Does spinning get more enjoyable?

[PissPotPourri]

I do a body pump, body conditioning and some cardio based workouts regularly. Loads of people have suggested I try spinning too.
I went for the first time this morning… popular instructor- I assume this means a good instructor.
It was hell. Hot, sweaty, pushing yourself to the max, then once you’re there, pushing yourself to the max again and again. I was literally watching the clock waiting for it to be over.
On the plus side, I’ve come out feeling tight around most of my upper leg area, and like I’ve burnt a ton of calories, so it obviously works.
Has anyone else felt similar after their first spin class and if so, does it get more enjoyable? Should I persevere?

It's the only class I do...I love it!!!

I don't like the classes anymore I do Les Mills on Demand in the spin studio in my gym when it is empty. Also do body pump like this now.

I hated the first spin class I did but was persuaded to book up for another. I love spinning now - I think it’s the best cardio exercise I’ve ever done. I'd book another class if I were you.

Oooh it’s the only class I’ll do at the gym! Love spinning such a good work out. I love running outside but sometimes I’ll mix it up with a spin class. Stick with it

hmmmm ok, I’ll give it another go. I do feel like I’ve had a jolly good workout… perhaps I just need to be a bit fitter!

Fun fact.

I don't know the answer to your question OP, but when I was about 19, I turned up to a 'Spin Class' being run in a gym, in their dance hall

I went in thinking I'd be spinning, as in spinning in circles and stuff as a workout and thought it sounded fun

I was really confused when I saw all the bikes!

I love spinning, it's loads of fun! I just do it to the best of my ability and don't worry if I can't keep up with fast bits for as long etc, I'll get there one day

I could hardly walk for a week after my first spin class but went back and kept it up about 3 times a week for 6 years or so.

It never gets easier as you'll always push harder the more you get used to it but I managed to stop clock watching and zoned out. Oh, your nether regions tend to toughen up after a few classes and the seats don't hurt as much!

Some instructors do more enjoyable routines than others and there can be some rogue bikes which are calibrated wrongly so are much harder .... but, yes, you get into it when you've done more classes and the good thing is that as long as you look as though you're roughly working at the same speed and intensity as the others, no one actually knows what gear you're on. Or you might just hate it - it's not for everyone!

Just wanted to add, I bought a gel seat cover pad thing off Amazon which makes it more comfortable

I keep thinking about trying but am worried about getting saddle sore halfway through. We have a lot of virtual classes and my friend suggested I pick a quiet one and go on a bike at the back but I'm still nervous I won't be able to finish. I haven't ridden a bike for years and in the gym I only use the ones with a regular seat not a saddle.

Do you wear padded cycling shorts? I have got some somewhere.

In my experience the classes really vary depending on your instructor. My regular class is the best. fun, with lots of choreo like balancing on one arm in time with the music, tap backs etc. full body workout with press ups etc too. the instructor always perfectly times the music to the rpm so you can cycle on the beat which makes it more fun! she also starts with easier tracks so you warm up a bit before you get to climbing and sprinting.

I went to a different instructors class last week and it was SO different. It was very tough. legs only. no choreo, just climb race and sprint - he would ask us to speed up so we were not in time with the music which i hate. there was lots of “does it hurt? GOOD”.

you could maybe try a different instructor? I love spin with my usual instructor but hated it with the other!

Bloody love spinning. It’s a class where you can really just let go and forget all worries. My gym holds classes in a dark room - it’s brilliant if you’re feeling antisocial!

Yes, that odd how this class was- legs only.
Blocks of 6 minutes, split into 2 minute sections of standing climbs then flat races. Again and again..

As I say, the instructor is really popular so I guess it is seen as a good class, but who knows? I’ll need to try some different instructors to form an opinion

And yes, to those who mentioned it- I was glad for the stand up bits to give my poor undercarriage a rest from the saddle 😱

Oh, that's another thing, is much of it standing on the pedals? I have prolapses and it's something I've been advised against. I'm not balanced enough to do it on a real bike so never been an issue.

Yes, about half was standing

Oh in that case I think I'm out, thanks.

@EasilyDefined quite a few in my Spin class don't stand and just continue to sit through those bits. So that could be an option for you 😊

There were two ladies in front of me who were choosing to not stand. I think they say to stand for the harder gears, but I guess you can do as hard as you can do sitting down.
If you were thinking about it, maybe dig out your padded shorts and give it a go- you can talk to the instructor beforehand about what you don’t feel comfortable doing. I don’t think anything is ever compulsory in a class.
Try it!

Good point, I always talk to other instructors about my various restrictions and limitations including that one. Standing itself isn't the problem, it's the pushing down hard. Whereas for slower full leg exercises you can use breathing and posture to make it safer for the pelvic floor.

It's just a bit demoralising when you go to a class and realise you are going to have to modify it to such an extent it's not worth doing (I found this with a new pilates class recently, others I have been able to work round).

I spin 3x a week. I don’t always stand in the standing bits due to dodgy ankle tendons. The good thing about spin is you can do it at your own pace.

i keep mean8ng to try the Peleton app on a bike in the spin studio when there’s no class on. Does anyone know if that’s possible?

It’s the only class I do at the gym, I absolutely love it and squeeze in 2 50 minute classes during my lunchbreak throughout the week. They are virtual classes but I did enough with an instructor that I’m comfortable setting my own limitations etc. I leave feeling so great (and sometimes a bit queasy if I’ve overdone it!).
I never bothered with seat covers or padded shorts, once you’ve got over the first couple of weeks and stay diligent about going the pain went away (for me anyway).