Is "spin" class really that difficult?

[BC]

I have a neighbor that is taking a "spinning" class at the Y and invited me to go along. I have recently lost 35 lbs and would love to tone up my thighs and she says this will help. I am over 55 yrs old and am hesitant since I have always heard it is very difficult and I am afraid I am not in good enough shape. Anybody else have any experience "spinning"?

 

[Imzadi]

DIS member, Clarabelle actually teaches spin classes. She'd probably know about the different levels & what people's abilities need to be. You might try PMing her.

 

[Ceila]

Spinning can be great exercise! The key is finding a good instructor. You want someone who is willing to take some time to show you the bike, what a good position is for you, and who helps you either find a beginner class or modifies a regular class so you can adapt it to your level.

The two best pieces of advice I got when I started were get bike shorts (they have padding where you're going to need it) and when you are thinking mostly about how sore your rear is and not about the spinning, it's time to end the session and come back in two days. Seriously - at first your behind will be sore, and I found that as time went on it didn't hurt, but it takes a while. You don't want to get to the point of being too sore to keep it up, so take it slowly at first.

Good luck, and remember that most gyms will let you try a week or two for free before signing up for a membership. Take advantage (but buy those bike shorts first - you can usually find some on sale at Dick's Sporting Goods or Sports Authority!).

 

[paintnolish]

Spinning isn't that difficult...let me explain. It doesn't require the coordination that some group exercise classes do. I once left in the middle of an advanced step class. I wasn't getting it and the instructor was moving too quickly. It isn't difficult to follow. It is also really easy to tailor it to your own ability level. You adjust the tension level on your bike. No one can rrally tell how much tension you have on, so you won't feel like a dork if you have to scale it back- nobody can tell! Also, sometimes instructors will have you pedal standing or do squats while peddling. You can remain seated. It's not a big deal. Those moves are hard on the knees. That being said, it is an awesome workout! You really work up a sweat. Bring a towel!

 

[BC]

Paintnolish, do you really find it to be effective in toning up cellulite in the thighs?

 

[paintnolish]

I don't know if anything can totally get rid of it! My thighs were really toned, though. I was going hardcore before my wedding and scaled back because I felt my legs were getting too bulky (muscular in the quads)! That was a few years ago. Luckily, I've stopped all that regular exercise nonsense!

 

[BC]

Thanks! I guess toning is goes hand in hand with getting rid of the dimples! If you lose the fat, the muscle should show up!

 

[Ceila]

Also, sometimes instructors will have you pedal standing or do squats while peddling. You can remain seated. It's not a big deal. Those moves are hard on the knees. That being said, it is an awesome workout!

From what I've heard, the squat moves shouldn't be done - they can do damage to your knees. I've been told that good instructors won't have their class do them.

You really work up a sweat. Bring a towel!

And 2 full water bottles...you don't want to get dehydrated. (And believe me, you will drink both down to the last drop!)

 

[MrsPete]

Spinning isn't that difficult...let me explain. It doesn't require the coordination that some group exercise classes do.

That's why I like it! I thought I was the only one who wasn't coordinated enough to do some of the other exercise classes.

I also like spinning classes because if I can't keep up with the whole class, I can drop back a notch and just keep moving -- as long as I do that, I'm happy with myself. For example, when they do that standing up on the bike thing, I just can't do that for minutes at a time . . . but I can just sit back down and keep peddling.

Ditto on the towel and water thing.

 

[MickeySP]

I just started Spinning and yes it is hard to get the whole time down at first. I am pushing 50 but in reasonable shape

I couldn't go as fast or the stand ups as good as the people who have done it for awhile. The instructor was great she kept an eye on me and every time I looked like I was fading she gave me encouragement. I now look forward to it.

My one piece of advice buy a gel seat!!! My butt was sore for 3 days my first class.

 

[mtemm]

spin is awesome! don't be afraid. its an intense cardio w/o, but its also one that can easily be set to your own level...you control the tension, you can always slow down a bit if you need to. everyone started at some point and everyone there will understand if you are new and don't start with guns blazing.

make sure to tell the instructor you are new so they can show you how to set your bike properly.

go! have fun!

 

[BC]

Sorry if I sound dumb, but what do you mean "buy a gel seat". Are there covers or such you can add to the seat or is that something regarding the type of bike shorts I get?

