Category: workout attire

Foot discomfort in cycling class & cycling shoes

On By Dani Sanusi FitnessIn class, fitness, group fitness, gym, spin, workout, workout attire1 Comment

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about foot discomfort during my cycling class. Do your feet hurt during spin class? Some people are concerned that it is something they are doing wrong with their bike setup or form. Usually, it is due to your shoes. Shoes?! What could be wrong with your shoes?

Well, when it comes to running, you need that flexible sole to transfer the gradual movement of the foot. However, for cycling it is ideal for your shoes to have a very stiff sole. Why? Well, let’s say you use a bike where the pedals have cages into which you place your foot. The pedal is a small surface compared to your shoe’s sole size, so all of your body weight is going into this very small place on the shoe. Your entire body weight lands onto one pedal at a time, really making yourIMG_4630 shoe do a lot of supporting. If you are using those trusty running shoes with that super flexible sole, you’re really going to feel every little bit of discomfort that could potentially surface during a class.

You have two options: Use a shoe with a stiffer sole, or buy cycling shoes. Try out your shoes that you already have, and see if you own a pair that might stand up for the job. If you are really into cycling, it might be time for you to invest in some cycling shoes. I absolutely LOVE mine! Mine are Specialized mountain bike shoes. They have taken quite the beating at least 5 times a week for 2 years now (So, Specialized, where’s my free stuff at?! 😉 Just kidding! I’m not paid for this just to be honest).

Here are some tips when shopping for cycling shoes:

  • If you’re simply using them for spin classes, just get mountain bike shoes. They have a nice grip on the bottom so you can walk around in the gym with them. The racing shoes are slick and you’ll break your neck trying to walk around anywhere!
  • Try on every type of shoe that you can. Don’t just buy online, go to stores and check them out yourself. It is all based on comfort. You’ll know when the shoe is right for you.
  • Make sure you know what kind of clips the bike you use needs. Most seem to be the standard SPD clips (they look like a teardrop)
  • Ask the employees for their advice and reviews on the shoes they sell.
  • Price doesn’t dictate quality. My shoes were some of the least expensive of the ones that were comfortable to me, just by pure luck! But for me, for some reason the more expensive they were, the more uncomfortable they were. Go figure.

Good luck shopping and please don’t hesitate if you have any questions!

Happy cycling!

Warmly,

Dani

A hole in the crotch: A true, funny story

Have you ever tried out a different brand of workout attire than your usual, only to be disappindexointed? I sure have. Just last week, I was in downward dog leading a class (see left), and I noticed in the mirror a very small skin colored hole in the vast expanse of black leggings! I was mortified, especially because that was towards the end of my third class that day, and the first even included a class video taping of squats with me right in front of the camera!! Oh well…I hope everyone enjoyed the show! Apparently some companies that make great high quality running sneakers, believe it or not, have not mastered the same quality in their clothing line. I am a great guinea pig for all workout brands (I’d love free clothes from any company that’s listening!!), and have tried out a variety of different athletic brands. And until now, I’ve never had a hole appear after only having the leggings for a few months!

This is all to say that if you have been wearing the same pair of pants consistently for a few months, (or even if you haven’t!) PLEASE, go check in a mirror and see if certain areas are, well, let’s just say…exposed. I cannot tell you how many times people in my classes have worn ‘faulty’ clothing. The clothes honestly look fine, but certain positions can end up leaving very little to the imagination. Let’s keep these areas a secret, shall we? Quality truly is important, and athletic clothes are simply worth investing in. This particular pair of leggings, however, wore out far faster than my other ones, and were comparable in price! So it’s not about how much you spend. These clothes are really beaten up, and need to be replaced probably more frequently than you realize. Improper washing and drying can speed up the wearing out process significantly. I highly recommend air drying all of your workout attire. The moisture wicking material just doesn’t do well in the dryer.

So don’t be caught with a hole in your crotch, kids! Or worse, a sheer view of your behind. Go check in that mirror! Your gym, class and instructor will thank you (silently, in their head).

Has this every happened to anyone else? What brands can you consistently rely on?

Happy Sweating!

Warmly,
Dani

On By Dani Sanusi FitnessIn athletic clothing, class, fitness, gym, legging, workout attire1 Comment