I am very happy that Santa brought me a brand new gym membership! Although I am lucky enough to have several pieces of fitness equipment at home, I really missed the group fitness classes and the ‘push’ I get from working out with other people.
So I have been going to spinning classes for the past two weeks and I am surprised that some instructors are not even covering what I consider ‘instructor basics’.
Such as:
1. Introducing her/himself. At least tell us your name, okay? This way if I love your class, I can find you on the schedule again.
2. Have some ENERGY! I went to a 5:30am class and I think the instructor was asleep. At this time of the morning, you need to get people excited about working out! This involves more than just a grunt or two every 5 minutes.
3. Walk around the room and make sure people are set up properly. One woman was sitting so far up on her bike in one class she could barely reach the pedals. She will probably never want to come back because her nether regions are going to be VERY sore tomorrow!
4. Do not have us do crazy moves! We might be inside, but we are still riding a bike. I don’t put my hands behind my back while riding outside, why on earth should I do this in your class?
5. Learn some names and use them during class. I have found that people like to hear their name during class. They want to know that you are paying attention to them and want to feel involved. Is this just me? I used to write down names after class so I would not forget them.
As a participant, here are some reminders for you:
1. Bring water. You will need this because you will not be able to just hop off and run to the water fountain during class.
2. Challenge yourself. I always say to my classes “This is YOUR ride”. You are in control of that resistance knob and if the class seems to easy to you, then crank it up! At the same time, if you cannot keep up with the class, just turn down that knob and take a break. Trust me, no one is paying attention, they are too busy focusing on themselves!
3. Expect to be sore, especially in sensitive areas. This is perfectly normal (unless you are the person above in #3) and it will go away after a class or two.
4. The cycling shoes do make a difference. They have hard soles and do not “give” like your regular tennis shoes do. If you plan on going to class regularly, you should definitely invest in a pair.
5. My final piece of advice is to attend at least 3 classes before making your final decision about spinning. Every instructor has a different style and different music, so find one that motivates YOU!
Remember, never underestimate the power of a workout! 
Have you been active today?
{ 17 comments }
GREAT POST LISA! and having not instructed in so many years (think aerobics. think BACK IN THE HIGH IMPACT DAY) there were more than a few points I too had forgotten.
love,
Miz, who just cant seem to ‘do’ spinning. at all. I get too too sore (wink) even WITH padded shorts.
MizFits last blog post..The Amazing Adventures of Diet Girl. (subtitle: MizFit is smitten & it’s all kinds of gushy up in herre.)
I have had a lot of variation with spinning instructors. I had told us at the beginning of the song how fast to go and said nothing else for the entire song – no motivation, nothing! Luckily, the new gym I’m at has some good instructors, but they all fail on learning – or asking – any of the names of the participants in the class!
Tanyas last blog post..Workout Song of the Day: Live Your Life
Totally agree with you. Instructors can make or break a class. I actually stopped going to most of them because they were either too easy or the instructor was just annoying. A lot of people have learned how to “coast” inthere- not actually working hard just going through the motions.
Rachels last blog post..“How to lose your belly fat!”
Oh How I MISS SPINNING!!!! I agree with you on the instructors.. I miss my spin instructor Tanya.. every once in a while I would go back but they no longer offer one day passes so no more spin for me..
Not only invest in a pair of shoes BUT a seat and padded shorts LOL it doesn’t matter HOW MUCH JUNK in the trunk they help!!!!
Great tips. I do spin on a regular basis & I always find it amusing when someone comes in to take a class with no water; HELLO! Our instructors are really good – all pro riders – they always make everyone go get at least one bottle if not two of water, it is the elixir of life.
Chez US – Denises last blog post..Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24: A Night in Argentina
Love your advice! I’d also add that instructors should have enthusiasm and truly enjoy fitness- and they should be encouraging of the people in their class.
Sagans last blog post..Welcome all!
Great advice! It is SO important to have a good trainer. I am lucky enough to have found three great class leaders at the Bally’s I go to that motivate and push you to do your best.
I’ve never taken spin class. Honestly, I am afraid of it.
LosingIrenes last blog post..Have a Screwdriver – Our OJ Isn’t Locked Up!
Hubs and I spin every Sat. & Sun and we are very lucky that both instructors are fantastic. Hubby really loves spin and the jury is still out for me although we have been doing it for many months now. I just get pretty bored so I talk to myself the whole time, telling myself to remember that I’m going to fit into those pants in my closet, I’m going to buy smaller size bathing suits for our next trip to Jamaica, etc.
We are thinking about purchasing some spin shoes but I keep thinking that if we are only going 2x a week it’s not really worth it but others say different.
Oh and we bought bike pads at Wal-Mart and that was a good investment for sure.
Great tips! Thanks
Angies last blog post..Sunday Workouts
I couldn’t agree to all of those points any more! Ditto!!!
Fit Bottomed Girlss last blog post..FitLinks: Week of Dec. 29, 2008
I prefer group classes, and I take a variety at my gym to mix it up. So I have experience with many different instructors. For whatever the reason the spin teachers here are the worst. Most of the problems you experienced above I’ve witnessed with multiple spin instructors. It’s so bad that I’ll only take spin if it’s my only option that day. It’s too bad, really.
Congrats on the great christmas gift!! Great suggestions for both instructors and students. Although you missed my pet peeve for spin: techno music. I realize that this does not generalize well but that stuff is like nails on a chalkboard to me and I swear every instructor at my Y is in the Chemical Brothers fan club.
charlottes last blog post..Life Lessons I Have Learned From Karate
I totally agree with you. I’ve been spinning for a couple of months and just love it. But some instructors are better than others. Some play really lame music and even they seem to be just phoning it in. Really think about the music you are playing in class. One instructor we have even takes requests from the class, and that’s cool. I also dislike the instructors who are there for their own workout and don’t give a damn about anything or anyone else. They don’t talk to the class other than to bark instructions. That’s not helping anyone.
Good luck with your new membership!
Ellen
Ellen Gs last blog post..Night out with the Mayor
Definitely one of my favorite classes. There is something about spinning that is just addicting especially with a graet instructor.
Playful Professionals last blog post..Reading, Running, and Recooperating
I was glad to see your post commenting on instructors. Yes, we either make or break a class. I try to educate my class about whatever it is we are doing. I’m always telling them to engage their abdominals!!! without being annoying! I teach a 5:15AM Monday and Wednesday class. I make eye contact with them at some point during class, go over form, motivate them and I tell them something funny, usually about my kids or husband. I would stress to check out your instructors to see what their qualifications are. Do they have CPR training and a group fitness certification. What specialty classes have they taken. How long have they taught and if they love it. Fitness has always been a passion of mine. Good luck!
I would love to be a fitness instructor. Wow! I don’t think I’ve ever told anyone that but The Hubby. It would be so much fun. Talking to the students throughout the workout, making them laugh, distracting them with conversation/music/variations from the burning their feeling in their legs. I loved my spin instructor I had for a few months. She was even 5 months pregnant, and WOW! She kicked our buts, and we all had a good time.
My added suggestion….bring a towel. I have never seen sweat drip that much in my life =)
Fitness Surfers last blog post..Physical Fitness: 5 Exercise Tips to Avoid a Plateau
thanks for the tips. excited to see what this former “competitive” runner thinks about spinning. i am sure i will be wicked sore 48 hours after the class!
Thank you for all of the valuable tips.
I am not surprised that the spinning class makes you sore… based upon what I observed thus far
Comments on this entry are closed.