Spinning class with small feet

[ProfoundlyPeculiarAndWeird]

I'm a size five and the straps attached to the pedals of stationary bikes at my gym are too big to keep my feet in what feels like the correct position - i.e. with the ball of the foot (rather than the mid-foot) pressing on the peddles.

Does anyone have any tips for correcting this, e.g. something I can shove into the space at the front of my foot?

In other respects, too, the bikes seem designed to accommodate the size ranges of a man, rather than an average of male and female ranges. I'm 5 foot 5, hardly tiny, but even when I have the handlebars in their furthest-back position I find the distance between seat and handlebars too much. I can't put the seat further forward, because then it would be in a weird position in relation to the pedals.
Its annoying, and I'm sure it contributed to me developing poor technique for many years - with resulting neck and shoulder problems. I am now correcting my posture, thanks to Pilates, but the bike dimensions don't help with that at all.

How do others find this?

I want the middle of my foot on the pedals so I can push with the whole foot on standing.
Funny you should mention neck and shoulder pain, I’m suffering this at the moment and was wondering if it’s the spinning. Shame as I enjoy it, and I agree about the handles being too far away.
Would you consider using cleats?

I’m 5ft 3 and have had similar problems with the proportions of the bikes. But I don’t love spinning so it’s fine, I just don’t do it anymore and stick to weights and yoga. My husband says the clip-in shoes are a game-changer. You could probably pick up some bargains on Vinted to try.

Ah, shoes with cleats! I'm such a numpty that I was only cloudily aware of them and hadn't considered that option.

I will have a look around. Thanks too for the Vinted suggestion.

Definitely get shoes with cleats! Also get the instructor to help set up your bike

The bikes are usually highly adjustable I find. The straps can be made tighter etc.

Just reminded me why I dislike spinning. Standing hurt my shoulders too much.

I’m a size 3, shoes with cleats are definitely the way forward!

Definitely cleats. You'll want some SPDs and this will be a good start for positioning too because it will put (and keep) your foot in the right position on the pedal. Arrange to get to the class a little earlier if you can, and spend some time with the instructor helping you to set up your bike.

If you still have a problem with cleats and set up support, talk to the manager. If you're having problems, you're not going to be the only one. They may be able to look at getting a couple of alternative size/style bikes in.

Cleats! I’m the same height and shoe size and have been spinning for years. Changed to cleats 2 years back and noticed a vast improvement and less shoulder and back pain. You can actually drive your legs correctly and feel much more stable.

Thanks all.

Are all cycle shoe cleats the same, or do I have to check the bikes at my gym and source compatible cleats?

I'm thinking that I just want to buy the absolutely cheapest shoe-with-cleats that will do the job.

Am really enjoying getting back into spinning. For years I was put off, not just by shoulder/neck issues but because the instructors at my gym stopped co-ordinating the cycling tempo with the tempo of the music. That meant that the music was just noise and didn't give me that lovely crazy boost.

But now my gym has a branded 'RPM' class once a week that always matches the music. It creates such a high, during and for a little while after.

(I get so sweaty its embarrassing. Showers of sweat like a burly bloke.)

It’s worth checking with others what shoes they wear but yes I think all should be compatible.

Thanks v much @Gymbunny2025

If you dont leave a sweaty puddle, you arent doing it right 🤣

You probably want SPD cleats. These are the mountain bike style and usually the pedal flips over and you clip in there. Should be able to get a pair easily from somewhere like sports direct but just check the write up as you may need to buy the actual cleats separately. The other type of cleats are SPD-SL, it's v unlikely to be these but just check with the instructor.

Thanks, @Artifishal that's helpful.

I find the same thing with the rowing machines. I’m a size five too so pretty ave gave bit the straps are still too big for my feet. It’s really irritating.

No problem at all! I'm trying to get back into it too after a 7 year short hiatus. I'm having the same problem though, despite being the same instructors, it's now all about hitting certain RPM with specified numerical resistance on the new very techy bike computers rather than just cranking up the resistance and hitting the beat. It's just not the same!

Yes! It's the techy bikes that have caused this shift. Years and years ago, before the bikes showed numbers, there were some really brilliant instructors at my gym who really knew how to motivate, and how to use the music.

Now, most instructors just bark instructions about specific resistance levels and specific paces - which you can barely hear over the roar of music that is not even being used at all.

It is another example of tech causing an over-abundance of data, like fitbits that nag you about this and that. Useful for elite performers trying to get to their absolute best, but just a gimmick for the rest of us.

Luckily we have one great session a week now which is like the old days.

I'm 5'1" and a size 4, and I don't find this... we have stages bikes and I sit quite far back to make it easier on my sit bones. I hold the handlebars lightly so as not to flex my spine and create tension in my neck and shoulders. Could it be that?
I do teach though, just 1 class a week, but no consoles, lots of old school house music and my whole class is planned to work 100% with the music, so you come out feeling like you've been in a 90s rave for 45 mins. It's SO much fun! You can tell I was born in 1975!

Sorry I quoted your post PPW just as I agree with you!