Sounds like the class was more advanced, or maybe the population in the class is such normally. That makes a diff sometimes, but the teacher should always state that you can modify, and demonstrate what that is. Especailly for new students. I was a spinner before a road cyclists, and consider myself to be with the crazies on the adreline junkie stuff, but I have my reasons and days that I do not follow the drill cued. That is perfectly ok, and really a good thing. It is a different work out from the road, even tho is is suppose to be like it. Before the road, and spinning, I was always a group exercise person for my cardio. Over 20years of doing classes, in my personal opinion, spinning is the toughest cardio class I have ever taken in my life, for whatever that's worth. But, you still don't have to kill yourself like some of the cult members, if that's not your goal for the day, to get a good work out.