 

[FireDancer]

Sorry if I sound dumb, but what do you mean "buy a gel seat". Are there covers or such you can add to the seat or is that something regarding the type of bike shorts I get?

They make gel covers that fit over the seats. Another option is cycling shorts that have a pad sewn in.

As for is spinning hard, it depends on the instructor and how hard you make it, much like riding a bike on the street. You can choose to peddle along on a flat surface at a leisurely pace or peddle up an hill as fast as you can. In the spinning class you are kind of on your own. You can crank on the resistance or keep it easy. You can peddle at a cadence along with the instructor or slow up a bit. It isn't hard in the coordination sense of the word but it can be in the intensity if you choose.

Someone asked about removing cellulite from their thighs. The research has shown that there is no way to spot reduce fat or cellulite, the body will choose where it gets its energy stores. What you can do is choose which muscles to work and as they grow they will naturally firm up the area around them.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

Your "area" down there will get sore at first. Kinda like riding a horse-that feeling!
You really can adjust your comfort level with this type of class....you can make it as hard or easy as you want since it is only YOUR bike.

For me personally, I like regular bike riding since you are actually going somewhere!

 

[clarabelle]

Hello!

I am a certified spinning instructor! Please give it a try!
It is a great cardio workout and will burn calories and increase cardiovascular fitness
Also studies have shown that exercising to music (like you do in spin) and exercising in a group makes you happy and improves performance.

You bottom will be sore -but you can get a gel seat if you want (have them at sporting good stores and walmart)

After a few weeks your behind soreness should go away.

Like others have said -spot reducing doesn't work. But the less fat you have the less cellulite you will have and you reduce fat through cardio exercise.

Tell the instructor you are new -let them set you up on the bike
Pushups and squats on the bike are unnecessary and potentially dangerous.
If the instructor does something you are uncomfortable with -just sit and pedal.

Bring a water and a towel -and pay attention to the instructor. Sometimes people will try to start up a conversation during a class -but unless it is during the warm up -it can be distracting to the teacher and fellow students.

I hope this helps!!

 

[BC]

Thanks to all! Clarabelle, do you have classes with all new beginners or do I have to start out with the experts!? We all know the feeling of being in a gym with Atlas or the Barbie Doll sitting beside you, that being said it doesn't help to think you look like a fool when the rest way ahead of you. How long does it usually last and if you can't take but 30 mins or so, do you just stop when it gets to be too much and leave?

 

[paintnolish]

I can't speak for other gyms, but the classes at mine last 45 or 60 minutes. There was a whole range of people in there, even guys (who are usually rare in group fitness classes). I think you can make it the entire time. You don't have to worry. Just take the tension off of the bike. You will be pedaling with zero resistance.

 

[clarabelle]

We have a beginner class -but some gyms don't.
Ask at the front desk -there should be a printed schedule.
If they do not have a beginner class -ask for their recommendations on who is good with beginners.

Also -tell the teacher you are new. If you don't think you can manage the entire class (most of ours are either 45 mins or an hour including warm up and cool down) Tell the teacher you might slide out early -and do that.
Go for as long as you can -then cool down (slow down for a few minutes) then leave early. You don't want to leave the class when you are huffing and puffing -you may get a little dizzy- so let your heart rate drop before getting off the bike.
Make some goals about staying a little longer each time.

Some places may have senior classes -you could try those -they are usually very welcoming to the non-seniors as well.

Although I have some really hard bodies in my classes -I have plenty of normal people and some people that are really overweight. The stick thin gorgeous people are not the norm at my Y. I myself need to loose a few pounds- I know what a struggle it is.

 

[mtemm]

do NOT take all the tension off your bike, just lower it if you need to. its really bad for your knees to pedal with it totally off (at least according to the spin instructors at our gym).

our gym offers a couple of mini spin classes that are only half an hour long, so you might see if yours does. the regular spin classes vary from 45 minutes to 60 (or 70, in one instructor's case who always goes long!). the first class I ever took was the guy who always went 10 minutes over and it was killer, but I made it thru and after a few more classes finally felt in the groove with it.

I wouldn't worry about having spin experts in there. even if everyone there spins regularly, most/all will remember when their first class and will be encouraging to you, at least that is my experience. yes I have seen a few people walk out, but most newbies seem to stick it out till the end and you'll be surprised how quickly your endurance builds.