Spin Class

[surgtech1956]

I'm going to try out a spin class. What is proper 'spin class' attire? Is there any preparation as far as being at a certain fitness level? Do I need a heart rate monitor? I welcome any advice. Thank you

[dinabean]

I love spin classes! I usually wear bike shorts and a tech t shirt (I don't yet own a cycling jersey) and my spd-compatible cycling shoes, but if not, then just sneakers (I wore my running shoes for about 3 mos before I bought cycling shoes).

Bring 1-2 bottles of water and a small towel. For the first class, be sure to show up about 15 minutes early and tell the instructor it is your first class-- he or she will help you get your bike set up properly.

Etiquette wise, just make sure you wipe down the bike before you ride (for your own ick factor) and after (for the next person on the bike).

You can start classes no matter what your fitness level -- I was in terrible shape when I started. If you can't do what the instructor is saying, just sit, lower the resistance a little, and catch your breath. Just be sure not to take too much of a break -- push yourself, too! It was a banner day for me when I finally could follow every single instruction, and it took me about 6 weeks to get there, but so it goes.

You don't need a heart rate monitor, though they can be useful. Most instructors will give you a projected exertion level where you should be at at any given moment.

Most of all, though -- have fun!

[Catrin]

What Dina said! Spinning really helped me to get in good enough condition so that I could even consider biking... It took me several months before I could do everything in class and the instructor had to remind me from time to time to take it a little easier.

I wear bike shorts and technical athletic top. I do clip in but you don't have to. I do use a heart rate monitor because it keeps me honest, most don't.

Having fun is key - and do things at your own pace.

[marni]

please also remember to wipe the floor around the bike- I take a yoga class in the room after a spin class and have put my hand in one too many sweaty puddles.

Do not buy into the insistence on standing, jumps and hovers until you feel really comfortable with the class. Yes being able to balance and stand might be important for bursts of speed and or climbing, but until you are ready they can work havoc on you knees as well. Ditto for the high resistance fast cadence stuff.

Some instructors know more than others and some actually do ride road bikes outside and know what they are talking about while others seems to be primarily testosterone or estrogen driven.

I like an occassional spin class, and have found a couple of instructors who actually know what they are doing and pace the classes realistically in terms of actual riding situations. I have walked out half way through other classes.

Take it all with a grain of salt, and enjoy but take along some ear plugs just in case and be prepared to ride your own ride at all times.

[TrekTheKaty]

Everything they said. DH made fun of me when I started, but now he goes and recommends it to all his buddies at work. It's hard at first, even if your a cyclist, but stick with it! I just remind myself how many calories I burned :D

[featuretile]

I have been riding (a road bike outside) for about 1 1/2 years. I took a spin class to see if I could learn to stand up while riding. I know some people swear by spin classes, but I found it to be awful (could have been the instructor?). It seemed to suck all the joy out of riding. Someone stood up there yelling with awful music in the background and then ordered you stand for like 10 minutes. That did feel awful on my knees. Even if I was riding outside, I would not stand that long. There was no reward or rest - like cruising down a hill. Anyway, even though I've been told it would improve my endurance, I can't force myself to do it again. Tell me what you think about it after you go.

[surgtech1956]

Thanks for the advice and info everyone. Why the ear plugs? I plan on getting some cycling shorts or liner shorts. I plan on riding as long as possible outside, either my road bike or mtn bike.

[dinabean]

Thanks for the advice and info everyone. Why the ear plugs? I plan on getting some cycling shorts or liner shorts. I plan on riding as long as possible outside, either my road bike or mtn bike.

THe quality of instructor varies widely, as does the quality of sound systems. Some places think louder=better, and it can be painful!

I have lucked out in that I have an awesome instructor who does a lot of outdoor riding and regularly competes in and trains others for triathlons, so she doesn't do a lot of the stupid things I have heard about some other spin classes. There is another instructor at our Y that I avoid like the plague -- she spends more than half of the class out of the saddle and really yells annoyingly. The instructor makes a big difference, so my last advice would be that if you don't like the first class, try it with a different instructor before writing it off completely.

[Brina]

I think it is important to remember that a spin class is not a cycling class. Too often I hear cyclist slam a spin class because, 'you would never really do that on your bike'. Sure, that's true. There are also things that are done in a cardio-kickboxing class that are never done in kick boxing, or in cardio-tennis that are never done in a tennis match. Spin is a group exercise class that has elements in common with cycling, but it is not cycling. Some instructors are cyclists, some taught other group exercises before getting certified to teach spin. I am not a good enough cyclist to comment upon whether it helps your cycling in any significant way, but I know that in an hour long class I sweat buckets and can burn off 550-700 calories depending on the instructor and how hard I push.

[TrekTheKaty]

I've had various instructors also. Some cyclists and some not. Some good, some bad. Like all trainers, you have to find one that fits your style (and musical taste). Unfortunately, they may not always fit with your schedule. At our gym, the most popular class is 6:00 am and the senior instructors teach it (senior instructors get to pick their class time and get paid my the student. This class is always full because of the time slot. However, student feedback does get taken into consideration).

Our spinning class is popular in the winter, see if you can drop in and try a few different instructors before you sign up for a whole session. Ask around. Talk to the people at the front desk and see if you can get recommendations. Check the comment board! I've noticed men are finicky when it comes to the music choice, but I can spin to anything with the right beat :D