Spin Class? Is it worth it?

janebshaw · June 2013

Great advice! Especially if you are new, it's a good idea to come in a few minutes early so the instructor can help you set up your bike properly. It can make the difference between enjoying the class and coming away with a back ache.

AlexandraR2011 · June 2013

I LOVE Spinning. I went 3 times a week before I moved. I burned upwards of 6-800 calories per hour on my 170 frame. It also helps if you really mesh well with the instructor. I tried 3 different instructors before I found a favorite. I got sore the first time around but i found my favorite instructor and he properly taught us how to seat the bike and how to properly ride.

good luck!

ediegram · June 2013

I love spin class. You get a great cardio work out not to mention good quad workout. This will probably be my cardio of choice because I had a total knee replacement in January.

I would suggest either buying the bike shorts, or buy one of those gel seats that you put on a regular bike. They are very easy to slip on / off. I take mine to class with me each time. Just don't forget it on the bike!

Edie

cals83 · June 2013

I take a 6am spin class a couple of times a week and it is totally worth waking up early for. The hardest part is getting out of bed early. I set my alarm and then when it goes off it is like eh I am up anyway so let's do this!

I don't think you will ever go to a spin class and regret it...let's put it that way.

bjune5 · June 2013

Try it! You might love it like I do. I wish there were more spin classes at my gym.
I bought a seat cover to help with the soreness.
It burns crazy amount of calories!

nataliesales · June 2013

Do it! I go to a spin class at my university's gym 3x a week and I can already see a difference in how toned my legs are

Depending on how hard you push yourself, you can really burn a ton of calories. I think I average around 600 calories per class.

darwinwoodka · June 2013

If I'm gonna ride a bike I wanna go somewhere, dammit.

hmoffatt · June 2013

The size of your body has a direct impact on the calories you expend in a class. Someone who is light is going to burn fewer calories than someone who is heavy. For example, a 150-lb. person burns about 240 calories cycling at a moderate intensity for 30 minutes; a 200-lb. person burns about 320 calories under the same conditions.

Actually that's not right, since cycling isn't a weight bearing activity and you're not riding up a real hill where gravity matters. Only your fitness (ie your efficiency) affects how many calories you burn.

I ride thousands of kilometres a year outside but I still like to go to spin classes when the weather is bad or when the days are too short to ride after work. With a good instructor it's great exercise, and I can burn 800 or more calories in an hour.

JanAlyssa825 · June 2013

I love spin! I genuinely look forward to it, and it's helped me work out on weekends, which I used to consider rest days. If the teacher is energetic and the music is good, the hour goes quickly. I even did it while on a cruise! Get a padded, removable seat cushion if it bothers you. For the first few classes, your butt will probably be sore, and your legs will feel like Jell-O, but eventually, you'll get used to it. It doesn't hurt at all anymore for me, and my legs have gotten really strong. It's also a great core workout because you have to hold yourself up in different positions. Sounds like you don't have anything to lose, since it's a free class!

norahwynn · June 2013

My fiance spins 5-6 times a week for an hour and he not only loves it, but he's dropped major weight. We've recently talked about me joining a class to see if I can keep up (I have pretty bad asthma), but I'm buying a gel cushion first :glasses:

HardcoreP0rk · June 2013

People love spin class, and I can understand the appeal. It's almost like being on a team. You have someone there motivating you. Its a dedicated hour of get in-get it done-get out...

But for my time and my money...I'd much rather buy a road bike and enjoy the scenery with my real friends. We just went biking for the first time together yesterday and it was awesome.

ETA: I rode only 15 miles, but didn't wear bike shorts...and now my cooter hurts. Just a friendly reminder...

NSMustanggirl · June 2013

LOVE spin class! At first, I thought that whoever invented it was a mean, sadistic SOB but after a couple of classes I came to love it! I actually miss it when I'm not able to go!

dewsmom78 · June 2013

Cardio is good for the heart, but that's about it. If you want to burn more fat and retain muscle, lift weights. I am a firm believer in it after joining MFP. Search topics on it to see success stories.

kayjaycee9 · June 2013

I LOVE spinning. I go twice a week at least and sweat my butt off.

I also do strength training on the other days just to keep an all around exercise routine.

OfficiallySexyVal · June 2013

It's only worth if you are trying to lose weight, tone up, get fitter, improve your health or are into meeting energetic, supportive people. Otherwise, stay in bed

I love this comment! Spinning is very beneficial, granted it is super uncomfortable but I burn about 805 calories an hour according to my HRM, but I am still a pretty big girl. I love spinning because it is a great work out but easy on the joints!!!

Amberlynnek · June 2013

I spin 4 days a week and love it! I was sore in unmentionable places for the first couple days but that goes away. If you have a really good instructor , its a really fun class. I have burned up to 700 calories in an hour. I got into it when I got injured after a marathon and it was the only thing that get could me close to even feeling the same way when I ran. It does require some endurance but I've seen newbies do great at the class. If its at 5 am, I suggest getting up early enough to get in a good breakfast, lots of water and some stretching. Its a pretty high intensity class for a body that just woke up. Good luck!