I love spinning. I really do. I’ve been doing it for nearly 4 years and in that time I’ve gone from novice who can barely stand up for any period of time, to pro – I can now hear a track and have an idea of what the instructor has in mind.
But, as with anything, there are dos and don’ts – and it’s becoming clear that a lot of people taking classes at the moment aren’t admitting to being beginners, don’t know what they’re doing and, in some cases, aren’t doing themselves any favours.
Once again, it got me into a mini rage this morning during my favourite class of the week. So I’ve decided to write about it, rather than carry this annoyance around.
1. Bike setup. If you don’t know, please ask.
I saw a guy recently who almost had his knees to his chin and then he seemed to wonder why he struggled with some of the standing tracks. I did a quick search and found a video that shows you how to set up, but honestly, ask your instructor, they really don’t mind.
2. If your legs are spinning around of their own accord, you’re doing it wrong.
OK, I know not everyone goes hard and heavy, but actually you are increasing the impact on your knees and ankles if you are free-wheeling. And you’re not really going to sweat much, you’re more likely to knacker the bike than actually exercise. Turn that dial up. Just a bit, til you feel it bite. Then go.
3. If your arse is bouncing on the seat, you’re going too light.
You may be doing a sprint, but not all sprints mean that you have to go crazy fast. Put a bit more resistance on there and you’ll not only feel it more, you’ll benefit from it. And you won’t feel quite so…. jiggly.
And I won’t fear you’re going to come flying off.
4. If you don’t have a puddle of sweat underneath your bike when you finish…
Ok, a bit of an exaggeration, but spinning is about working hard. Make sure you’re hydrated and that you’re working hard enough. If you can’t push all the way through, at least find one track you like and push.
5. It’s ok to sit down
Honestly, there is nothing wrong with not pushing through. If you need a drink or a pause, it’s fine. We all have to start somewhere and have off days – I know one track in particularly I’ll do sitting, even now, but others I can push through.
6. If you’re a beginner, it’s ok to go easy on yourself
In fact I’d recommend it. Once you’ve done a class or two, you’ll know your limits, know your levels.
7. Is the instructor right for you?
I’ve had a lot of instructors – two different gyms, countless instructors in each. I know that of the three or four in my current gym, only two work for me. Neil is brilliant off the bat and has the right level of enthusiasm and is just shouty enough for me. Martin took a little getting used to, but now I understand him, I know what he means and I love it.
If you didn’t like it the first time, try it with a different instructor. You might find it’s the instructor, not the class.
8. And as for you instructors…
Please, spend the time making sure everyone is ok at the beginning. Some of you do, some of you don’t and this leads to me having rants like this.
9. While we’re on the subject….
I’ve had a couple of replacement instructors while people have been on leave. Hey, replacement instructor? Please spend 5 minutes getting to know the bikes. If they’re Real Ryders, it might be useful for you to adapt to them, you’re missing a trick by not doing so. And the dials on every type of bike are different. If you insist on us going up ‘half a turn’, this might increase us to a notch higher, or, like on the bikes in my gym, make it impossible to turn the pedals. Please, 5 minutes, sit on one, have a go.
And breathe.
That’s more than enough ranting for one day. I tried to think of a tenth, but I’ve just exhausted myself putting fingers to keyboard.
When spin works, it just works.
Credit: LocalFitness.com.au