squirrell

Colder weather has driven me back to the YMCA for working out, and so I did my first Spin class today. I have mixed feelings. I'm not sure I'll take another one or not. I didn't burn up many more calories than I would have on my own and the music was LOUD and not my style (including 2 rap songs ). I didn't like the "push-ups" on the handlebars either. So, will have to think about if I'll go back for another class or not.

Is this type of stuff normal for spin classes? (Push-ups on the handlebars, standing pedaling for up to 4 minutes, grabbing the adjustment knob on the front of the bike and pedaling like that, etc.)

Pinyon

I got used to the music, and found it fun after a while. What you listen to, and what you do in the class really depends on the instructor. Some instructors at my gym only play cutting edge international jazzy music, some ONLY dance/rap, others only classic rock (60s - 70s), and there is one dude that only plays blue-grass and country. Some instructors go for "whole body fitness" (push-ups, hip/dance moves, etc.), others super-hard intensity intervals, but my favorites tend to make their rides as much like riding outside as possible.

But it can be all over the place. I have to admit that I like some variety in my spin classes, and prefer it when they switch things up and make me do and listen to new stuff. One key thing about the classes, is that you DON'T have to do everything that they tell you. If it hurts or feels wrong, you can do something else until they go to another "move".

I say go back 3-10 times, and try other instructors. It is a lot less boring than riding on a stationary bike alone. Take care.

evblazer

I took my first spin class last week with my wife. It was uh er.... different.
She took another class and liked the second one better, hm perhaps it was because I wasnt' there eh I may try and go with her but I'm still commuting M-W-F so I'd hate to spin on tuesday and burn out my legs. I perspired a ton but that was because of lack of any air movement/wind I think more then anything else.
It did remind me that running shoes plus cages are not good for standing while pedaling!

For the class we did alot of HR intervals and standing/sitting intervals nothing too out there.

I dont' think I'd ever ride a spin bike alone or be able to ride a trainer for long. I dont' know about long term but a spin class is alot more promising then going at it alone.

hammond9705

My experience is that every instructor is different. If there is another instructor try that. Also, you don't have to do what they say. If you don't want to stand for 4 minutes then don't.

ChuckD6421 

This was my experience as well, and a couple other places I've looked at all suffered the same situation: the Spinning class seemed to be an afterthought that had been stuffed into a basement room with really poor ventilation. I liked the music (I'm pretty open-minded, musically) and found the instructors mostly willing to let me 'do my own thing' in the back of the class. But after my last of 20 or so sessions all the mirrors were fogged up, the air was really stuffy and I was feeling pretty claustrophobic. Enough of that!

ChuckD

wibnrml

If the music is too loud, tell the instructor. If they won't comply tell the management. No need to go deaf trying to get in shape. Some instructors feel that ramping up the volume translates into class motivation. But they sometimes need to be told that they went past the motivation threshold into the pain in the ears realm.