Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Spinning Class
Spinning is one of the best workouts you can do these days. Alongside other exercise classes that also do the job, I always found spinning to be one of the most fun ways of getting fit. But what can you expect if you've never done it before? Is there anything you need to be aware of before you dive head first into a static bike sweat-a-thon? Let me help you!
Your bike needs to be set up properly
You need to make sure that your seat and handle bars are set to suit you and your stature. Depending on how tall you are, you might need to have your seat further down and closer to the front of the bike, whereas if you're vertically blessed, the seat will need to be far higher and the a lot further back.
The instructor should give you time to get comfortable, but if you're struggling, make sure you ask for help. Some of the more seasoned spinners might be willing to chip in so that you feel comfy :)
Keeping hydrated is paramount
Make sure you're drinking little and often on the run up to your workout, during and afterwards. Try not to chug pints of water at any point as you'll end up feeling full and bloated and no one wants to feel like that while they're undertaking a spinning glass.
It could lower your stamina and make you feel quite sick. In fact, there have been instances where people have been physically poorly during a workout simply because they've drunk an incredible amount of water all in one go. As I'e already said, drink little and often, especially on the run up to your workout - just enough to keep hydrated.
It's okay to take breaks when needed
I know it can be easy to want to keep up with the rest of the group, but some of them have probably had experience doing this already or they're regular spinners. Don't feel pressured, especially if it's your first time, to keep up with everyone. If you need a break, take a break, don't worry about what everyone else is doing.
Gripping the handle bars too hard can give you blisters
This is especially true for that part of the workout where you need to cycle "up hill" as you need to stand up on the bike. The harder it gets to pedal, the more you'll find yourself gripping onto the bike, more for balance rather than anything.
If you want to mitigate getting blisters when spinning, where some grippy gloves, similar to the ones you wear when boxing (but not boxing gloves, obviously). If you can't get hold of grippy gloves, then get some that are somewhat padded to as to protect your skin.
You will need padded shorts
TRUST me on this one, you WILL need padded shorts. Just like when cycling on an actual bike, you can get very bruised buttocks, the likes of which you'd have never experienced before. Get padded shorts and thank me later because you really will save yourself from a whole world of pain. If you want to be able to sit on a chair for the next week, GET PADDED SHORTS!
Pace yourself throughout the session - trust me!
Pacing yourself throughout a spinning class is essential to getting through it all in one piece. Like with most workouts, they start off quite easily and you can feel yourself really getting into the swing of things, but it will gradually get harder and harder before slowing right down.
When things kick up a notch, you're in it for the long haul until the end of the session, so pace yourself and try not to compete with others around you as you could tire yourself out depending on individual fitness and endurance levels.
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I hope you enjoyed this blog post? Let me know in the comments whether you've been spinning before or if you're thinking about going for the first time. I'll see you again very soon with a brand new blog post :)
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