Spinning...

vdavis_89
vdavis_89 Posts: 334
edited September 28 in Fitness and Exercise
So I havent ever done spinning before and Im thinking about attempting it tomorrow but Im really nervous about looking stupid for not knowing what Im doing :( I live in an apartment and we have a very small gym which is what I will be using because I cant afford a gym membership or a trainer :( I would walk but I live in phx, az and its been over 110 the past 3 days any tips?? like levels or speed or something for a beginner??

Replies

  • Fayve
    Fayve Posts: 406 Member
    Spinning is really really hard, but I recommend it if you're up for a challenge! The nice thing is that you can really work at your own pace. I know for me, I can never keep up with what the class tends to offer, but it doesn't seem to be a problem. Just go in and try your best, and listen to your body the first time or so, and you shouldn't have any problems!
  • dustyhockeymom
    dustyhockeymom Posts: 537 Member
    I ride my exercise bike a few times a week and I like it for a quick no fuss workout. I wouldn't describe it as spinning though. In my experience spinning is a very intense class environment which requires a lot of effort. I haven't ever done it, but like I said I enjoy my stationary bike.
  • sarahsmom1
    sarahsmom1 Posts: 1,501 Member
    I wouldn't worry about it everyone has to do it the first time. Theres a first time for everything
  • corinnak
    corinnak Posts: 51 Member
    Spinning is a very fun and potentially quite challenging workout. I love it because it requires little coordination, and is good for people at all different fitness levels, so I can bike with friends!

    I do have a few tips:

    1. Arrive at your first class early and let the instructor know it is your first class. She or he will help you get set up on the bike so it is safe and comfortable for your body.

    2. Bring a sweat towel (soft hand towel) and a bottle of water. Almost everyone brings water. You will likely be glad to have both.

    3. Try to do what the instructor is suggesting, but if it is too hard, it is OK to back off and just spin with less tension on the wheel for a while to catch your breath. Your first goal is to finish the class, nothing more.

    4. Do expect your bum to get tired/sore, and to feel it the next day. To some degree, this lessens with time, to some degree bike shorts help. Sometimes they'll have a gel seat you can borrow for your class if you are hurting, though not always. If your bum is getting sore, standing to pedal a few strokes can help get circulation moving again.

    5. Enjoy the class and try to make a friend or bring a friend - it's somehow easier to get through a tough workout if you have someone to commiserate with a little or be encouraged by along the way.

    Good luck and have fun....

    Oh and the most important tip on here: Number 1 - Get to that first class especially early and get the instructor to help you set up. It insures you have a space in the class and that you are set up for success!
  • bwilcox30
    bwilcox30 Posts: 30 Member
    Gotta say that I am not a fan of spinning......I did it once and my a&* hurt for days! lol
  • KarenLouise1981
    KarenLouise1981 Posts: 144
    I LOVE LOVE spinning but as someone else mentioned that is normally takn in a group environment - I think you may be thinking of the exercise bike? Just get on the bike and start pushing to see what speeds you can go to or what resistance you can work upto. If you have an pod or music you can turn it into an interval session - have some good music with fast and slow bits and peddle to keep up if that makes sense?

    Your bum may hurt for a couple of days but don't let that put you off - it's better exercise than sitting on the sofa :-)
  • mvln
    mvln Posts: 96 Member
    I love spinning! I do it 1 hour a day 4 days a week. I have lost inches around my hips and thighs which are my problem areas. This is the biggest motivator for me. It is also a great feeling to be biking fast to the beat of dance music. It is just so exhilarating. I strongly suggest you try it. Don't mind what others might think of you. Everybody is instructed to work at their own pace. Push yourself but if you must slow down, please do. Enjoy!
  • wedjul05
    wedjul05 Posts: 472
    I do a spin class once a week. I wouldn't do it by myself in the gym as I would give up after 5 mins as it is HARD!!!!!!!

    I sweat like a pig which I love, gets rids of toxins in your body. I've a real love/hate relationship with spin but I really miss it when I don't go.

    Defo tell the instructor it's your 1st time there. As another poster here said, they will help you get set up etc. Take it at your own pace. I still do this on days when I am tired.

    I find spin a great, different workout as opposed to going to the gym/walking/lifting weights.
  • jfinnivan
    jfinnivan Posts: 360 Member
    I did my first spinning class yesterday. I had been running 3 miles 3-5 times per week for the past few months, so I figured "how hard can it be"? How wrong I was! I was using leg muscles that were different from those used for running. I had to tone it down a little when we were alternating the standing pedaling and seated pedaling. When we finished, I was drenched. This actually prompted me to get a heart rate monitor to see how many calories I'm burning.
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