spinning class

I absolutely LOVE spin and would definitely recommend going. Expect to work hard. You can technically take it easy if you want to (less resistance, less speed) but ultimately you went to the gym and you are taking a class to get workout - so get your workout! I will caveat and say that you might need to take a few classes with different instructors until you find what works for you. Instructors have different teaching styles, music, attitudes, etc but I definitely would recommend sticking with it for a couple of sessions and seeing if you like it. It's an excellent workout.

Just to add to the above comments, try to get there a few minutes early on your first class. Ask the instructor to help you set up the bike. I had a retired racer help me set up mine and it made a big difference.

bettina274 wrote: »

Agree with the other posts. I started a few years ago and just love it, I guess that's why I selected Spin Junkie as my name, lol.

The only other thing I would highle recommend is to get some spin shoes that click into the pedals, makes it much easier. You can get them for as little as maybe 60$, definitely worth it!

Some cycling shorts with a chamois will help with the sore rear end too. If like me, you don't want to wear spandex in public at this point in your weight loss, get cycling briefs with a chamois. They go under regular shorts.

I love spin!
Be aware that the first couple of times, your butt bones are going to HURT. It gets better. i also remember my legs just aching the first couple of times, to where I had to take ibuprofen to get to sleep. That might have been because I was doubling up with crossfit at the time, though. (Like going to crossfit in the morning and then spin at night in the same day.)

WillowThorn wrote: »

The only other thing that I'd recommend is to be careful when standing up while using the pedals (which is a move they have you do a lot). I pulled something in my knee once because I didn't have the timing just right and my knee was kinda funky for a while.

The second time I ever went to spin, my knee just buckled because I was trying to go too fast while out of the saddle and I fell. Like, off the bike, onto the floor... it was embarrassing. But luckily it was just my ego that was wounded, I didn't get hurt at all.

It is worth a try because some love it as stated above. I personally hate it, by far my least favorite class. I have tried 3 times at 2 different places to see if I would learn to like it. It hurts my bum, and I find it boring despite good music and instructors.

I Spin 2 or 3 times a week and have done so for 2 years.

I always wear padded shorts and insert a removable pad in there too. You can buy such a thing or stick a thick feminine pad on the outerside crotch part of your underwear. I have to be comfortable!

Bring water, a cold/wet towel if you can get one, and dress as light as possible. A lot of instructors turn the lights off so you can get away with a sports bra and booty shorts even if you don't have a perfect body. I squash into kiddie shorts because they're cheaper.

I know they say you can't spot reduce, but I lost 7 inches from each thigh doing Spin!

Also - I got my Spinning cleats for $8 on ebay and liked them so much, I bought 2 pairs. Sometimes I Spin on Sundays and this way I can keep a pair at home and one at work. You don't have to spend a lot on the special shoes.

Spinning is my favorite workout. I get up at 4am 5 days a week just to go. I've lost 35 lbs in the past 5 months. All good advice. You want to sit far back in the seat, nearly on your thighs. And you will be sore. The second day will be the worst. But if you can make it through three classes your behind won't hurt anymore.

Make sure to strap in tightly. If you like the class definitely get spin shoes, they are absolutely important for anyone spinning more than once a week. I would go to a store to get a correct fit.

Definitely try it! It's a hard workout but exhilarating when your done.

I love spin class, but if you are very short like I am be careful because some of the bikes do no go low enough for you to safely sit and pedal.One time I went to a class and the instructor told me that I was too short and if I wanted to stay for the class I was going to have to stand and pedal the whole class. I stayed but I didn't get the same workout as I would have, had I been able to properly use the bike. I go to LA Fitness and a few of the gyms have different bikes and those can definitely play a role in how much you like the class. Different bodies like different bikes.

I am taking spin. The first time I went, a couple weeks ago, I described it later as 55 minutes of pure hell. LOL. I am 90 lbs overweight and have not been on my bike since last September...my butt hurt too! I went for the 4th time the other day and I noticed my butt hurt a little less. Definitely take a hand towel and large water bottle. You do not have to absolutely keep up with everyone right away. Just push yourself a little more beyond your comfort zone each time.

Make sure you are well hydrated.

twebster2 wrote: »

I took the clas and loved it! It was tough at first but my legs began to get used to it. And in terms of sweat!? I felt like i just got out of a pool, but it felt amazing. Thanks so much to you all for encouragement. Ill be going back

Keep it up!! The more you do it, the more addicting it is! I've been spinning for almost 3 years now and I just cannot get enough. I feel AMAZING after a class!
As somebody who get major stomach issues with running and other high-intensity workouts (leading me to despise them), I can honestly say spinning is one of the only things that doesn't irritate my stomach AND makes me feel accomplished and strong.

Also, I encourage you to try different spin studios/instructors to find the best match for you! Every instructor is different. I know at my studio I have my early-morning guy (he's a little more laid back) and my after-work girl (she's super high-energy and plays awesome hip-hop).