spin class

[Tiggeroo]

Has anybody done this? I am a very pooh sized out of shape person. I have been going to the gym pretty regularly for the past several months doing weights 3x per week and elliptical at least 3x. I asked the trainer what class I could ease in to and not die and she and several spin class teachers all say spin. So I am signed in to one tonight and really thinking of canceling. I'm super worried about this. Quick give me some tips, encouragement or warn me away.

 

[Carpenters]

I have taken spinning classes in the past, and I recommend trying it out. The cool thing about spinning is that no one can tell if you've really cranked up the resistance on the bike or not, so if it's getting tough you can back off the resistance and just take it easy pedalling until you get your breath back. I was never too great at standing up on the bike, so when the class stood, I stood for as long as I could and then sat back down and kept pedalling. No one ever commented or even gave an indication that they noticed. Even not being able to really "keep up" with what they were doing, I got a great workout and really enjoyed the classes. Try it, it's worth it!

 

[DVCisME]

I thought it was a lot of fun. However, my inner thighs hurt so much I had to refrain from my other (nightly) activities! Have fun!!

 

[EpcotSweetHrts0512]

Ummm... spinning was definitely not for me! It kicked my butt and I didn't really enjoy it at all... I don't think I'm THAT out of shape either, lol! I couldn't sit down for a week afterwards!

ETA: You should still give it a try though. I know lots of people who LOVE spinning! It just wasn't for me. Just be prepared to be REALLY sore after that first time!

 

[clarabelle]

I have been on the disboards for years -and have been waiting for someone to ask this question!
You just made my night!
I am a certified spinning instructor. Please try it. Just keep a few things in mind
1)You do not have to do everything that the class is doing. You are still getting a workout if you just sit and pedal

2)Make sure you tell the instructor that you are new -the bike needs some adjusting to fit your frame.

3)Do not stand up without some resistance on the bike -it will be easier to stand (and safer) with some resistance on there.

4)Some teachers are real cowboys -if the teacher seems psycho to you (screaming -making you do pushups on the bike)- find another class. Do you watch biggest looser? Jullian is an example of a really bad spin teacher

5) Wear longish shorts that won't ride up or yoga type pants -something that won't be riding up the entire time -running shorts are not the best choice.
Bring water and a towel too. Also your athletic shoe with the hardest sole.

I could go on and on -ask me any questions and don't be afraid. Everyone is a beginner at some point. My regulars like to give advice and encouragement to the newbies. Don't be shy about telling people you are new

 

[Frankiesmom]

be careful... when I first joined the gym- I thought fun! And I am not out of shape-I could barely walk for a week! And sleeping was awful too- my legs-in horrible pain-kept waking me up. I guess the issue was I was really trying to keep up with the class! It got better, I just took it at my own pace-3 weeks later.

 

[Tiggeroo]

I'm back and I loved it. I lucked out because I think the holiday weekend ther were only two other people there. Normally you have to call to reserve a spot at 5am and they are all filled by 6am.
The teacher knew I was new and nervous. She helped me set up my bike and spent some time showing me things. I had my water and towel. It was tough but so much fun. It hurt my butt but I stood up whenever it really bothered me. I am coming off of an injury in my left knee. It is healed but my left leg is weaker following this. I got some cramps in my left leg and it was noticeably more sore. I will stretch a bit more before or warm up more. I am so glad I did this and will do this again. I can see it pumping up my fat loss and I am bored with the eliptical.
I did not get winded and stayed in my heart rate zone. I mostly kept up but there was one time I sat down sooner then the other people.

 

[Imzadi]

Good for you!

If you are sore in the morning, make a nice, long, hot shower or bath and make sure you gently stretch out.

 

[clarabelle]

I'm really happy for you!

Soo -after 6 months or so if you are really liking it -think about getting certified. I used to exercise really well for 6 months and then something would happen -I would get a cold or have something going on at home and exercise would fall by the wayside. Then a few months later I would start up again and have to "start over"

If you are teaching you have to show up! So I have been exercising for two years without stopping.
Also -I am not a stick. Don't feel you have to be as skinny as a rail to teach spin.

 

[Tiggeroo]

I'm really happy for you!

