@jym626 - does your gym have a Zero Runner? It is like running without the pounding. 
AMT machines are also pretty good for cardio.
i have no idea 
@jym626 can u do the stepmaster? Tho I found it to be really boring too.
Probably, but yes, I am not a fan of that either. I miss my treadmill!
@jym626 thank you for your kind thoughts. It is truly tragic and I’m having a hard time. I have friends who are still evacuated and don’t know when they will go home and others who have damaged homes. We also have many friends who were close with those who lost their lives. The Highway is still closed basically cutting us off from the south. My S works south and has been taking the Amtrak to work. Some days they can’t get to work as the train is sold out. To get to LA it is now a 5 hour trip. Though I can’t really complain. My family is all safe, my house is standing. Our businesses and residents are taking a huge financial hit as without work and tourism the economy is suffering. First the fire during the holiday season and now this. Many won’t survive.
I’m sorry you have been sick. Hope you continue to feel better soon. I have a knee that bothers me. I find that the recumbent style bike on 3 to 5 is the most I can do without bothering my knee. I just add in spurts of faster pedaling to get my heart rate up. Maybe a trainer can point out equipment that won’t put stress on your ankle.
Finally broke through 245. 244.2 this morning.
People I don’t see every day have noticed the change. I can see it in my face in fb pictures and my clothes keep getting looser.
Now to take back the hoodies rail thin Mr R took when I couldn’t fit in them anymore
@romanigypsyeyes - it’s always a nice feeling to fit in clothes that were previously tight.
I’m thinking of trying a spin class tomorrow. I’ve never gone but do ride a stationary bike at the gym. What shoes would you wear? I have running Hoka shoes, Brooks trail runners (I’d assume they are too stiff) or a pair of super flexible Nike knit shoes.
mom60- You want stiff shoes on a bike. I would wear the trail runners. If you decide to continue with spin, get some bike shoes that lock on to the pedals. You can usually find some on sale. It makes a huge difference.
You can probably rent shoes with locking cleats at the spin studio. Being able to clip in to the bike means you can pull up on your pedal stroke and work your hamstrings and glutes more efficiently. The pushing down part of the pedal stroke mostly works your quads.
I spin every Wednesday morning. I don’t have spin shoes…yet. Definitely not the knit shoes. If the Hokas are high not a good choice. Go with the trail runners. Be sure to tighten your straps when you get your feet in the pedals. You need stability- you want your legs to be doing all the work for your legs, not expending energy trying to keep your foot positioned in the pedal.
I have been doing spin class for over a year and have not used bike shoes that cleat to the pedal. It is interesting to hear what @yauponredux and @MomofWildChild stated above. Looks like it well worths to invest a pair. Thanks.
I’m going to take the class at the Y so definitely no shoes to rent. Will try the trail runners. Thank you all for the help.
As I mentioned earlier, I have been using gym shoes for the spin classes for awhile and I can assure you @mom60 that you would definitely get a really good workout. It is one of the most popular classes at my Y with many waitlisters. Sweat away!
Happy to report I’m down about 6 lbs, and still going to Orange Theory a year later. OT is the one exercise program I don’t get crazy bored with. Unfortunately I only make it once or twice a week, so I need to incorporate something else too (yoga?).
My goal this year is to track my eating more closely on My Fitness Pal (MFP).
If anyone wants a buddy on MFP, message me and I’ll send you my username.
Trail runner worked great. I sweated up a storm. It was hard work and hard on my behind. Standing up was hard for me both in keeping balance and I felt it in my right knee. I think it will take a few times to get the hang of it. It’s also popular and you have to pick up a card 15 minutes prior to the class.
Bike shoes are nice to have, bike shorts are even nicer! Bike shorts=game changer
Ha! Yes, I’d buy the padded shorts first.
@mom60 don’t be afraid to modify for what works for you. There are all types/styles of spin instructors out there - if yours is trying to do lots of jumps (which I understand really isn’t a good idea) modify it for what works for you and your body - stay on the seat or in position 2 or 3 but avoid the jumping.
Spin is hard! I can run 3 or 4 times a week pretty easily but that 45 minute spin class is exhausting! I think I’m old enough to be everybody in the class’s mother!!!
Broke through the block. 6.5 lbs down. 8.5 to go
@abasket -I made sure to take the spin class with the instructor who is in my age range. I’m going to look and see if I can find some bike shorts. My youngest did a lot of biking in middle and HS so I think I might find something in her drawers. I went to a noontime class and I was surprised to that the class was 75% male. The instructor was supportive and gave me some tips both before and after. One thing I will do next time is bring a towel. My hands were sweating and luckily I had a t shirt that I had worn over my tank that I was able to use to wipe dry my hands.
Congratulations @jym626 - I think I broke my block or at least I hope so. I have my MOG dress in my closet for the September wedding that I’m not going to get altered till summer. I’m working on my Michelle Obama arms and I’m pretty pleased with my progress.