It’s become all the rage in the fitness community in recent years, but to the regular cyclist a spin class may seem like a waste of time. After all, how can it possibly replace getting out on the road and riding a real bike?

This thought process is a little flawed though, as spin classes aren’t meant to replace your regular cycling. Instead, they can give you options when the weather conditions make it unsafe or impossible to cycle outside, in addition to helping you build on your cardio and overall fitness.

What Are Spinning Classes?

Spinning is an intense indoor cycling workout that is usually led by a qualified instructor who will guide you through the program. Workouts tend to last in the region of 40 to 60 minutes and will usually be set to some form of music. This isn’t an easy ride though, as the aim is to build your cardio and overall fitness.

Who Goes To Spin Classes?

Spinning is great for anyone who is looking for a good workout, plus the presence of an instructor provides a motivational factor that is ideal for people who tend to struggle to get themselves going for a workout. For cyclists, a spinning class will help them to build their cardio and thus improve their overall cycling, plus the workouts are not particularly complex so anybody can try them.

What Should I Expect?

A friendly atmosphere and a helpful instructor should be the hallmarks of every good spin class, as everybody should be there for the same purpose. Your instructor, in particular, should be able to guide you in relation to the intensity you should ride at and the levels of resistance you can handle. It is also important to listen to your own body and not expect to be at the top of the class the first time out. Rest when you need to and enjoy the burn for as long as you can handle it to get the most out of the class.

What Should I Wear?

It is a good idea to wear the sorts of clothes you would wear if you were heading out on a real bike, minus the helmet of course. A pair of good, padded cycling shorts will definitely improve your comfort levels, but as long as your shoes have flat soles and you aren’t wearing anything baggy you should be fine.

What Should I Bring?

Bring yourself a bottle of water, as you can’t expect to go the entire class without rehydrating every once in a while. It is also a good idea to bring a towel so that you can wipe away any sweat. A protein shake or some food for when you are done the spinning class would also be a wise move.

Where Can I Find a Spin Class?

You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a spin class, after all it has become an extremely popular workout. Most decent gyms will hold a class once or twice a week, so that is a good place to start. If you’re already a member of a gym then try asking at the front desk and they should be able to help you.

Is It For Me?

Spin is an excellent overall workout, regardless of whether you’re an experienced cyclist or are just looking for something to help you lose some weight. A good instructor will also be able to help you tailor your spin experience so that it is never anything less than a challenge, so you don’t have to worry about the workout getting too easy for you. As such, practically everybody can benefit from spin classes.