Advice for a Spin Class

Just keep at it! The first few classes are hard because the saddle hurts your butt so much! Also, don't be afraid not to do everything the instructor tells you to do ---- adding resistance or standing up. Listen to your body and only do what you can handle the first few times.

My first class, I sat and rode most of the time. I only stood when I needed to give my butt a break!

Spinning is totally addicting!

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! And, go at your own pace--a heart rate monitor is especially helpful for making sure that you are not pushing too hard too soon. Best wishes to you on your journey!

make sure your seat height is correct..instructor will help you.
don't have the resistance too low when you stand, you'll feel it in your knees
have towel and water handy
your lower region will get used to it after a few times

The first time I went, it really hurt my (bottom portion of body, LOL) and some of the other people there told me to get some shorts with gel padding. That really helped! I got them at Academy Sports. They were a bit pricy for shorts ($45) but well worth it.

I love spinning do it twice a week. One word for advice is be honest with yourself ( you will know what I mean when you take the class) and take it as often as you can at first because you will need time for your bum to adjust to the seat. It will hurt at first, but after a while your bum won't feel it.

If you want good tips on setting up the bike, just youtube it. Make sure you push down with your heels so your calves do not tighten up.

Good luck and have fun.

I've been spinning for 5 years, it's kinda like my version of therapy. I used to help set up the newbies and was the class model for form when I went to the gym (I have a bike at home now).

1. Wear something you're comfortable in....for bottoms I prefer fitted shorts or capris. I get a little ride-up between the legs if I wear loose bottoms. For the tops I would say a tank or tshirt. Wicking would be good but certainly not required.

2. Bring at least 1 bottle of water. Drink it!

3. Bring a towel.

4. Get there a few minutes early and ask the instuctor or a peer to help you get your bike set up correctly.

5. Do things at your own pace. If the rest of your class is going harder than you, don't worry. This is YOUR class and it's about YOU, not them. The only one you're competing with is yourself.

6. If you don't like the class, please please please try again! Either with the same instructor or another. I cannot stress this enough. Do NOT quit until you've tried it several times and possibly with several instructors. They have their own styles and not all agree with everyone. My friend teaches and she's a yeller. I hate it! My instructor was encouraging and fun and was constantly reminding me of my tip #5.

7. Your butt may hurt. Padded shorts are an option. Sticking with it until your butt adjusts is another. Personally I don't wear them unless I'm doing a very long trail ride (4+ hours).

8. I like to wear a bandana on my head. It keeps the sweat out of my eyes. And if I forget my towel (it happens) I can use it as a towel instead.

9. Remember your size has nothing to do with your ability to do this. It is sheer willpower and desire. I was once passed on a road ride by an extremely obese man riding a BMX bike. He had the biggest smile ever!

10. Have fun! Enjoy the ride. Fake it 'til you make it. Don't quit! Smile.

Good luck and let us know how you like it! Personally, it changed my life. It was the launch pad for a healthier lifestyle. As it turned out, my father was diagnosed with lung cancer days before my first class. I almost didn't go but figured it may help my mind. And it did. Over the course of the next 8 months I used that hour to cry, laugh, and just lose myself in the ride. I went the day we buried my dad. While people around me were spinning out of control, I found my balance and peace.

Hey, feel free to add me or message me if you have any questions!