Spinning class - is it as scary as it looks?? Reassure me please.

[Oldisthenewblack]

Talk to me about spinning....I've never been to a spinning class and am a tad intimidated. It looks really HARD. What if I get knackered part way through (like, after about 2 minutes) and have to stop to get my breath? I'm not sure my legs are strong enough. Will I look like a plonker? They do that standing up thing, don't they, and I'm not sure I can do that!

Is spinning good, do you recommend it, what was it like at your first class? The bikes look scary too.

Any reassurance/support gratefully received

[bodenbiscuit]

Do you already do any kind of fitness class? I would recommend building yourself up a bit before attempting spin. It is difficult but definitely doable. I find it boring but it's a good cardio work certainly.

[TheGreenTriangle]

I started going to one last year, the session was during the day (so mostly ladies and generally middle aged, just the mix at that gym at that time of day). It was a good workout and as a beginner, the instructor made sure I had options that I could manage, so it wasn't so hard that I fell off the bike. Go for it!

[TooManyButtons]

I did my first class a couple of weeks ago. I'm overweight and pretty unfit, but I survived!

The instructor said I should aim to just keep the pedals turning and not worry about keeping up with the class. I did do the standy uppy bits but couldn't manage them all, so just sat back down and pedalled steadily until I got my breath back.

The 45 minutes flew by, and I was so proud I'd done it! The worst bit was sitting down the next day (and the day after that )

[ClaudiaWankleman]

I have been to spinning classes with probably around 12 different instructors now. They all have different styles, different types of music etc, so you would probably like to try a few classes at different times if possible

With regards to friendliness and accessibility to beginners, all classes have been very friendly. Arrive five minutes early and make sure you mention that you've not been before. Any good instructor will help you set up the bike (try and remember a couple of the numbers on the seat height etc so it's easier next time) and will explain about resistance and following the class structure.

As said before, the most important thing is to keep going. Stopping is lethal, but you can always turn down the resistance and recover.

Make sure you bring a towel and water. It'll be really tough but you can do it and love it (as I do!)
Good luck!

[foofooyeah]

Suggest you try and find a 30 min one to start with and build up to longer ones. First time I did one I had to lay down in the changing room afterwards, but it doesn't take long to build up your stamina and fitness.

[Oldisthenewblack]

Thanks all - really appreciate the replies! bodenbiscuit - yes, I've been going to the gym for the past year, doing some cardio and weights here and there. Wouldn't say I'm strong though - I have M.E. so energy is limited and strength is not great. Having said that, it's much improved and I tend to throw all my available energy into my gym work (no social life...)

TooManyButtons - that's reassuring, thank you. I realise my arse and legs are going to kill me for days afterwards, but this is a price I'm willing to pay

Actually, when I was at the gym yesterday, I spoke to one of the female trainers and she was lovely and helpful. Showed me the bikes and recommended I attend her spinning class to begin with.

ClaudiaW - "stopping is lethal"; shit!!! Oh well.....I did tell the trainer I may have to wander off in a daze half way through.

I am going to do it though - probably next Sunday.

[HooseRice]

I was reasonably fit when I did my first and only spinning class.

Every time the instructor told us to shift up a gear I did and the pedals just stopped. I had to do the whole class in neutral.

My legs were like jelly as I dismounted at the end of the session and I fell over exactly like Bridget Jones.

Never again.

[Greenteandchives]

Hi, I am sure it won't be as bad as you think. Concentrate on just keeping the pedals going to start with; you don't have to turn up the resistance when told to do so! I do it because it's good exercise, but I am always glad when it is over. Sweat pours off me. Have you had a go on the bikes first? This is worth doing, because they are nothing like an ordinary exercise bike. And your a**e will get used to it.....

[Oldisthenewblack]

Greentea no, I've not had a go on the bike yet. Will have to do that. I'm only wanting to do it to up my cardio and like you, all the participants seem to be pouring with sweat! So it looks like a good choice.

