As many people know, I became a spin instructor this past summer, and I absolutely love it! What could be better? I get paid to exercise! Spinning/cycling seems to have taken over the genre of “trendy workouts.” Can you blame them? Very cute clothes, shoes, and ugh, those VSCO Soul Cycle pictures are very appealing to the eye. But with great trendiness comes great intimidation. Many people whom I’ve come encounter with, when asked why they haven’t tried spinning yet, it is because they are scared. Grant it, spinning can be a little hard to grasp with the loud music, the crowded room, and the other many exasperated noises the patrons release. But it’s totally worth it! And I’m here to tell you how to enjoy and survive a spin class! Keep in mind, I once was new to this workout and in your shoes before.
1. Drink lots of water before, after, and during the class!
This is very self-explanatory when it comes to any form of exercise.
2. Make sure bike in correct positioning and you know your bike!
A spin bike consists of many parts. Do not be afraid to ask your instructor for assistants of measuring out the bike based on your body. Incorrect measurements can lead to injury. Also, make sure you know your bike. What I mean by that is to know how you increase and decrease resistance, where your revolutions per minute (RPMs) are displayed, etc. The instructor is there for that exact reason. And to teach the class, of course!
3. Follow the form of the instructor!
Spinning is a very technical activity when it comes to form. There are many different positions, and you’re constantly in and out of the bike seat. Along with having incorrect bike measurements, incorrect form could lead to injury.
4. Get into the music!
Like many workouts, spin classes are mostly revolved around the music that is playing. For example, when a song speeds up, you’re mostly going to sprint. If it’s slow and steady, it’s probably doing some form of climb. Either way, when you get into the music and feel your body syncing with it, the class tends to be way more enjoyable!
5. Wear proper clothing!
I highly suggest wearing leggings or some type of longer active pants only because the chair is most likely cause irritation on the thighs in shorts, and no one wants that. And keep in mind, you are also bound to sweat A LOT!
6. Bring a friend!
Like the first point, this one is pretty self-explanatory. Bringing a friend anywhere will make anything automatically better! You have someone by your side cheering you on while also going through the same workout!
If you are to follow these tips, you will survive your spin class! It will not be easy by any means, but manageable! On a final note, do not be intimidated by those around you because they were all in your place at some point. Happy spinning!