Spin class..... will I survive?

[~*Niadalla*~]

Ok, so this saturday morning after a run and PT, I'm going to my first ever Spin class. I've never been, I've heard they are hard, but it's my reward for finishing of my 12 week program (never thought I'd make it to week 3).

So how hard is it? I've lost 26kgs, but I'm still very overweight... like VERY. I'm not great on the exercise bike as it is and I'm planning on a pump class straight after it. (Yes, I'm a little bit mad, but keen as all heck).

Do you see really really big people in your spin class often? And do they keep up? Can I stop if I'm far too tired?

[Phteven]

You can survive it. If you do get too tired don't stop just turn your resistance down a bit. It's best to always keep moving even if it is a bit slower.
Make sure you wear something that won't chafe (bike pants or 3/4 tights) and keep in mind that the seat might leave you a bit sore after the first class or two but after that you will adapt or toughen up or something.

And yes, we do get big people in our spin class. I think some of them prefer it because it isn't as bouncy as some of the other classes.

[nothing2lose]

Can I show my gym ignorance and ask, is a spin class on an exercise bike? What does it involve?

[Phteven]

It's a class on an exercise bike. The bike is a bit different to the bikes on the gym floor in that it doesn't have the programs and the pedals are harder to stop and usually the seat is harder. The bike has a knob in front of the seat that you turn to increase and reduce resistance so your instructor will tell you when to increase resistance and reduce it, when to sprint and when to slow down and when to pedal standing and pedal sitting (there is a lot of interval training).

[sloane]

i think you'll be fine doing the actual class (dunno if you'll have the energy for pump afterwards though!!). i'm big & have done spin classes in the past without a problem. the beauty of the spin class is that you can make it as hard as it needs to be for you so it's quite customised. definitely remember a towel & water.

it's tough but it's a big high when you finish the class. enjoy!

[Phteven]

I didn't see the bit about Pump. We have spin class before the Pump class on Saturday morning at my gym and lots of ladies do both. You might have to use lower weights for the squat track if your legs feel a bit wobbly but you'll be the best judge of that on the day.

[Nai]

You will be fine - you can go at your own pace and make it as hard or easy as you need. Take it easy for the first session so you don't run out of energy too soon.

[nothing2lose]

It's a class on an exercise bike. The bike is a bit different to the bikes on the gym floor in that it doesn't have the programs and the pedals are harder to stop and usually the seat is harder. The bike has a knob in front of the seat that you turn to increase and reduce resistance so your instructor will tell you when to increase resistance and reduce it, when to sprint and when to slow down and when to pedal standing and pedal sitting (there is a lot of interval training).

Ta

[~Kim~]

You can do it ~*Niadalla*~ !!

[~*Niadalla*~]

Thanks girls. I'm in the 130's... so that's what I mean by big! haha

I'm actually doing a 1km time trial run and a full on bootcamp type PT session before the spin and pump classes. Going to wreck myself good and proper before I go to a concert that night.

I've been doing 12km walk/runs lately so I think stamina wise I should be ok... I'm just not too sure how I'll go on a bike.

[~*Niadalla*~]

Wanted to let you know that I DID indeed survive. Wasn't quite at the levels of everyone else, but I was still going gang busters. Quite enjoyed it, although the soreness on my backside in the shape of the spin bike seat was something I could have gone without. Will certainly go back for more when I'm not so busy.

[sloane]

that's great - they are kind of addictive as well. i love that you basically push yourself to your own limits, rather than just doing the same as other people. bike seats do take some getting used to though

[joey123]

Good on you. You can buy padded bike pants too. Might help a bit?

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