It's kind of you to ask...

My favorite spin instructors are probably most like you. I am an outdoor cyclist that spins as a alternative to not being able to ride outside and to maintain fitness.

Favorite classes: Ones were they is alot of long, sustain aerobic activity. I rather have it out of the saddle only because spin class saddles tend to be very wide and thus hard on the booty but I can sit as well. I rather not have a ton of tension (say riding in the 80% or above area) unless it's for a very short period of time. I also do not like alot of very fast spin (120 rpms or more) as to me, it serves no purpose. I definitely will not spin fast and stand at the same time. Too risky for injury and again serves me no purpose.

One really good way to keep the class interesting is the music. I can do anything if the music is good. I hate, and have walked out of classes, when 1) the music is too loud - I still have good hearing thank you and 2) the beat is a constant, sustained techno drive. Ugh, nothing worse. The Techno music gives me a headache. Best music seems to be good alternative rock and hip-hop. OK to mix it up with some oldies and it's also cool to put in some different seldom heard "world" music. Let the class know you spent same time making your CD's.

I dislike the up for 4 counts, down for 4 counts, up and down, up and down stuff but will tolerate and sometimes enjoy the back and forth or side to side in order to hit different muscle groups.

I know it's difficult to satisfy both groups but this is a spin class, more like cycling than Stepping and should be as close to cycling as possible. At least that's my 2 cent. Once folks get used to actually riding the bike properly (OK another subject I can go on forever - good form. Alot of people have no idea what good form means. If on a real bike, they would be flopping over! All bouncing elbows and straight legs. What's up with that?), they will start to enjoy the class more. Keep doing it your way. It will be appreciated.