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What you need to know about spin class

I love spinning.

But I should tell you, I’m a bit biased. I’ve had a membership to a spin club in Toronto for the last couple years, and this past summer attended two to three spin classes a week. Cycling is one of my favourite forms of exercise — it builds endurance,  is challenging and it makes you sweat.

So now you’re thinking this should have been a piece of cake for me—right? Well, not exactly.

Before I delve into the details of my experience, I should mention that if you plan to take this class, show up at least 15 minutes prior to the start time. It’s apparently extremely popular. My co-editor Amber Garratt and I got there just as class was about to start, and there were no bikes left.

So we went back the next day. But I made another mistake, one that should have been avoided at all costs: I had McDonalds an hour before the class started.

I know, I’m writing a fitness blog, trying to promote a healthy lifestyle and I ate McDonalds. It’s horrible. Eating a heavy, greasy, meal before exercising is never a good idea.

Despite my full stomach and slight sleep deprivation, I was still confident in my fitness level — maybe a bit too confident. Like I said, I had been attending these sorts of classes all summer — summer being the key word. So I started my workout with a high tension on the wheel, and as a result, tired out half-way through. I slowed down my pace, drank some water, and was able to get back on track.

Our instructor pushed us for the full fifty minutes, and kept us focused on the road ahead.

Remember to work at your own pace. If you`re not in great shape, don’t feel pressured to keep up with your instructor.  It`s important to keep in mind that everyone works at different fitness levels, but if you are feeling like it’s too easy, you have to push yourself harder.

With spinning in particular, you’ll find music is a key component to your workout. A good song always helps me get in the zone, and keeps me focused on personal end goal.  The music should coordinate with the speed, tension, and pace that’s intended for the particular hill you’re riding. In this class, the music was outdated and didn’t achieve any of those things.

Overall, the class was taught well. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a challenge and a satisfying workout.

Just remember to spend time stretching as soon as you hop off your bike. It seems obvious, but seriously, it makes the world of difference the next day. It’s also a good idea to bring a small towel and to drink lots of water even after the class is over to gain back the hydration you lost during your workout.

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