In no way whatsoever am I a spinning expert, BUT I have been consistently going to classes for a little over a month now and I thought I would share some of my beginner tips. I mean, it doesn’t take years to learn a few good lessons!
So after the post about my first spinning class experience, I got a few questions about what made me want to try, what it is exactly, how many calories I burned, etc. Looking back in retrospect, I went about the whole thing entirely the wrong way. I just woke up and decided to go one day and did the research later after I realized I enjoyed the class. And now, I want to share some of that research and my own personal experiences. Basically, these are the things I wish I had known before I went to my first class.
First things first, spinning is a low impact aerobic exercise that involves a stationary bike, loud music, and an instructor guiding the class through different “terrains.” Depending on your gym or studio, the bikes will probably vary. At my gym, the rider gets to set the resistance based on the perceived rate of exertion (more on that in a minute). The room is usually dark, and at my gym, the instructors play videos. The most popular being Tour de France.
Now, I only have spinning experience at one gym, and things may be different wherever you decide to take classes, so understand that some of this information may vary. So at my gym, the five levels of resistance are light, light to moderate, moderate, moderate to heavy, and heavy. And again, the rider has to decide what each one means for him/her. Moderate for one person may be heavy for another. The instructor will yell out the levels and guide the class the entire time so that everyone knows when to turn the knob and increase or decrease the resistance. And every class I have been to has been different – even when it’s the same instructor teaching it. The style is most always the same, but the ride is always a little different. For example, in my class today, we started off at light to moderate, went into heavy, and stayed there for a good portion of the class, whereas last week we started off at moderate, went into heavy, back to moderate, etc.
If you’d like more information on the core movements that occur during class, take a look at this document. And if you’d like to know more about hand placement, go here. Both of these are way better than any explanation I could give. My best advice for adjusting the bike is to just ask the instructor for help. He or she can help determine the appropriate settings. And as far as form is concerned, the two things I’ve learned to pay attention to are my shoulders and my elbows. Shoulders should be relaxed the entire time, and elbows should be in.
So, most classes last for 45-60 minutes, with light stretching at the end. I have no idea how many calories I personally burn, but I hear most people burn 500-800 a class. Again, it just depends on the individual and the level of exertion put forth.
Thankfully there hasn’t been anyone like that in my classes. Everyone is super nice and encouraging!
Now for a few of my personal tips.
1. ALWAYS bring at least one bottle water. If you don’t have water, don’t go to class. Trust me on this!
2. Make sure you have at least one towel with you during class. And get ready to sweat!!
3. Leave enough time at the beginning of class to adjust your bike. I’ve seen people come in right as class is starting and because the room is dark, they have to either deal with the setting as is or leave. Most stay and deal with it. Ouch!
4. Take it easy your first couple of classes. Make sure your form is correct. Ask questions after class if necessary. Expect to be sore after the first class (and maybe the next couple as well). And never base your progress on what others are doing. The beauty of spinning, in my opinion, is that it’s an individualized workout – base it on your own capabilities and limits.
5. Light resistance does NOT mean no resistance at all – always make sure there is some form of resistance when you’re spinning. No resistance is bad for your knees. I just learned this a few weeks ago. Oops!
6. Something I learned pretty early on is ensure that my weekly workouts are full of variety. For example, I take spin twice a week, run twice a week, and do some strength training one to two times a week. I am also trying to make it to at least one yoga class a week. And from what I can tell so far, all of this variety has made me stronger.
7. Be sure to fuel properly. Don’t ever go to class on an empty stomach. For example, I go to the 5:50-6:40 am class at my gym, and I make sure to eat a good solid dinner the night before, a small snack on my way to the gym, and a wholesome breakfast before I head to work. Something I was not expecting right away was for my hunger levels to increase so much. Now, on spin days, I’m sure to pack a good lunch and a couple of snacks (always include some protein).
8. Most importantly, have fun! If you find that you don’t like a particular instructor’s style, try another class. Give it a fair chance. It can be intimidating at first, but you’ll never truly know if it’s for you if you don’t try!
Just look at home much fun these guys and gals are having!
Are you a regular spin class attendee? Any tips to share? And if you’re not, what’s holding you back?
I haven’t gone spinning in AGES but it definitely is a great workout! I always feel on cloud 9 after a class! Fortunately there is a spinning studio in Mumbai but it’s about a 20 minute drive away which makes me less inclined to go on a weekday! This post has really got me pumped to go for the class on Saturday morning- it’ll definitely be a nice change of pace from my current workouts! Another tip I would add is to let the instructor know that it’s your first class – that way he/she will keep looking your way and ensure you are okay with the different moves and positions! Oh and I definitely needed to read this post before my 1st ever spinning class- I fell prey to both # 1 & 2!
Yes, definitely let the instructor know you if you’re new. That way they can keep an eye on you! I’m excited you’re going to go this weekend…let me know if it’s just as awesome!!
loved this…because i’ve never been to a spin class. i never would have thought they’d be dark!
Yep its dark and they turn on like 3 different fans…I love the atmosphere!
wow our posts are very similar today!! i finally tried a spinning class last night and I can really relate to your tips! I think spinning is great, but like you said variety is key, i’m planning on mixing it with yoga and body pump, as a fun cardio addition for a week of great full body options!
I think that’s a great mix of workouts. I really want to try Body Pump, but it’s not offered at my gym. 🙁
I just went to spinning twice, and the first time i loved it, the second time i didn’t. I think it depends on the instructor. for me, the music plays a huge role, i love fast dancy type music. 🙂 It’s an intense workout.
The instructor and music make the class. Period.
SO helpful. I’ve never tried spinning because it intimidates me, but I keep saying I will. I know how much people love it 🙂 Thanks for the tips!
Definitely try it out when you’re ready! It’s a blast!
Mila at Lofty Appetite wrote a very similar post today — great minds think alike 🙂
I know! And the similarities in our posts blew my mind!! 🙂
I’ve stopped spinning for a long time now. Perhaps I should join again?? Thanks for the tips — would come handy soon 🙂
As a Spinning instructor, I must say that I love all of your tips! You NAILED it!!
The only other one i would add is “it’s not social hour. Don’t spend the whole class time talking loudly to the person on the bike next to you.” 🙂
People talk during class!? Is that even possible??? 🙂
Spinning IS fun. I love it, and I miss it. I wish my gym offered spin classes at more convenient times. My favorite instructor teaches on 9:30 a.m. on Fridays. I can never get there due to work.
Gah! That’s no fun. I’m hoping I find a great gym like the one I have now when I get married and move again. The morning class is so convenient. Maybe if you can find more people who share the same frustration, they’ll change things around to where you can go once or twice a week. Worth a try!
I have never tried a spinning class. I always alternated my workout between cardio, strength and yoga. Your post is tempting me to try one 🙂