Spin classes are fantastic!!!

It takes a lot to make me sweat and those classes can make it so my hair is absolutely drenched. I do like the fact that you can put into it what you want so if you have a limitation on the bike (or are worried about your knees or something) you can modify the spin class to suit your needs.

My instructor experiences are the same as everyone elses, I think. I've had instructors who are cyclists and teach the class to stay in shape and I've had instructors who teach step classes, etc., and this is just another thing they teach sometimes. The cyclist instructors tended to not do the bouncy "30 seconds standing, 30 seconds sitting" thing as much which I appreciate.

The best instructor I ever had really coordinated the music well, especially for simulated hill climbing. I think some of them also can make the most painful things be not as bad somehow. I had one last week who even simulated downhills by having us do a slow hill climb cresting over the top then immediately taking the pressure off the wheel. It gave a touch of realism to the whole thing!

If I need a good workout and don't have much time, I prefer spinning class over my bike though overall, I'd much rather be on my bike.