Trying anything new at a health spa or gym can be intimidating. Face it, you’re new and it feels like everyone else around you have been there for years and knows exactly what they’re doing. Wrong! More often than not, there’s someone else in the class or on the machine next to you that feels the same way. Take it from someone who’s been there, done that. I have belonged to six different gyms over 17 years. I’ve learned a thing or two just by speaking up and asking questions.
Spinning is simply aerobics on a bicycle. The first time I tried a spinning class I was hooked, even though my butt hurt like the dickens the next day. I went back anyway and I haven’t stopped since. This guide will help you get the courage to try a spinning class and see for yourself how much fun spinning (or any other gym class) can be. Step out of your discomfort zone and get into the spinning zone.
Know the schedule. Ask the front desk at your gym for a schedule of all the classes. Be sure to pick a class that fits your fitness level. Don’t pick a spinning class for advanced spinners for your first time or you’ll be sorry.
Arrive to class early and introduce yourself to the instructor. This is very important for spin class. Let the instructor know that it’s your first time and they will help you adjust your bike to fit your height. Once the class starts, the instructor will review all the safety rules to the whole class and tips to help you get the most out of your workout. A good instructor will pay attention to their class. If you’re struggling, they will notice and announce a tip to the whole class to help you without singling you out.
Have water and a towel. Make sure you have lots of water and a towel. You will sweat like you’ve never sweat before!
Don’t be afraid of resistance. That little red knob down there is your best friend. Not only will adding resistance to your bike give you a great workout, it will help your butt not to bounce up and down, which makes your butt super sore the next day. You want to make sure you have a enough resistance to the pedals to match the speed you’re going. If your butt is bouncing up and down, turn that knob a little more.
The instructor is trained to kill you. OK, not really. But when it’s time to add resistance to your pedals, the instructor will turn that knob on his or her bike A LOT so don’t feel obligated to do the same. Sometimes the instructor will do a series of adding a little resistance multiple times. If you feel you’re already maxed out, you don’t have to add resistance every time. Sometimes I turn the knob a tiny bit and other times I don’t turn it at all. It’s your workout so you make the best of it.
Look around. Still feeling a bit intimated? Look around and notice that no one is watching you, really.
Get in the zone. Spinning can be very therapeutic. The lights are usually down low and sometimes black lights are on. It’s easy to get into “the zone” so add some resistance, close your eyes and take all your frustrations and stress out on your bike. I also like to imagine myself biking through the mountains up high near the clouds and all alone.
Thank the instructor. Just like you, everyone else is feeling shy too so when the instructor calls out “how ya all doin’ out there?” and no one answers back, you should thank the instructor at the end. At least you survived to the end to do so.
Spinning classes are a lot of fun and it’s a great way to release stress. Be assured that no one is watching or making fun of you for not knowing what you’re doing. Try smiling at the person next to you and ask questions. That person has been in the spinning class at least once before and they went back, so they just might know a thing or two to help you out as well.
