[wisher]

I've never tried a spinning class but I would like to. What is it about spinning? I know nothing about it. What is it about it that makes it so different and so much harder than just riding the exercise bikes at the gym? How do the classes usually work? There is a 9:30 class tomorrow at my gym that I'd like to try out but I'd really like to know before hand what I'm getting myself into!

[bethbeth]

You should definately try it! It is a fun class, and I think it is always fun to try something new. And if you don't like it, you don't have to do it again!
The basic idea of the class is...you ride your bike with a group of other people with lots of music. Your instructor will constantly be telling you to turn up the resistance, stand up on your bike, sit down and lower the resistance, etc.
The only bad thing is...if your butt is not used to riding a bike it may really hurt! After my first class, my rear hurt for 2 days! But other than that I enjoyed the class. It's not something that I will do all the time (I love step arobics so much more). But it's fun to try something new once in awhile and get your body moving in a different way! Give it a try!

[Indychick829]

Well, the other poster told you what the class is like - now as for "What is it about spinning?"...

As my thread states - I've only taken TWO spinning classes now (can only get there on mondays...) but honestly - I absolutely LOVED it! I was afraid to take it for the longest time because I've heard how "hard" it is...and yeah - it is - again, I almost passed out during last week's class...but yesterday I paced myself a bit more and felt SO exhilarated!!! yes, my butt hurt (lol) - but not nearly as bad as it did last week...i figure i can go get a gel seat cover to bring with me (they're fairly cheap)...and i don't think i'll invest in the shoes because the cages on the pedals work perfectly fine.

And you don't HAVE to do everything the class is during during your first couple classes - PACE YOURSELF and if you need to sit while everyone else is standing then do it - just make sure to keep the wheels moving.

But honestly - I absolutely LOVE spinning and I'm SO happy I've added it to my workout regime.

[DCchick]

I could not agree with the two replies above more. Spinning is AMAZING. I LOVE it. IT's true, your butt may hurt after, but it's sooo worth it! don't be nervous, it's a totally individual process, no one is watching you or checking out how fast you're going. You dont have to 'keep up' with anyone! If you dont like this class, try a different instructor. It took me a few classes to find an instructor who's music and choreography I liked, and now I hate it if i have to miss her monday class.

EDIT: if you can, show up a few minutes early to have the instructor show you how to set up the bike. It's super easy, but you want to be sure that the seat height, etc are are right for you. i.e. the seat should hit about at your hip bone when you stand next to the bike, etc.

[shrinkinglizzy]

yup, same as the above.
what is the difference between spinning and just riding the exercise bike?
the same is a step class and just stepping up and down on a stepper on your own, or between going to a yoga class or just doing it on your own at home, or whatever...basically, having a group around you as well as an instructor challenges you in ways you may never have considered. In spin, specifically, it's a matter of finding an instructor who you like, and who will continually motivate you to challenge yourself. I know I never hit the points of exhaustion on my own like I do in a spin class!!
Good luck!!
s

[Fat Chick B Gone]

Go try it. I went to my first class tonight and I don't think it's for me but I'm glad I went.
Take a towel or something to sit on, my butt still hurts and the class was over almost 2 hours ago!!

[BlueToBlue]

I think the main difference between spinning and riding a recumbent bike is that in the spinning class you'll probably be riding in a standing position a lot more. In addition to riding in a standing position for long stretches, my favorite instructors also have us do "jumps" where we go from sitting to standing to sitting to standing in quick (2 to 8 sec) intervals. We'll also do special riding positions, like hovering (standing, but with bent over at the waist with your chest low to the handle bars) and isolations (standing, but keeping your upper body as still as possible and only moving your legs). You can't really do any of that on a recumbent bike. Standing while riding the bike is harder and burns more calories.

My favorite instructors also have us do sprinting intervals and periods where we ramp up the resistance really high (sometimes to the point where we can barely move our legs). You can do these exercises on a recumbent bike but it's more fun with an instructor to motivate you to do them.

You'll pace yourself in the class. Some instructors at my gym tell new attendees to not add any resistance at all during their first class. If you get tired or something is too hard, you can take off the resistance and sit down.

DCchick's tip about getting there early and having the instructor help you with your bike is a good one. You could also have the instructor give you an idea of what the class will be like and tips on pacing yourself.