Terrified of Spin Class
happytree923
Posts: 463 Member
I just switched from a small 24 hour gym to a YMCA mainly because the Y has group classes and is cheaper. I would like to take a spin class but I've never been to one before. The gym has one short beginner class a week but I can't go due to my work schedule. How difficult is it to go into a spin class completely cold? Especially for someone overweight and not exactly in peak cardiovascular shape?
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Spin is great. The first one is intimidating. Get there early so your instructor can help you set up bike properly. I definitely couldn't keep up my first couple of classes but that's ok. You get better. It's your ride so you get to choose how hard to push.5
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Yep^^
I started at the back row, to get a feel of the class. It is addicting. Have fun.1 -
Title is click bait. I came here thinking she was going to share a story of fright and mayhem in the class....like a crazed clown came in and started exercising everyone to death.15
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Title is click bait. I came here thinking she was going to share a story of fright and mayhem in the class....like a crazed clown came in and started exercising everyone to death.
Lol I will be sure to update with a more satisfying story if I have a true brush with death at the class.7 -
As with any class, talk to the Instructor, tell them your concerns, and ask for tips or modifications. You could go observe one class before participating if that might help you feel better. You could ask if the instructor could call you to answer some questions.1
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Spin is actually a great beginner class because you are in total control of the speed and the resistance. The instructor will set the type of ride. You'll hear things like "pick up the cadence, lower the resistance" and "stay in the saddle" (stay seated) or "get out of the saddle." (ride standing up) When they say "pick up the cadence/pace" it just means pedal faster, whatever that means for you. Same with the resistance.
Bring a towel and a water bottle with a squirt cap so you don't have to untwist anything. Have fun!4 -
happytree923 wrote: »I just switched from a small 24 hour gym to a YMCA mainly because the Y has group classes and is cheaper. I would like to take a spin class but I've never been to one before. The gym has one short beginner class a week but I can't go due to my work schedule. How difficult is it to go into a spin class completely cold? Especially for someone overweight and not exactly in peak cardiovascular shape?
Hi @happytree923
I do 3/4 spins per week at SoulCycle here in NYC - it’s my thing! I really love it. You’re in total control of your speed and resistance. Go slow while you get the feel of it the first few classes. You’ll pick it up in no time. When i started I was 40 lbs heavier and I had never gone to a spin class before. I found a few instructors that i really like and it’s been great. Keep us updated!1 -
happytree923 wrote: »I just switched from a small 24 hour gym to a YMCA mainly because the Y has group classes and is cheaper. I would like to take a spin class but I've never been to one before. The gym has one short beginner class a week but I can't go due to my work schedule. How difficult is it to go into a spin class completely cold? Especially for someone overweight and not exactly in peak cardiovascular shape?
Ooo - my first spin classes I was that!
Go early, and introduce yourself to the instructor. Describe your situation. It'll be fine. They'll help you set up your bike properly. Ask them if there's a bike none of the regulars usually take (sometimes curmudgeons are weird about "their" bike).
During your first class, make it your goal to just keep pedaling the whole time . . . maybe not as fast as everyone else, maybe not in the same position (standing/sitting/etc), maybe not at the same resistance, but pedaling. You can, even if it's hard, and it'll be OK Remember that everyone there was new once!
Take a water bottle, and a towel and put those on the bike. Expect to sweat.
Expect some "saddle soreness", during and after. It will be less a problem after a few classes, or - if you decide to stay with it - you can get padded bike shorts or a gel seat cover.
Commit, in your own mind, to going for at least several sessions (unless it aggeavates an injury or something, of course). It's 100% normal to feel, after most any group class not just cycling, that it's really too hard, that you're not good at it, that everyone else is noticing, etc. Before you know it, those "newbie blues" will pass, and you'll be having fun . . . but only if you stick with it past that initial overwhelmed feeling.
You can do this - I'm still doing it a decade or more after my first try. And have fun! 7 -
I went this morning and I loved it! The instructor was super friendly and came up to ask if I was new as soon as I went in. She helped me adjust the bike and said to modify as much as I need and that it was ok to leave at the 30 minute mark if I felt like I had enough at that point. I ended up staying the whole hour and will definitely be back. Thanks everyone!27
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Build up to it, take it slow and then you will love it.1
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happytree923 wrote: »I went this morning and I loved it! The instructor was super friendly and came up to ask if I was new as soon as I went in. She helped me adjust the bike and said to modify as much as I need and that it was ok to leave at the 30 minute mark if I felt like I had enough at that point. I ended up staying the whole hour and will definitely be back. Thanks everyone!
Yay! And thanks for checking back in to let us know how it went - really happy for you! 2 -
Yay! Thanks for the update.0
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I won't like, spin class is brutal. For me, anyway. I just saw your update and it sounds like you did exactly what I was about to recommend which is, introduce yourself to the instructor and let her (or him) know you are new. They'll hook you up and watch out for you!0
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I love spin. It is a really great workout that does not put a lot of stress on your body.
As has been said: If you are nervous, take a bike in the back. You can stop when you need. There is no shame in that. You'll get better.
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happytree923 wrote: »I went this morning and I loved it! The instructor was super friendly and came up to ask if I was new as soon as I went in. She helped me adjust the bike and said to modify as much as I need and that it was ok to leave at the 30 minute mark if I felt like I had enough at that point. I ended up staying the whole hour and will definitely be back. Thanks everyone!
That's awesome!!! What a great feeling. It's so good to have some kind of fitness activity that you really enjoy, and if being part of a class works, even more fun! You guys are making me wish my gym had a spin class. But no...
Is Soul Cycle anything like Amy Schumer's class in that movie "I Feel Pretty"?
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happytree923 wrote: »I went this morning and I loved it! The instructor was super friendly and came up to ask if I was new as soon as I went in. She helped me adjust the bike and said to modify as much as I need and that it was ok to leave at the 30 minute mark if I felt like I had enough at that point. I ended up staying the whole hour and will definitely be back. Thanks everyone!
Good stuff.
Keep up the great work!
.... don't get cocky.0 -
@happytree923 congratulations for stepping out of your comfort zone, asking for help and taking a risk. I love spin too and am so glad you had a good experience.2
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girlwithcurls2 wrote: »happytree923 wrote: »I went this morning and I loved it! The instructor was super friendly and came up to ask if I was new as soon as I went in. She helped me adjust the bike and said to modify as much as I need and that it was ok to leave at the 30 minute mark if I felt like I had enough at that point. I ended up staying the whole hour and will definitely be back. Thanks everyone!
That's awesome!!! What a great feeling. It's so good to have some kind of fitness activity that you really enjoy, and if being part of a class works, even more fun! You guys are making me wish my gym had a spin class. But no...
Is Soul Cycle anything like Amy Schumer's class in that movie "I Feel Pretty"?
I haven’t seen that movie - but now I am intrigued! 0 -
I am on my second go round losing weight - Spin is great it was the first class I went back to and even at 260lbs I can make it through a whole class - the trick is you sent your own resistance and speed so you are working to push yourself - I fit 2 to 3 classes in a week on top of my other exercise - you will need a towel and water, I also find cycling gloves help as my hands get sweaty and slide - give it a go I am sure you will be a convert0
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