Hoose - that's quite funny (sorry). My legs get shaky too after intense exercise, so I know I'm going to have to dismount carefully or it's going to be messy and humiliating

[ClaudiaWankleman]

I'd like to add that you should definitely eat about 45 minutes before the class and bring a banana for afterwards!

[ApocalypseNowt]

I did a spinning class once when i was young and fairly fit.

I couldn't do all the standing up bits as my legs turned to jelly part way through. The instructor came over at one point and asked if i was ok. Never again.

[Oldisthenewblack]

Bloody hell. Terrified now. Mine you, if I manage it, then manage more than one, this could be the kick start my weight loss needs...

ClaudiaW - I could bring a banana, but I wouldn't be able to eat it due to being allergic....I suppose I could wave it around to signal that I require assistance as I lie, prone, on the floor of the spinning area....

[MackerelOfFact]

I've done one a week for about the last 2 years. It can be as intense or as easy as you make it really - you control you own resistance, so if you're struggling you can just come down a few gears or slow your pace down.

At my current gym the bikes are really good and have screens showing your speed and resistance, but at the precious gym you just knew if the resistance was high or low. I prefer having all the stats, so I know that it I'm meant to be at gear 16 doing 70rpm I can check that's where I am, rather that just guessing and hoping for the best.

It gets SO hot thoigh. Take a towel and position yourself under the air conditioning - - unless you go to my gym in which case stay away, that's my spot. - -

[GoldPlatedBacon]

It's fine. Just don't turn up the resistance if it's too much. Definitely take a towel though - you'll sweat buckets!

[nbee84]

I joined a gym last Easter and tried out all sorts of classes but I put off spinning for ages as they looked really scary and as if you needed to be super fit. I tried one at the beginning of this month and surprised myself by being able to do the whole class - though I didn't turn up the resistance every time they said to. I really enjoyed it and now try to do 1 or 2 spin classes each week.

[Oldisthenewblack]

I suspect the resistance will be low all the way for quite some time.....I'm going to nab a cycle at the back, and hopefully, as I'm short, I'll be well hidden

nbee - well done on doing the whole class first time! That's good going. I agree, it does look scary before you've participated, but then, the gym looked scary before i joined.

[nbee84]

Go for it! Come back and let us know what you thought and how you got on. Be aware that you'll have have a sore backside just from sitting on the saddle!

[Craftycakey15]

I was just going to post the same enquiry! I have let my fitness go and only been doing pilates and yoga the past year so am a bit scared of spin but want to try. I figure I can just leave after 10 minutes at the beginning and build up.

[Oldisthenewblack]

That's what I thought too, Crafty, and the lovely trainer woman I spoke to regarding doing her spin class said that was fine, just give her a wave as i left to signal I'd had enough! I think building up is a good idea if we can't hack the full class in one go - no shame in weaving a wobbly line towards the changing room

[BrendaandEddie]

i bloody LOVE spinning.
Its in the dark, its fast, its exhilarating. Agree with everyone - just keep pedalling, you simply wont be able to keep up with the class if you are unfit but DONT STOP

also dont just do one class and decide, do a few. you will soon get the bug

[BrendaandEddie]

dont leave!
Just sit and pedal

[Oldisthenewblack]

Thanks Brenda, though this class isn't in the dark; I'd be much less nervous if it was. It's actually at one end of the gym, so in theory other gym people can have a good old nosey at you if they feel so inclined. Like I do

I will indeed sit and pedal. I now have a vision of a sweaty corpse perched on the spinning bike, long after the class has dispersed.

[WhoKn0wsWhereTheMistletoes]

Do you have to stand? I've got prolapses and have been advised by a physio never to stand on bike pedals, or bear down really hard with my legs while seated (I get off and walk when road cycling gets steep).

[Oldisthenewblack]

I've myself into the class. Scared now [shock}

[BrendaandEddie]

i remember hating it for MONTHS but persevering. If I gave up I knew i would never ever do again.
I would set yourself a target of 10 classes then buy yourself some new fitness wear.
Start smiling and saying hi to the people - too many newbies scuttle in and we want to give them encouraging smiles!