How to Survive Your First Spinning Class

Spinning is a great form of exercise. For folks who are not familiar spinning, a spinning class is basically a bunch of cyclers riding stationery bikes to music (preferably loud music). That may not sound exciting, but once you try a spinning class you’ll either love it or hate it. The more imaginative class participants get to close their eyes and imagine they are peddling right next to Lance Armstrong at the Tour de France with wind blowing in the hair, fans cheering and all. However, before getting carried away, there are a few things to consider in order to survive your first spinning class.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Evaluate to your physical condition. Spinning classes are not for the feint of heart. In order to survive your first class it’s best to truly evaluate your current physical condition. Even folks in peak physical condition have been known to consider spinning a challenge.

2. Lower your expectations. If you are new to spinning and are in moderate physical shape, don’t expect to perform like the seasoned spinners. Keep in mind that the veteran spinners have been spinning for quite some time and have built up the appropriate muscles and endurance to withstand the class.

3. Wear the right clothing. Cute spandex outfits are great to look at, but if you’re new to spinning, you’ll want to wear a pair of padded biking shorts. Bike shorts is not mandatory, but it is an important ingredient to surviving your first spinning class.

4. Bring a cushioned bike seat. Do you see the reoccurring theme here? A cushioned bike seat and padded shorts will help you to survive. Many newbies feel that they have enough natural padding and turn their nose up at the thought of adding additional cushion to their derrières. Those very same newbies are the ones attempting to drive home from the spinning class standing up. Bike seats in spinning classes can be brutal on the newbie posterior.

5. Bring a large bottle of water. As with any form of sustained exercise its important to remain hydrated.

6. Carry a towel. There’s no delicate way to put it. Spinners sweat and they sweat profusely. To prevent sweat from dripping into your eyes while spinning bring a towel.

Tips & Warnings

• You don’t have to know how to ride a bike to take spinning classes.
• The key to surviving your first spinning class is moderation. If you find that you’re winded or cannot keep up with the class, work at your own pace.