Here are a few things to remember before your first Spin class:
1. Get there early. Preferably 15 minutes prior to class so the instructor can properly set you up on the bike. If you walk in as the class is starting, expect annoyed glares.
2. Wear comfortable clothes. Yes, I once watched a certain unknowing male attempt jean shorts. Bad visual. Can't even fathom how it must have felt.
3. If you sit next to the guy who just did the Tour De France, don't expect to pedal at his pace. That'll take a few more classes. Just do what you can.
4. Keep your focus. Hardest part about spinning. We're a society who is constantly distracted. It's easy to stare at yourself and think about the 1,000 other things going on in your life, but remember that this is YOUR time, YOUR workout, YOUR efforts. You can go back to saving the world in less than an hour.
5. Nope, your butt won't get bigger the more resistance you have on the bike. In fact, it just might get smaller.
6. No one really cares how you look. They're just like you. They're staring at themselves.
7. If you're bored, add resistance. The only thing you should be thinking about is how hard you're working.
8. If after a few classes, you decide that you in fact, love the workout, for the love of God -- and your feet/knees/low back -- invest in a good pair of spinning shoes.
9. Thank yourself. And if you reallyyyy liked it, thank your instructor :-)
10. Be proud of yourself that you made it to the gym. Now let that go and wrap your head around the 45-minutes or an hour of really hard work you have in front of you, and do it.
Keep Climing,
ELD
4 comments:
Thnaks for creating this blog! And special thanks to that 60 year old woman who made it through your class...gives me hope. I have what I think is a legitimate question: how do you DO this spin thing without feeling like you're losing a lung?? Treadmill, I'm fine...but spinning kills my lungs. I just don't seem to enjoy it as much as others. Is there a trick to Spin Breathing? I'm ok on a road bike, but spin class kicks my butt.
You have to start slowly, just like you started on the treadmill years ago. You don't ever need to go with the pace of the class, you do exactly what you can without feeling like a lung is going to collapse. Over time, that threshold will grow stronger, and, so will you.
Seems I always have that issue in class...comparison. Will give it another try!
The Steady Climb is the best spinning instructor in Boston because she brings out the rider in each member of the class. While we all ride together, we each ride at the cadence and resistance that is correct for us. The Steady Climb has a nice vibe, good form on the bike, and excellent room presence. You can't help but leave her class inspired. Same goes for her website. If you're on the fence about taking up spinning, read everything she has to say and then saddle up. It will be a great personal journey for you.
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