Hi Heather, I would be happy to help. I am a certified Spinning instructor and I work in the Mad Dogg Athletics corporate office (home of the Spinning brand). For all beginners, it is very important that you learn proper bike setup and form. Take a look at this guide, provided by Spinning, that will guide you through setting up the bike correctly and safely: http://www.spinning.com/images/Bike_Setup.pdf

As far as the terminology, use this guide that describes each of the five core movements and the different hand positions: http://www.spinning.com/images/Core_Movements.pdf

Be sure you master the seated movements before trying the standing movements or Jumps. Always warm up and cool down for at least 5 minutes to avoid injury.

Lastly, take a look at this guide, which will cover some of the contraindicated movements and why you should not do them because they are not safe: http://www.spinning.com/images/Keep_it_Safe.pdf

Spinning.com is a great resource for tips and information on Spinning and indoor cycling. I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions and thank you for serving our country.

-Jennie