Attitudes Surrounding Group Cycling Versus Individual Cycling During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Group exercise settings can offer a team-like environment that can enhance social bonding as well as increased physical effort and perhaps higher enjoyment of the activity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many exercisers were unable to attend their conventional exercise classes. To circumvent this issue, a local spin studio in the Mideast United States allowed members to rent a spin bike and follow along to rides recorded and broadcasted by instructors. The purpose of this study was to survey members’ remote cycling experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventeen adult cyclists (16 female, 1 male, Mage = 37.1 ± 12.0 years) responded to a survey that included five Likert scale and six open-ended questions. The results revealed that participants were less motivated, less engaged, and felt less confident while spinning remotely from home. Members reported missing the community component of in-person classes the most. Isolation is sometimes a barrier to chronic exercise; a group fitness class can help motivate participants to push themselves physically and mentally.