What, if any bebefits from spinning backwards?

Triathlon Forum
1

I read a running magazine a little while ago about how running backwards can provide some benefits on your run.

The other day, I was on my spin bike and after my workout, I decided to try pedaling backwards, with various levels of resistance. I could feel my muscles working differently than when pedaling forward. So, are the any benefits to spinning backwards (with various levels of resistance) or no?

Thanks,
-Nick

2

Spinning backwards is supposed to be bad for your knees.

3

I read a running magazine a little while ago about how running backwards can provide some benefits on your run.

The other day, I was on my spin bike and after my workout, I decided to try pedaling backwards, with various levels of resistance. I could feel my muscles working differently than when pedaling forward. So, are the any benefits to spinning backwards (with various levels of resistance) or no?

Thanks,
-Nick
It’s anecdotal IIRC, but the “lore” used to be that spinning backwards for the last 1/2 mile of a ride would help the run off the bike.

John

4

You would make some new neuromotor connections but I don’t think it’d improve your performance.

5

conventional wisdom is that it is risky at best. general rule number one is that if you would not do it regularly on the road you would not do it on the stationary bike.

trying to quickly stop a 40+ lb flywheel, or just as the result of a malfunction, while in reverse mode can tear some stuff apart. you run the risk of at least slight hyperextension in general which can also lead to some nasty soft tissue damage. you also *might *unscrew the pedals. lastly, at least one study i saw notes no notable physiological advantage.

6

That makes absolutely no sense.

7

Well, if you put too many miles on your dad’s prized P4 and you don’t want him to find out, can’t you put it on a trainer and ride backward and the miles will come off. Oh wait, that didn’t seem to work for Ferris Bueller, did it?

8

works on the fixed gear
.

9

Just for clarification, I was not pedaling forward very quicklly, then abruptly pedaling backwards. I would gradually stop, THEN pedal backwards, setting enough resistance on the spin bike to pedal 40-50 rpm.

But anyways, I’m seeing a pattern from you all that there isn’t anything to be gained by doing this, so I won’t waste my time with it. Thanks for your feedback.
-Nick

10

Probably reduces DOTBS.

Delayed Onset Trainer Boredom Syndrome.

-Jot

11

with the fixed gear I would be moving the wrong way
I might be more aero that way
.