No reservations - spinning classes

[e.e.cummings]

I just came away from a gym that has spinning classes (I am shopping for a gym). I know NOTHING about spinning class, but I am dying to try. I don't know the etiquette, I am totally green. The first thing I was surprised at was that you could not reserve a space, you have to show up probably one half hour before to get a 'card'. So the first thing I find out is that it is not like booking my pilates class where I can call up and reserve a space. Is this normal procedure? Seems like a waste of time if I race home from work to find out that it is full already (to make their 6:00pm class). I told the sales rep that this was not a great selling point for me, but they say it is the norm with their gyms (which is a national chain).

Anything else to expect in a spinning class that an ordinary person might not know?

[tulip]

sign-ups vary by gym. Some are first-come, first-served. Others you have to call to reserve a spot, and others have a card system like you mentioned. If classes are that full, it seems reasonable that the gym should offer more classes, like two in a row (and not allow fanatics to stay for both classes). Even better would to have simultaneous classes, but that gets pricey with buying all new bikes.

Once you do go to a spin class, here are my suggestions:

-wear cycling shorts and wicking shirt
-bring three bottles of whatever you like to drink. Drink one bottle before the class, one during, and one after.
-Bring a snack to eat after the class on your way home
-bring a small towel and keep it on your bars because you will sweat
-don't forget to wipe down your bike after the class (unless the gym staff does that for you)
-bring earplugs. Some instructors crank the music up way too much, or you might find yourself right underneath a ceiling speaker, or the music might really suck.
-it's hard. Start slow and if the instructor is any good, he or she will be helpful if you talk to them before the class. They'll set you up properly on the bike
-remember or write down the bike settings
-have fun!

[Possegal]

My gym you call up that day - after 12 noon for the after work classes. If I had to be there 30 min prior to get a bike, I'd never go to spin. I think that is what my work gym spin classes are like, though the time is 15 min prior. But that isn't so bad since I'm just a building away. But I don't much like those classes and prefer my main gym's ones, so I call during lunch and reserve a bike.

[Zen]

^ Mine is like that too.
I'd look for another gym.

[OakLeaf]

My gym charges extra for ICE (a competitor of Spinning®). You can sign up for an 8-week program, I think it's two or three classes a week, which guarantees you a slot, otherwise it's first come-first served.

It probably varies a lot by gym.

I don't spin (I need shorter crankarms, the one thing on those bikes that isn't adjustable), so not much help here - but depending on the gym, the bikes and the amount of time between classes, you may be able to bring your own pedals and saddle/seatpost. Some gyms have SPD pedals on their bikes, so if that's what you use you could wear your own shoes.

Definitely shop around.

[maryellen]

Ha ha, I was unhappy when my gym switched from its old system of showing up early to sign up for a spin bike to its current on-line booking system. I guess you can't please everyone.

[e.e.cummings]

After being a this gym for three weeks now, and taking 3-4 spinning classes a well, I notice that there are preferred instructors - one who is really incredible. I was told Wednesday was a slow day for gym traffic, but there are no empty bikes on her Wednesday evening class!

Just bought cycling shoes - what a difference it makes....

[e.e.cummings]

Follow-up to this post - I am now five months into being a loyal attendee of my spinning class, and I have to admit, the card system has worked (and we are into winter, when the numbers are up - but they have added classes).

I have also had a chance to evaluate the instructors with a little bit more thought, now that I have heard on this site what is good form and bad form. There was an instructor that I used to think was rather boring, but she had good music. Why did I think she was boring? Because the others would throw in all of those push-ups, etc. into their routines which I thought added variety and made time go faster, while she is a real purist, following the 'rules of the road', and I have to admit, I get the better workout from her class (according to how I feel and my heart monitor).