Spin Class

[surgtech1956]

Thanks for the advice and info everyone. Why the ear plugs? I plan on getting some cycling shorts or liner shorts. I plan on riding as long as possible outside, either my road bike or mtn bike.

[dinabean]

Thanks for the advice and info everyone. Why the ear plugs? I plan on getting some cycling shorts or liner shorts. I plan on riding as long as possible outside, either my road bike or mtn bike.

THe quality of instructor varies widely, as does the quality of sound systems. Some places think louder=better, and it can be painful!

I have lucked out in that I have an awesome instructor who does a lot of outdoor riding and regularly competes in and trains others for triathlons, so she doesn't do a lot of the stupid things I have heard about some other spin classes. There is another instructor at our Y that I avoid like the plague -- she spends more than half of the class out of the saddle and really yells annoyingly. The instructor makes a big difference, so my last advice would be that if you don't like the first class, try it with a different instructor before writing it off completely.

[Brina]

I think it is important to remember that a spin class is not a cycling class. Too often I hear cyclist slam a spin class because, 'you would never really do that on your bike'. Sure, that's true. There are also things that are done in a cardio-kickboxing class that are never done in kick boxing, or in cardio-tennis that are never done in a tennis match. Spin is a group exercise class that has elements in common with cycling, but it is not cycling. Some instructors are cyclists, some taught other group exercises before getting certified to teach spin. I am not a good enough cyclist to comment upon whether it helps your cycling in any significant way, but I know that in an hour long class I sweat buckets and can burn off 550-700 calories depending on the instructor and how hard I push.

[TrekTheKaty]

I've had various instructors also. Some cyclists and some not. Some good, some bad. Like all trainers, you have to find one that fits your style (and musical taste). Unfortunately, they may not always fit with your schedule. At our gym, the most popular class is 6:00 am and the senior instructors teach it (senior instructors get to pick their class time and get paid my the student. This class is always full because of the time slot. However, student feedback does get taken into consideration).

Our spinning class is popular in the winter, see if you can drop in and try a few different instructors before you sign up for a whole session. Ask around. Talk to the people at the front desk and see if you can get recommendations. Check the comment board! I've noticed men are finicky when it comes to the music choice, but I can spin to anything with the right beat