If I got a dollar for every time I heard someone say they haven’t tried a spin class because they were scared, I would have a paid in full spin class membership to the best in town and not just for one year but for at least three years. Yes, that is how many people are scared to try a spin class. I get it. It is like how I was when I walked into CrossFit for the first time. Scared out of my mind, it took me a solid year to finally say yes to a friend that invited me to join her to bring a friend day. Did I mention that first day I was there the workout called for box jumps, I almost ran out the door. The coach that day was a saint and held my hand while I faced my fears of jumping on the box, after a few jumps I was hands-free and crushing it. See we are all capable of crushing a CrossFit class as well as a spin class. There are just a few things you should know that may help you finally step into class.
It is All for Show
What I mean by that is the moody lighting, the flashing lights, the loud music… it is all for show. Okay, well it certainly is there for motivation and to make the workout feel fun it certainly isn’t there to intimidate you. Quite possibly the best part about the dark lighting is that you can ‘hide’ while dripping with sweat leaving you no need to worry about a spotlight shining on you at any moment.
You are Always in Control
Check your ego at the door and be in control of your own spin experience. If the instructor is all about getting the class out of the saddle and you aren’t there yet, then check your ego and stay in the seat. NO ONE IS JUDGING YOU. In fact, those that do notice will applaud you (in their own heads) for you being there and giving it your all while being smart about it. It’s okay if you need to take a second for yourself to listen to what is going on. Classes like these are always for you so do what you need to do for you because that’s really the only person who matters.
Clip In and Clip Out
When it is your first class, grab someone that works at the facility and tell them to help you clip in and clip out of the pedals a few times. It can be intimidating seeing everyone clip in and out so fast before and after class. There isn’t some secret that you didn’t listen in on. All of the people you see clipping in and out super fast also never knew how to clip in and clip out. It is something that takes a few tries to get used to, as well as knowing a couple tricks so don’t be shy is asking someone that works there for help. They have all helped thousands of others just like you.
Let the Instructor Know you are New
Unless you are great at guessing at the very least you are going to need assistance in setting up your bike. There is a correct position that the bike should be in for your body and as much as you may think your body is like everyone else’s or that you can figure it out on your own. This could really make your spinning experience terrible if your bike isn’t comfortable. Plus, chatting with the instructor before class and letting them know you are new could avoid that moment before class starts when the instructor asks if anyone is new and you raise your hand just for all heads to turn to look at you.
Stop Overthinking It
Stop giving yourself excuses, stop getting in your own head and psyching yourself out ahead of time, and just get to class and give it a try. It really is as simple as getting on the bike, clipping your feet in, having fun and celebrating yourself in sweat.
