Last Friday after work, I challenged myself to my first ever spin class. Let me just say I was definitely outside of my comfort zone. I arrived about 30 minutes early so I could get the feel of the place. The two people working the desk showed me around to the changing room, lockers and spin shoes I needed to put on.

As a class was just wrapping up, I changed and put on my shoes. Then it was time to wait for the room to be ready.

I grabbed a towel (so happy they provide towels!) and waited to head in. Once we were allowed in, I asked one of the assistants to help me set up my bike and show me what to do because I really was clueless to this spinning thing.

Once my shoes were locked in and the seat was set, I was ready to go or at least my bike was ready for me. I saw some people warming up so I started to pedal a bit. I really liked the spin shoes and being attached to the pedals so that my feet wouldn’t come up for better control.

Before I knew it, it was time for class to begin and we pedaled or spun (is that a better word?), getting warmed up. Then we went into the different positions with standing. Umm I didn’t know what third versus second was supposed to be like, but I tried.

The first time I stood, I didn’t have enough torque so I learned throughout that standing I needed to add more torque. I can now see why some runners like spinning, lower impact on the knees, certainly a plus, but the standing and cycling definitely felt hard for me as does running. Basically I have worked up to 4.5 minutes straight of a good pace running, after that, forget it, so I had no idea how I was supposed to survive 45 minutes of spinning. Obviously I took it at my own pace for my first time, sometimes I stood, sometimes I would sit for a bit, sometimes torque went up but mostly torque was low or around 20 for me since I am new.

All I can say is I was happy this class was only 45 minutes, I can’t imagine spinning for 60. The class went by fairly quickly towards the end. I liked how the instructor told us when we were 2/3rds done and then when we had 5 minutes. By then I knew I could get through.

I really can’t remember the last time I sweated so much. I sweat when I work out, but I was dripping sweat and so thankful for that towel. I made sure to drink tons of water afterwards and ate a protein bar once I got to the train station to go home. I felt kind of bad for people on the train that might be near me, but luckily being a later train, I had 3 seats to myself and drinking tons of water afterward cooled me down.

After thoughts?

           My butt was sooo sore the next day. Spin bike seats are hard, how do people manage? My legs were definitely pretty dead afterwards, but the walk to the train station helped to shake them out and I was ready for bed shortly after getting home. A shower though was a must and my clothes were so sweaty I immediately put them in the laundry pile (confession: I usually wear my leggings a few times before washing them).

           I also really felt I needed a good stretching session afterwards, but I was too lazy Friday night and was more focused on showering so that my hair was wet from washing and not sweat (eww). Any suggestions on good stretches post spinning? I probably should have done more but instead the next day I swam 2 miles…killed my legs more, man I was dead Saturday afternoon.

So maybe you are wondering, will I go back?

          Well it certainly was a good workout. I am glad that I have been slowly building my endurance. If I had done this class a year ago, I don’t know what that would have been like. The first class was free and after that I know it’s $25 a class, so I probably won’t be going often but every once in a while just to change things up perhaps. It is fun to try new workouts and get your butt kicked, even if it takes some time for your butt (really, those seats hurt) to recover.

         For any first timers, my recommendation is drink tons and tons of water. You want to be hydrated really well since you will sweat a lot and then afterwards make sure you drink even more. Also the instructor says this, but take it at your own pace. You can definitely still challenge yourself, but you don’t have to be the fastest in the class. 

          Hope you enjoyed my thoughts! If you have any spinning suggestions for me, let me know, especially some stretching ideas.