New Kid On The Block

[RAIDER MOM]

I just started to spin almost a year ago and I have been hooked ever since. I am a sub for the other two teachers who also are pretty new to spinning. Starting next week I will have my own beginning spin class. I have asked for ideas from boath instructors and my response has been that I will figure it all out. I am a fitness instructor but plan getting certified in spin this spring.
I stumbled across this site and its great. What I need to know is how to recruit new spinners and what is a good routine idea. I was hoping all 3 of us instructors could come up with a good program, but unfortunately the other two want to fly on their own. Pleezzzzz help?

[Tri Girl]

Hi Raider Mom- welcome to the boards!
There is actually a spinning section under cross training/special interest (scroll down a little on the main page). There should be more women there who can help you with your instructor needs.
Meanwhile, I don't have any advice for you, but wanted to welcome you to the boards!
Good luck with your new class!!!!

[Bikingmomof3]

Welcome to the board Raider Mom. Check out the spin section under Cross Training. Best of luck on your new classes.

[IFjane]

Welcome RaiderMom - wander on over to the "Getting to Know You" thread in the cycling section & tell us more about yourself!

[CR400]

I think it may be best to get to know your core group of attendees and see what they want your class for. Are they all just aerobic nuts that want a good work out? So new they don't know how to adjust the bike or give you a funny look when you say first position ? Maybe new outdoor cyclists looking to come inside for the winter. Build a program around the needs of your core group they will be the ones that come to your classes even on bad days in the summer, if they are roadies. If you end up with a group that wants to ride outside don't make them do much on a spin bike they can't use on their road bikes . I mean some of the stuff they suggest to me I just laugh and keep going knowing I can't use it. Except for horizontal pulls for some reason I like those and do then anyway.

[RAIDER MOM]

My first class went well, I hope.. At least I got quite a few good comments. I had a mixture of new spinners and some that have been in the classes I sub. I had one drop out, she was an older lady and very over weight. I called her this a.m. and did a check up, and invited her back again, even if it was just to spin with very little resistance, and maybe add minutes to her work out each time she comes. I think she will be back. I just hope the other instructors dont get upset that some of their students came to my class instead.

[CR400]

That is good to hear. Keep encouraging the lady you were talking about. It is really hard to complete a good class if you are new to spinning even if you are a regular outside cyclist. Even more so if you are not in what others would call 'good shape." As far as others coming to your class now that you are instructing don't worry about it, people will pick their favorite instructors no matter what. It appears you may have had a following you didn't know about. I have a friend that subed once, a total hard core hammerhead outside, everybody groaned when they saw he was in charge. However, that was the best workout I ever got in a spin class.

[Bad JuJu]

As a somewhat overweight 54-year-old cyclist, I want to say Brava! for your concern about the older lady in your class. It's often hard emotionally as well as physically to work yourself up to joining a class like that, so every little bit of encouragement goes a long long way. Good luck with your classes!