sweat a lot) and I don’t like having sleeves on during spin classes.
The Chill shorts provide nice compression with one of our best chamois that make riding comfortable!
If you want a minimalist chamois the Club short is great with a pocket for your locker key or cash for a smoothie after class.
Some ladies like to wear capri length bottoms. If that’s you, check out our Terry Spinnaker, with a minimal chamois, or wait for the NEW Studio Capri for 2019 with mesh leg panels for breathability.
Update for 2020 – Terry Chill Shorts are now also available in long and short versions: Chill 9 & Chill 5.
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Dave H., Sales – Recommended Indoor Cycling Top: Soleil Sleeveless
I spin at Synergy Health and Fitness in Williston, VT, as a way to stay strong and fit on my bike throughout the winter months.
Synergy is my health club of choice for a few reasons:
Excellent Instructors including Tom, Sarah, Annie and Chip.
A variety of Terry Saddles (both men’s and women’s) are available on the spin bikes for comfort and support.
Tremendous atmosphere and music.
Soleil Flow Peacock 2
Some of the female spin instructors wear Terry cycling apparel. I recommend these Terry pieces as the best indoor cycling clothes too:
Soleil Sleeveless Jersey – A light weight and semi-fitted top with a 14″ front zip for ventilation to keep you cool.
Chill 7 Short – A nylon/spandex miracle fabric with a compression fit and the Flex Air Lite Chamois with perforations for maximum ventilation.
I spin at Marketplace Fitness, in Burlington, VT. It’s not a hardcore spinning studio, but it’s a good price with good teachers.
I like the moderate compression fabric of the Terry Holster Capri over the high compression of the Prima or Studio. I prefer the capri length because the gym is chilly in the winter, and the Holster’s comfy chamois helps to make the low quality saddles at the gym feel better.
Sometimes the Breakaway and Actif knickers are in my rotation too.
The great thing about spinning is that you can make it as hard or easy as you want. This makes it perfect for all fitness levels, and keeps it interesting year after year.
It also doesn’t require fancy gear but having a chamois is one upgrade I highly recommend. I never wore one until working at Terry and now I won’t go back.
If you fall in love with spinning having a pair of clipless shoes is also a nice upgrade.
I have very little cartilage remaining in my left knee. In order to keep the muscles around my knee strong, my doctor recommended a variety of exercises including cycling. So I have been putting a trainer on my Terry Symmetry bicycle for these Vermont winters. (I bought a CycleOps brand and love it.)
I try to get in 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity spinning while watching the evening news (OK – sometimes watching HGTV). If the house is cold, I usually wear my Terry Coolweather tights and a long-sleeve Tech Tee. If not, it’s usually my Terry Bella shorts and a short-sleeve Tech Tee.
I like these items for the same reason I like wearing them when riding outside – the material feels great, very comfortable, and the Tech Tee does a good job of keeping my skin dry.
I spin at least once a week at Rev, a spin club in South Burlington, VT. I like the music, and I love that you burn a ton of calories – three times as many as you would riding a bike outside – LOL!
