Thinking of starting Spin - what do I need to know?!

[Yamyam13]

I'm active, and until I got a dog 6 months ago was running regularly, 20 or so Km a week with some resistance training at home, so was/am quite fit.
Because of dog, I now walk instead, 1-2 hours a day but iI don't feel its a proper work out for me.
I need to really get my heart rate up & use my muscles more to feel good and see results. I've always been tempted by spin as I like pushing myself and am really motivated by music, and I like an adrenaline rush. Also, running is taking its toll on my knees.
But I've never been much of gym or class goer (as in, NEVER). Another reasom why I run/walk.
But I think I am ready for Spin as I really want to replace my running and see some results and I think its something I could enjoy, but it does also sound a bit terrifying!

So, what do I need to know?!
How can I prepare for my first spin class?
Tell me everything.

A gym nearby does 20 mins classes which they advise as good for beginners.

I love it (I bought a peloton)
Get there a bit early and tell them it's your first class and they will show you how to set up the bike
Take water and a small gym towel
If you can't manage the resistance they suggest then have it a bit lower and just keep your legs moving

It's weird but I find it's the only thing that zones me out. Yoga etc does nothing for me but spin is my mental health self care

I’d second getting there a bit early to get help with your bike.

It can be a bit full on, so remember you can always slow down or sit down when you need to.

Try not to have the setting too light - it’s terrible for your knees and won’t give you a workout. It you’re bobbing about in the saddle, it’s too light.

MsOllie inspired me to try a spin class i have totally lost my running mojo (and acquired a sniffy, slow dog) so decided to go for spin instead. I like that it gives me the feeling of a hard run but I've someone telling me what to do. Unlike ArtVandalay, i find sitting much harder than standing so see what works for you. And you can lighten the resistance a little if it gets too heavy. I do agree though, get help to make sure your bike is set right...and enjoy the burn.

It’s SO HARD!!! Every time the instructor tells us to turn up the resistance I think ‘surely not, it’s not possible to make this any harder’.

It goes in really quickly though which I like about it and does burn a lot of calories if you’re pushing yourself.

20 minutes sounds like the ideal beginners class.

A towel is a must to wipe the sweat that drips off your face :D

I find the best classes are the ones who work to RPM rather than the resistance levels on the bike. We used to have an amazing instructor who taught a proper indoor cycling class rather than just peddling to music which some of them seem to be. He always gave guideline resistance but his would obviously be higher than mine and you turned it up from there, aiming to be pushing to maintain the target rpm.
I’d also recommend padded cycling shorts if you go regularly, the bike seats are awful!

Why can't you run with the dog? My 10m old adores running on trails and the beach with me. Basically anywhere you walk with the dog just run?

Okay sorry just saw you want to replace running. I hear soul cycle is brilliant.

I have just started a light on and off jog with dog but she's a large breed and only 8m so I'm a bit wary, plus live in the city so a lot of pavement pounding, also not great for their joints at this stage.
I defo would like to still do the odd jog and esp incorporate with walks once she's over 1

What is Soul Cycle? Sounds fun...