10 Things to Know Before Your First Spin Class

Spin Class

This informative and beneficial article on spinning was written by Brice Hagood of www.getinwaveshape.com. It discusses 10 key things that we can do before when we attend our first spinning class to ensure we enjoy it, feel the benefits and go again. Thanks Brice.

High 5,

Matt

10 Things to Know Before Your First Spin Class

Do you want to improve your riding skills and bring it to the next level? What about giving a spin class a try?

A spin class is a powerful cycling workout on a stationary apparatus loaded with weighted flywheel that is attached to the pedals. It is a stationary bike that requires you to constantly move your legs and apply pressure by moving fast or slow. It is considered as a popular form of workout in most parts of the world right now. It is also a great way in toning the legs and keeping your heart healthy.

Spin classes can last for approximately 45-60 minutes and are led by an instructor who will tell you when you need to slow down or pedal hard. You just can't stop because every second counts in a spin class.

It sounds strenuous, doesn’t it? There are a lot of things to look forward to in the class. Though it can be challenging at first, there are a lot of things that you can look forward to:

1. Expect To Burn Calories
This is a high intensity workout so expect sweat and heavy legs after a long straight class. Participants might not be able to notice how long they are pedalling for, as some classes are really enjoyable accompanied with the right music and the right instructor.

2. Look For the Right Spin Class for You
Shop around and don't hesitate to inquire to spin classes. If you want a fun and motivating vibe, you could look for the one the focuses on music while having the training. However, if you are specific for race intervals, then look for a class that has a qualified coach. Knowing the qualifications of the coach will give you assurance that your money will not be wasted while having fun.

3. Always Be Early
It's always a great way to stimulate yourself by being early and avoiding being late for it causes stress on you. Being early could give you enough time in checking the bike that you will use and setting the saddle and/or handlebars that best suits you. Through this, it can get you prepared for the training emotionally and physically.

4. Be Open for New Experiences
There will be some things that you wouldn't expect in the class like weights and "tap backs" but don't worry, everything will be explained to you so you wouldn't be clueless for the whole class. The instructor will surely assist you so just have fun and be open minded to the things you might encounter in a spin class.

5. Be Ready For DOMS
DOMS stands for "Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness" the next day you had a spin class. It's the soreness of muscle you feel after a hard day's workout when you use your muscles in a way that they are not used to. It's totally normal so just to calm your legs out from the soreness, plan a smooth and easy ride the next day. It would help you to relax the muscle.

6. Adjust the Saddle
You are now ready for your spin class emotionally and mentally however, physical comfort matters in a spin class. You must make sure that the saddle you are about to ride on feels comfortable for you and your hips. You'll be using the lower part of your body (legs) so be certain that you feel comfortable while having the training.

Riding the bike with the saddle that’s not suitable for you will have a huge effect on your posture. Posture is important in a spin class and also in other physical workouts. It affects how you breathe which has a great impact on your exercise. Put together, it keeps your stamina or endurance to its optimum level.

7. Know the Terminologies
"Resistance knob, flat road, gear up, and stand" are just some of the terms that would make you scratch your head during the whole spin class. Don't worry it would also be explained by the instructor but always take note of these for you will be encountering these phrases more often in your spin class.

8. Don't Clutch the Handlebars Too Tightly
You might be carried away while having a hard interval and having your hands hold the handlebars in a grip that's similar to falling off from a cliff. This might add tension to your muscles and in turn would lead you to a position that is not proper and inappropriate. Always make sure to keep your body upright and pay close concentration to it whenever possible.

9. Drink Plenty of Water
Water builds up two thirds of your body. It is an important nutrient that keeps the body functioning. It is a nice habit to drink water before you engage yourself in an intense physical activity. You are in for a sweaty exercise in the spin class so be prepared and have water bottle with you. According to Amanda Carlson, the director of performance for Athlete’s Performance, “one’s ability to perform well can vary differently by a very small amount of dehydration.” You will surely sweat a lot during this intense workout so keep in mind to stay hydrated.

10. Enjoy!
Last but surely not the least, ENJOY! You are in a spin class to gain new experiences and have new found friends and acquaintances that have the same interests as yours so loosen up and be ready to pump with the music.

Conclusion
There you go! You are now ready for your first spin class. Just like any other class, feel free to ask if there are some instructions that you are not sure about. Instructors are there to help you out and to make sure that you are doing all the exercises properly. It's filled up with positive results for you so don't stress yourself by being nervous and just have fun!
If you want to own a spin bike and do your spinning exercises at home as well, then here is a list of best spin bikes for home use!

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