Soo -after 6 months or so if you are really liking it -think about getting certified. I used to exercise really well for 6 months and then something would happen -I would get a cold or have something going on at home and exercise would fall by the wayside. Then a few months later I would start up again and have to "start over"

If you are teaching you have to show up! So I have been exercising for two years without stopping.
Also -I am not a stick. Don't feel you have to be as skinny as a rail to teach spin.

I need to drop some weight before I consider something like this. But I could definitely see loving to teach a class after some time.
My calfs are tight this morning but the worst pain is in my feet, especially my left heel. Is there something I can do before my next class to prevent this. I also had some cramping in my left calf during the class. Normally I don't stretch before working out but I'm thinking a bit of light stretching might be in order.

 

[siouxi31]

Thanks for posting this Tiggeroo. I was thinking of joining a spinning class as well and did not know much about it.

 

[Tiggeroo]

Thanks for posting this Tiggeroo. I was thinking of joining a spinning class as well and did not know much about it.

Try it. I"d been thinking about it for two months but kept chickening out. I"m so glad I did. I am really out of shape and overweight. But I have been doing the eliptical for the past six months and am able to do an hour now. I didn't get winded and my heart rate didn't go too high. But I did get some leg cramping that I could work through.

 

[sunlover13]

I used to take a spin class, but haven't done one in years. Something that helped with the soreness from the bike seat is padded biker shorts. I would wear them under my normal shorts and this helped a lot! Some people would bring a gel seat to put over the bike seat, but I was always afraid I would forget it. The padded biker shorts helped!

OP - Glad you enjoyed the class!

 

[Imzadi]

I need to drop some weight before I consider something like this. But I could definitely see loving to teach a class after some time.
My calfs are tight this morning but the worst pain is in my feet, especially my left heel. Is there something I can do before my next class to prevent this. I also had some cramping in my left calf during the class. Normally I don't stretch before working out but I'm thinking a bit of light stretching might be in order.

It might be your shoe. If it's the same shoe you normally wear, you might have actually worn it down a little on one side or in the heel. Place your shoes/sneakers on the table and see if they lean or if the heel is worn. When you constantly keep stepping, or in this case, applying pressure the wrong way because your shoe is off, it just makes the situation worse.

I go through a pair of sneakers every few months, pounding the pavement here in NYC. I'm hard on my shoes and feet. I don't buy really expensive sneakers because of this. Just good sturdy running sneakers that have extra lateral support down in the foot. Usually the sneakers will show it's time for a new pair, but when my ankle or heel tells me, I definitely know it's time.

You may want to get a pair of sneakers you wear just for spinning. That would save having to replace them more often.

Yes, it would be good to do some gentle, light stretching before class. Stretch the looser side first. Then ease into the tighter side. Also, shake out your whole leg, to keep it loose.

Right now, gently massage the heel and calf then stretch a little bit. Again, stretching the right side first.

And, it doesn't sound like you need it this morning. But, Advil is your friend.

 

[clarabelle]

Make sure your shoe is wide enough

Use your hardest soled sneaker -you don't want something with lots of shock absorption for spin

Make sure in the pedal stroke you are pushing down and pulling up. Not just mashing. You are making a circle with your feet.

If you keep going consider spinning shoes -these are expensive though -wait until you are sure you are into it. Your local bike store can help with those -or you can find them online -but I would think you would want to try some one first.

As for the stretching -you don't want to stretch before hand. But you do want a nice long warm up. You could even come to class a few minutes early and just sit on the bike and pedal slowly. Make sure stretch after -then your muscles will be warm.

Hope this helps.

 

[clarabelle]

Here is an article that is the current thought about pre-exercise stretching.
Philosophies about proper exercise seem to change alot -so I would go with what works for you. But this is something to consider:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/sports/playmagazine/112pewarm.html

 

[clarabelle]

Oh for the cramping -make sure you are drinking plenty of water
A good rule of thumb is 40 oz for 40 minutes.

 

[JR6ooo4]

and after a few classes you will be able to convince anyone that it is the 3 year olds fault that your taxes were not done correctly! Hehehehehee


Mikeeee

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Sorry.....I read the subject and thought this was a political thread.