Spinning
 

I'm taking my first class this weekend...any advice for a beginner?

Yes...no matter what the instructor says, or whatever anyone else does, go at your own pace! If the instructor is good, they'll make sure to tell that to all the beginners, but I think some people feel they need to "keep up". If everyone's "climbing a hill" but you need to catch your breath or give your legs a break, do it. I guarantee that no matter what, you'll get an amazing workout on your first try so don't burn out.

And I was told to give it a few tries if you don't love it. Not everyone (myself included) loves it the first time but if you try it 3 or 4 times and still don't like it, then it's probably not for you.

In case you can't tell (by my ramblings) I love my spin classes! Nothing, I mean nothing, gives me the same cardio workout for the time spent..and for me that includes running. And I feel like my legs get more toned every class! ;)

Really though, just relax and enjoy. One friend told me that I would want to die during my first class and that didn't help! Why would anyone want to do that?? I went at my pace and thought it was alright, but not great. After a few classes, I was hooked!

Enjoy...and let us know how you like it!

:D

YAY!!! SPIN is my Passion (I'm a certified Spinning Instructor)! Like Elisa said...TAKE IT AT YOUR OWN PACE! Although it may appear to be, Spin is not a group fitness class....Do not focus on what anyone else is doing...it is your own ride.

-You need to get there at least 15 minutes before class begins and tell the instructor it is your first class. He/She will assist you in proper bike set-up which is extremely important to avoid discomfort or injury. They will also explain to you the different positions.

-Make sure you wear a shoe with a stiffer sole (cross-trainer as opposed to a running shoe)...this helps support your foot at the arch when you're in a standing position.

-Don't forget your water bottle and a towel...you will need them!

-The seat (aka "saddle") may feel a little uncomfortable at first...if your gym has a gel seat available, I would use it. After awhile you get used to it though and it won't bother you.

-Wear shorts! I always get way to hot if I try to spin in workout pants...and it really hinders my performance.

It is very important that you not try to keep pace with the instructor or other riders as some of them may have been at it for years. The first class is really about getting a feel for the bike and the positions. If a certain maneuver seems a little advanced, don't try it.

I've found that most people who don't like Spin are the ones who do too much too soon and completely overexert themselves. So take it at your own pace and HAVE FUN!!

If you have any questions...let me know!

Brittany

From my sister, self-proclaimed spinning addict.

1. If you have a squishy bike seat, bring it. If you don't, you will live
but your butt will be sore the next day. This goes away but it's totally normal

2. No one can see how hard you are working. This is what is awesome about spin. But don't use it as a cop out...if you have a heart rate monitor, it's such a useful thing and if you don't, you should think about getting one. You should be sweating buckets or working really hard at least on hills and sprints

3. Do not let your butt bounce up and down during speed intervals. People who do this are cheating themselves. You are letting the bike do the work for you. If your butt is bouncing you need more resistance

4. For standing postures, make sure you aren't locking your knees and if you can, bend your knees down a little and try to keep your head absolutely still.
If your whole body is moving in a circular motion along with your legs, you aren't getting quite as good a workout

5. Spin is SOOOOO fun. If you keep going, get some cycling shoes
they make the workout better for the back of your legs, but if you don't have cycling shoes, just make sure you are using your leg through the full range of motion. Lots of times people only push down on the pedal, then they let the other leg do the work to raise that foot back up. Instead, when you get to the bottom of a stroke, pretend you are kicking a soccerball forward over the pedal. It will force you to engage the leg in both directions.

Thanks for all the great info ! :) I'm really looking forward to my first class. For the last eight months or so the only cardio I've been doing is running & the elliptical and even though I love running, I am soooo bored. I think I'm a little intimidated about how well I'll do the first time, but I feel like I'm up for the challenge...

I was intimidated the first time but then I enjoyed it. I should start going again.

I was absolutely intimidated the first time but if you've been running etc., you'll be fine. You might not remember all the tips we've given you but they'll make more sense after your first class.

Take it easy and enjoy. I run too but I still feel like nothing gets the sweat going like a spin class. I still haven't bought the special shoes and I have no gel seat but I'm fine and you will be too!

Make sure you come back and tell us how it went...

:D