No reservations - spinning classes

[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.

[Resi]

When our gym first opened, people where standing in line to get a bike, no call or card system. But now, the classes are not full anymore, the reason LOL... our instructors are not good...also the bikes are crapy...(big chain gym)

I go only to the spin class when it is super cold or raining, the real thing... biking outside.

You guy's are lucky if the demand is so big, I guess your insturctors are better...

Resi

[copperlegend]

Spinning is what perked my interest in bikes!

It's first come-first serve for bikes but i've never not gotten a bike. I think it's pretty standard honestly.

[e.e.cummings]

Thanks for the responses, particularly the pointer on what to do in the class, that will help. I have looked all over and I have not found anything better that is convenient location-wise so I am going to take my chances with this one for now. I have a decent cancellation policy if things go really badly, but from what I have seen I think (hope) I will be okay.

[e.e.cummings]

After doing five classes I am finding that the card system is not so bad (mind you, we have not hit the bad weather yet which produces more crowds). I guess that one advantage of the card system is that someone cannot reserve a bike over the phone or on-line and then not show up - you actually have to show up which is part of the challenge for some, it means that a bike won't sit empty. Let's see how I feel the drive all the way there and there are no spaces! But they say they will add classes when it gets busy. We'll see.

It has been great so far - I love the differences between the instructors. It keeps it interesting.

[misty7746]

To locate an official Spinning® facility, go to www.spinning.com. You'll find that these facilities teach the Spinning® program which are taught by great instructors who are trained through the creators of Spinning®, Mad Dogg Athletics.

[Miranda]

Glad you are enjoying class so far. I recently had a crash on my road bike, so haven't been doing much of anything lately, but normally I teach Spinning at my gym. I will also give up my instructor bike to someone before I would turn them away. It is possible to coach the entire class off-the-bike.

Prior to my teaching, I knew the gym had some different ways to get your bike too. Now, it's the first come first serve basis by showing up. The rule generally is though, you need to be back in the room on your bike to ride when class starts... or very shortly there after (like you place your water bottle and/or towel on the bike you selected to ride & leave the room).

We've had the problem where people try to hold for a friend that is "supposedly" showing up for class, and then not.

Or worst was before I became an instructor some other teaches (non spinners usually, teach aerobics etc.) had held their bikes, then showed back up to class after 15mins of start. The teacher told me to just take their bikes. They expected them back. Now, mind you, as an instructor, you get a basic membership free at my place. I was paying. I was so mad. I did not give it up!

Actually, what is suppose to happen is that an instructor if just participating in the class that is full, you are suppose to give up your spot to a paying memeber if they show.

This will be my first winter Spinning since I became an instuctor. Sure I will have that situation present itself. I would graciously give up my spot. I think it sets a leadership tone that you are supportive of general participants efforts.

Happy Spinning!