Spin Class

[surgtech1956]

I'm going to try out a spin class. What is proper 'spin class' attire? Is there any preparation as far as being at a certain fitness level? Do I need a heart rate monitor? I welcome any advice. Thank you

[dinabean]

I love spin classes! I usually wear bike shorts and a tech t shirt (I don't yet own a cycling jersey) and my spd-compatible cycling shoes, but if not, then just sneakers (I wore my running shoes for about 3 mos before I bought cycling shoes).

Bring 1-2 bottles of water and a small towel. For the first class, be sure to show up about 15 minutes early and tell the instructor it is your first class-- he or she will help you get your bike set up properly.

Etiquette wise, just make sure you wipe down the bike before you ride (for your own ick factor) and after (for the next person on the bike).

You can start classes no matter what your fitness level -- I was in terrible shape when I started. If you can't do what the instructor is saying, just sit, lower the resistance a little, and catch your breath. Just be sure not to take too much of a break -- push yourself, too! It was a banner day for me when I finally could follow every single instruction, and it took me about 6 weeks to get there, but so it goes.

You don't need a heart rate monitor, though they can be useful. Most instructors will give you a projected exertion level where you should be at at any given moment.

Most of all, though -- have fun!

[Catrin]

What Dina said! Spinning really helped me to get in good enough condition so that I could even consider biking... It took me several months before I could do everything in class and the instructor had to remind me from time to time to take it a little easier.

I wear bike shorts and technical athletic top. I do clip in but you don't have to. I do use a heart rate monitor because it keeps me honest, most don't.

Having fun is key - and do things at your own pace.

[marni]

please also remember to wipe the floor around the bike- I take a yoga class in the room after a spin class and have put my hand in one too many sweaty puddles.

Do not buy into the insistence on standing, jumps and hovers until you feel really comfortable with the class. Yes being able to balance and stand might be important for bursts of speed and or climbing, but until you are ready they can work havoc on you knees as well. Ditto for the high resistance fast cadence stuff.

Some instructors know more than others and some actually do ride road bikes outside and know what they are talking about while others seems to be primarily testosterone or estrogen driven.

I like an occassional spin class, and have found a couple of instructors who actually know what they are doing and pace the classes realistically in terms of actual riding situations. I have walked out half way through other classes.

Take it all with a grain of salt, and enjoy but take along some ear plugs just in case and be prepared to ride your own ride at all times.

[TrekTheKaty]

Everything they said. DH made fun of me when I started, but now he goes and recommends it to all his buddies at work. It's hard at first, even if your a cyclist, but stick with it! I just remind myself how many calories I burned

[featuretile]

I have been riding (a road bike outside) for about 1 1/2 years. I took a spin class to see if I could learn to stand up while riding. I know some people swear by spin classes, but I found it to be awful (could have been the instructor?). It seemed to suck all the joy out of riding. Someone stood up there yelling with awful music in the background and then ordered you stand for like 10 minutes. That did feel awful on my knees. Even if I was riding outside, I would not stand that long. There was no reward or rest - like cruising down a hill. Anyway, even though I've been told it would improve my endurance, I can't force myself to do it again. Tell me what you think about it after you go.