Spinning Class - Questions

Stick with it for a bit. Try as many instructors as you can. Each one has a different teaching style. What terminology do you have questions about? If you take a few classes you will get used to the terminology but I can't imagine that an instructor would explain some of it as the class is going on. I always teach with the idea that there is at least one person who is knew to spinning in the room so a lot of my regulars probably get pretty tired of me explaining how to do jumps or what I expect during sprints.

Hi Emma!

I'm a huge spin fan and I'll do my best to tackle your questions.

First, be comfortable on your bike! Setting up your saddle - when the peddle is at its lowest position, there should still be a slight bend in your knee. I then set the handlebars to whatever feels most comfortable. ALWAYS bring a water bottle. Or two. And a towel or two. I like to put a towel over the handlebars to make them more comfortable.

Terminology 101
-position 1: you're seated, hands on the handle bars where they curve at a 90ish degree angle (though you can move around to whatever feels comfortable). Shoulders relaxed!!
-position 2: you're standing up straight, back straight, core engaged, hands where they were in position 1. You should be in control. If you're bouncing around, there's not enough tension on your fly wheel. (i've noticed this definition varies depending on who you talk to).
position 3: your hands are at the tips of the handlebars. Your hips are pushed back as far as you can. Your core is SUPER engaged and is pretty much responsible for controlling your movement up there. There should be little weight on your hands.
-jumps: involves coming in and out of the saddle, usually to the rhythm of the music.
-sprints/hills - i'm guessing you know this

When standing, it is HUGELY important that there is enough tension on your fly wheel. Too little, and your whole body, and particularly your joints, will hate you. When you're sitting, the seat is taking weight off your legs. But standing, your whole body weight is driving into your legs and feet so adding tension to the bike will help alleviate some of the pressure. Sounds exhausting, I know, but it's really really important.

What I recall most from my first spin class was being incredibly saddle sore the day after. But that will go away eventually. Even after two years of spinning, I'll be sore the day after if the instructor was good. The key to spinning is to remember that the instructor is there to guide you. You need not do exactly what they're saying. If you need to recover, recover. If you want your tension lower, set it lower. You'll discover that as you continue, you'll get stronger and build endurance and be able to follow the class more and more.

I hope you end up loving it as much as I do!!! It's way more accurate to biking than stationary bikes. I've used it to train for triathlons and duathlons. Plus, who doesn't love having someone else in charge of your workout? All you have to do is show up to class!

That is exactly the joy of spinning - you do what you can. Know one else needs to know you didn't add in when the instructor said to! The classes I used to take were in a dark room which was great - kind of let you get into your own world and forget those around you.

I was okay with the standing up parts because I ride horses, and found it used a lot of the same muscles, which was a huge advantage. I would just do what you can with the standing up bits and gradually your strength will improve. With your back I wouldn't try to sustain standing up until it seizes up, just do a few strides and sit down again and pedal for a bit, then repeat, and eventually you'll be able to stand up for longer periods. I also find adjusting my hand position will help ease tension on my back. Also don't worry about pedaling very fast standing up to start out with, that will probably help too. :-)

I have never taken spin classes but they are adding them to my gym in the next few months. I can't wait to at least try it. I hope I do like it. :bigsmile:

Stick with it!! I promise you it will get easier... I started back when I was 30lbs heavier and i could not finish the class and now I am in LOVE with Spin and and do 3-4 classes per week! It gets easier, don't give up.

If you can't do the whole standing part do it in intervals, stand until you have to sit, and then get back up when your rested. It's YOUR class so do what you need to get yourself comfortable!

I agree with all the people above me, you have to take more than one class to see if it's for you. The first few classes my *kitten* never left the seat, I always felt like I was going to fall over. I think I have terrible balance. I used to go once a week, now I go to two classes. It gives me a better work out for cardio as opposed to the treadmill. After a few weeks, I am able to almost keep up with the class, as far as sprints and climbs. I find the workout great, and love to see the calories I burn at the end of the class. I'd go a few more times to see if it's for you, if not at least you can say that you've tried your best. All that matters, is that you have FUN in the process. Good luck.....

I love Spin its made me stronger & given me much more endurance!! Stick with it..My instructor told me it takes 3 classes to really love it.