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So if you've thought about trying out some spin classes but are intimidated to join the "regulars" who all know how it works, here are some tips I have for getting into it!
1. Give it a few chances - I can't say I loved spinning the first few times I went, but there are tons of factors that can influence this: the instructor, the kind of day you're having, your fitness level. Try out different instructors to find one whose style and music you like. And keep at it a few times to get the benefits of increased fitness - you won't be so sore (in terms of your leg muscles and your bike-seat-buns!) after you get used to it a bit, and classes get easier (and thus more enjoyable) as your cardio fitness improves a bit too.
2. Go with a friend - having a buddy always helps in new situations, right? Bonus if you find a friend who goes to classes already and so can fill you in on how to set up your bike, which are the good instructors, etc. Even if you're both newbies though it helps to have someone to figure things out with, if you're intimidated by starting out. Plus it's a fun way to hang out with friends - I have a spinning buddy who I meet at the gym as often as we can, and we lift weights together beforehand and replenish our calories with tacos and guacamole afterward. It's perfect! (But just don't chat too much during class, please... it's distracting for everyone else.)
3. Go at your own pace - nobody is worried about what you're doing, so if there's something that feels too hard, or you need a break, don't be embarrassed to go your own pace! (In fact, at the classes I go to the instructors typically turn off the lights, so nobody can really watch what you're doing anyway.) You're in control of how much resistance you add, and nobody can see it, so if you need to make it more moderate in order to keep up, then do what you need to do. One thing I love about going to classes is that you can use the instructors to motivate you to challenge yourself, but you can also adjust pedaling speed/resistance on your own bike to fit your fitness level or even just what kind of day you're having.
4. Ask for help - good instructors always ask at the beginning of class if there's anybody new or anybody who needs help setting up their bike. Don't be afraid to raise your hand! All the ones I've dealt with are really nice, and you'll get a better workout and have a more fun time if you're set up properly and have some brief instructions on how to change the resistance on the bike, etc. Also, if the instructors know there's someone new in class, they're usually better about explaining things throughout class, which will help you enjoy it more too instead of just feeling lost or overwhelmed the whole time.
5. Invest in some gear - the great thing for me about starting spinning was that classes are just included in my regular gym membership, so it was a no-cost thing to try out. Might as well just go for it! But once I got really into it, I found there are a couple of things worth investing in to maximize the benefits of going to class: spinning shoes and a heart rate monitor. The shoes definitely help with pedaling efficiency, so I can spin faster and use more resistance than I was able to before. And the heart rate monitor definitely isn't necessary, but now that I'm really into it I like it to keep track of the interval training that these classes are great for, spiking your heart rate to get maximum cardio benefits and then moderating to an active recovery, then back up, etc.
Oh, and of course be sure to bring a bottle of water and a towel. You'll get mighty sweaty.
If spinning isn't your thing, I also have some tips for having success in becoming a runner (and half marathon training)!
