January 14, 2014

5 Tips for Your First Spin Class...ever or just in a while!

I decided to switch up my workout last night and thought I'd share! A new indoor cycling or spinning studio just opened up in Baltimore called REV Cycle Studio. Since I don't have a gym membership anymore I have been itching to take some group fitness classes, especially with the cold winter weather we have been having. With their introductory savings of 30% off class packages for the month of January (use coupon code REVITUP), it seemed the perfect chance to try out some spinning classes! I made a reservation for a class last night-choosing the 45 minute over the 60 minute class to ease me back into spinning. 

I have only taken spin classes about a dozen times in my life with the last one being over a year ago so I was feeling unsure of how the class would go. The bikes had cages on the pedals so it was okay that I didn't have fancy clip in cycling shoes (although the clip ins are recommended if you plan to take a lot of classes). The class ended up being great, and I left a sweaty mess! The studio is a beautiful space, and the class wasn't very crowded which was good for my first ride back on the bike.  We even were handed refreshing cool towels after the class was over which felt amazing. The class was full of high-intensity speed intervals mixed in with longer blocks of climbs. I forgot how great of a workout spinning is! If you have considered trying out spin, or like me it's been a while since you've taken a class, I've come up with some tips and reminders for when you decide to get back in the saddle!


5TipsforYourFirstSpinClass

1. Wear comfortable clothing. I find I'm most comfortable in form-fitting or compression capri pants and  a moisture-wicking, looser tank or short-sleeved shirt.  You are going to be sitting on the bike so capris or pants are a no brainer, and I like a top that is going to be comfortable and dry when I am sweating a lot during class. 

2. Bring a towel and water bottle. Unless you have the amazing ability to do an intense workout without breaking a sweat or getting thirsty, bring these. I always leave a spin class a sweaty mess if I've been working hard!

3. Arrive early and get comfy! Arrive early so you can find your bike and make all the necessary adjustments to it. I'm no spin expert, but I know that if you stand on the left side of the bike the saddle and handlebars should be around hip height, your legs are fairly extended, and to leave enough room so your knees aren't hitting the handlebars when you are standing up on the bike pedals. Ask the instructor if you need help getting set up!

4. Your butt will be sore the next day. I knew my butt was going to be sore the minute I sat down. I never feel too comfortable on the bike seats, and my butt and lady parts always take some adjusting to sitting on the bike. Apparently you can get padded cycling shorts that help if you plan on being a spin regular!

5. Talk to the instructor. If it's your first spin class or you have no idea how to adjust your bike, let the instructor know! It's going to be awful if you are uncomfortable on the bike or don't know the lingo during class. 

Couldn't stop at five-here's a bonus tip! 6. Go at your own pace.  It's fine to be motivated by others during the class to keep pedaling as fast as you can during intervals or adding just as much resistance as the girl next to you, but know that it's okay to go at your own pace. As long as you are pushing yourself, it doesn't matter how your speed or resistance compares to others-nobody else is looking! Last night my bike was closer to the front of the class so I could really focus on the instructor and my workout instead of what others around me. 

Disclaimer: I am not a personal trainer or fitness professional, just fitness enthusiast! As always, consult with a doctor before beginning any exercise routine. Consult with a certified spin instructor before taking a class!


Have you ever taken a spin class? Do you try different workouts in the winter?

26 comments:

  1. Nice! I need to get back into it if I'm going to do a triathlon this summer. The indoor triathlon I did used spin bikes - good lord my butt was sore the next day. ouch.

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    1. Butt soreness to the max-good luck with triathlon training!

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  2. I love, love, LOVE spin, thanks only to a phenomenal instructor friend. I would go to her class, she knew I didn't care for spin, but you can't beat the amazing sweat you get from it.... however, now I'm a convert. I actually love. So much so that I'm going to pursue a spin cert to add to my bag.

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    1. That's great that you are a spin lover-good luck with getting certified. I definitely need to go to more spin classes!

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  3. I haven't gone to spin class in a few years! I always enjoyed it. I must second making sure you get there early, because people give you the evil eye if you're late!

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    1. Yeah being late is a no-go,haha, and I hate being late anyways!

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  4. but for reals, the towel is a must. so sweaty!

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  5. I just went to my first spin class last month and absolutely loved it! These tips are so helpful!!

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  6. Padded cycling shorts and some chamois butter (think Body Glide) are very nice additions when you're on an uncomfortable seat and getting soaked in sweat!

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    1. Oh I didn't think about body glide. I have some from running so I may use that for spin too!

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  7. Those are great! I haven't ever tried a spin class but we have them here. I just need to bite the bullet and DO IT!

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    1. Yes, try it out at least once-it's a great workout!

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  8. I'm a certified spinning instructor, but haven't taught (or attended a class) in about a year. Thanks for reminding me of what I'm missing! :)

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  9. I just went to my first spin class tonight and I agree with all of these! I was so nervous about going but the instructor was awesome and everyone but me and one other woman were in the front row (I was in the back) so I got to watch them for tips while hiding in the back :) I didn't go all out because I didn't know what to expect but I'm excited to push myself in my next class! I'm jealous of your cooled towels though!

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    1. Glad my tips will be helpful to people! Sometimes it's nice to see what's going on from the back, have fun spinning again!

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  10. Great tips, thank you!! I'm going to spin class tonight and was trying to decide what to wear....capris it is!!

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  11. Spinning is such an awesome workout. I've been teaching since...wait for it...1999! I love that young and old, athlete, nonathlete newbies and veterans of fitness can take the class. These are great tips going to pin them!

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    1. Whoa that's awesome that you have been teaching for so long. Thanks for stopping by!

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  12. This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information at this first spin class.

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  13. The bikes had cages on the pedals so it was okay that I didn't have fancy clip in cycling shoes. Although the clip ins are recommended if you plan to take a lot of classes for your first spin bike.

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    1. That's good! I heard it feels a little different if you have clip in pedals and is probably easier to sprint etc.

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  14. Nice post. I was looking like this. Really it is very useful and informative post. Thanks for sharing. Thanks again!

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