Spin Class today - alone at home in a group

There’s little doubt that indoor cycling, or Spin as it is commonly known, is on the rise. Even before the pandemic, health clubs had embraced indoor cycling.  Now, especially in the U.S. and thanks to COVID-19, the workout has taken off in a different way. Unfortunately, the bikes in the once burgeoning studios sit quiet. 

Dedicated Spin Studio

Some of these studios were operated by individuals, but many were chains and franchises with stated goals of exponential growth. The types of workouts offered covered a wide spectrum with some studios providing music infused experiences that encouraged the participants to dance on the pedals, while others had specific heart-rate based sessions designed to prepare the participants for competitive races.

Spin Studio

The benefit of the classes was also the downfall. Namely, they put riders in close proximity to one another and provided exceptional cardio workouts. In other words, riders were breathing heavily and that could potentially accelerate the spread of the virus.  

But, as they say, when one door closes, another one opens.  Now, instead of group classes, riders are flocking to in-home solutions.  These providers utilize technology to allow participants to experience the camaraderie of a group class while still following social distancing protocols. 

As the number of spin sessions has grown, there has also been a corresponding demand for more functional and stylish apparel, especially from the female participants. In the early days, some participants wore gym or running shorts for spine while others elected to wear traditional bike shorts. None of these options were optimal as some gym and running shorts led to chafing and bike shorts were frequently viewed as quite unflattering due to the bulky pad in the seat area.

With some bikes running into the thousands of dollars, the generally affluent and demanding base of female students began to look for apparel that not only eliminated chafing, but that was also stylish.

The solution to this apparel issue ultimately came from a group known for innovation. Namely - triathletes. Triathletes are not only quick to test and adopt new technology, but they are also no strangers to suffering as some of their races cover up to 140.6 miles with 112 of that being completed on the bike.

the perfect spin class shorts

Fortunately, triathletes are by their very nature problem solvers and a large number of the women in the sport have begun wearing an innovative pair of shorts from a company called Coeur Sports. Despite the name, which is French for Heart, Coeur is a U.S. based sports apparel provider. 

Coeur Sports was founded by female triathletes who, like their spin class sisters, wanted clothing that was functional and stylish. Since competitive triathletes swim, bike, and run in the same garment, triathlon shorts have to work in a wet environment and chafing had to be completely eliminated.

The designers at Coeur accomplished this goal by creating a pair of shorts that had a smooth fleece liner in it instead of the bulky pad. This liner, known as a chamois, provided a soft barrier that provided protection from chafing. Then, the team went one step further and hid the seams of the chamois in the hem of the shorts. Typically, the seams are in the seat area which comes in contact with the saddle of the bike.

Triathlon Shorts from Coeur Sports

The combination of an incredibly soft fleece liner and the hidden seams created a pair of shorts that is perfectly suited for spin class. The final touch is the addition of stylish designs that are a must for any clothing coming out of Los Angeles.

Shorts for spin class

 

Coeur is women’s specific and their shorts are available on line at www.coeursports.com

 

 

Reginald Holden