Q. What is Spinning?
A. Spinning is a non-impact indoor cycling training program on stationary bikes. The program was derived from outdoor cycling.
Q. Do I have to be a cyclist to attend classes?
A. Absolutely not! Spinning targets the most important muscle in your body-your heart! Who doesn’t want a stronger, more efficient heart AND lungs? With Spinning, you can achieve all of this while having fun!
Q. Are the Spin bikes the same as regular stationary bikes?
A. No. A Spinner has the geometry of a road bike so it feels different than an ordinary stationary bike. It also has a weighted flywheel which provides a very smooth ride.
Q. I see people leaving the studio with special cycling shoes & clothing. Is this necessary?
A. Nothing special is needed. Wear comfortable clothing, preferably made of moisture- wicking material. Shoes with ridged soles are the best choice. If you decide this is something you will do regularly, cycling shorts & shoes will enhance your ride. All bikes accommodate a cycling shoe with an SPD cleat.
Q. So nothing is mandatory?
A. Water and small towel are necessary. You will sweat! A heart rate monitor, while not mandatory, is a very useful tool for monitoring and controlling your effort.
Q. Do I have to be fit to take a class? Isn’t Spinning for advanced exercisers?
A. NO, NO, NO, Absolutely not! Although classes can be highly energetic, you are completely in charge of YOUR workout. All classes are fully adaptable to how you are feeling on any given day. In fact, it is your responsibility to ride at your own pace. That is the beauty of this program. If something seems too difficult, just sit, back down the resistance and slow your pace and recover. I will bet that you will be surprised at how quickly you progress.
Q. But won’t the instructor be upset if I am not following along?
A. Absolutely not. As long as you are riding safely, no instructor will have a problem if you are adapting the ride. We only ask that you ride safely and within the confines of the Spinning program.
Q. What do you mean “Confines of the Spinning program”?
A. Spinning has been around for many years. It is the original indoor cycling program. It is pure and simple, without a lot of fancy movements. Fast jumps, very slow or very fast cadences & hand weight usage are all unsafe or ineffective and have no place in a class. Actually, the motto of the program is “if you don’t do it on a road bike, don't do it on a Spinner”.
Q. Isn't the saddle uncomfortable?
A. Most people find that it does take a few rides to get used to the saddle. So although there may be discomfort at first, after a few rides, you will find your “sweet spot” and you won't notice the saddle. In the meantime, some people find that gel seats or padded bike shorts help. You can find these products online or at Walmart or bike shops. Sometimes, there are gel Seats in the studio for use. With or without a gel seat, I promise the discomfort does go away. If it didn't, we wouldn't have anyone in classes!
Q. I’ve had problems with my knees in the past. Will Spinning hurt them?
A. One of the benefits of cycling is it’s a non-impact exercise. Pedaling is a smooth motion, with no pounding on hips, knees or ankles. In fact, cycling is often used in physical therapy when rehabbing a knee injury.
Q. I’m a woman. Will I get giant legs from Spinning?
A. Gosh, NO! The muscles in your legs will become stronger and you may see muscle definition, but I promise you will not look like Arnold!
Q. How many calories will I burn in class?
A. It depends on your weight, intensity and fitness level. For an average student, we could say 400-600 calories in a 40 minute ride.
Q. Why is the room dark sometimes in a Spinning class?
A. The lights are sometimes kept low because in addition to being a wonderful cardio exercise, Spinning is a mind-body exercise. Many people prefer to ride with their eyes closed, transporting their minds elsewhere while their bodies are in motion. Think about it, there are very few group exercise classes where you can do this.
Q. OK, maybe I will give this a try. Which class would be the best place for me to start?
A. An Intro class! During an Intro class, you will be set up on the bike, taught how to ride safely and how to manage your intensity. You will learn all you need to know in order to enter any class and ride safely & effectively.
Q. Can I just wander into class?
A. No. You must sign up. Signup procedures will be posted on my website at mtnlifecycling.com. Please show up a few minutes early so you are in the saddle and ready to ride at the time class is scheduled to start.
Q. Is there anything else I need to know?
A. I don't think so, but I am always available to answer any questions you may have. You can ask me questions through the contact info on my website. You will also be added to my email list at the same time. I am also available through my email at sasspinn@gmail.com.
A. Spinning is a non-impact indoor cycling training program on stationary bikes. The program was derived from outdoor cycling.
Q. Do I have to be a cyclist to attend classes?
A. Absolutely not! Spinning targets the most important muscle in your body-your heart! Who doesn’t want a stronger, more efficient heart AND lungs? With Spinning, you can achieve all of this while having fun!
Q. Are the Spin bikes the same as regular stationary bikes?
A. No. A Spinner has the geometry of a road bike so it feels different than an ordinary stationary bike. It also has a weighted flywheel which provides a very smooth ride.
Q. I see people leaving the studio with special cycling shoes & clothing. Is this necessary?
A. Nothing special is needed. Wear comfortable clothing, preferably made of moisture- wicking material. Shoes with ridged soles are the best choice. If you decide this is something you will do regularly, cycling shorts & shoes will enhance your ride. All bikes accommodate a cycling shoe with an SPD cleat.
Q. So nothing is mandatory?
A. Water and small towel are necessary. You will sweat! A heart rate monitor, while not mandatory, is a very useful tool for monitoring and controlling your effort.
Q. Do I have to be fit to take a class? Isn’t Spinning for advanced exercisers?
A. NO, NO, NO, Absolutely not! Although classes can be highly energetic, you are completely in charge of YOUR workout. All classes are fully adaptable to how you are feeling on any given day. In fact, it is your responsibility to ride at your own pace. That is the beauty of this program. If something seems too difficult, just sit, back down the resistance and slow your pace and recover. I will bet that you will be surprised at how quickly you progress.
Q. But won’t the instructor be upset if I am not following along?
A. Absolutely not. As long as you are riding safely, no instructor will have a problem if you are adapting the ride. We only ask that you ride safely and within the confines of the Spinning program.
Q. What do you mean “Confines of the Spinning program”?
A. Spinning has been around for many years. It is the original indoor cycling program. It is pure and simple, without a lot of fancy movements. Fast jumps, very slow or very fast cadences & hand weight usage are all unsafe or ineffective and have no place in a class. Actually, the motto of the program is “if you don’t do it on a road bike, don't do it on a Spinner”.
Q. Isn't the saddle uncomfortable?
A. Most people find that it does take a few rides to get used to the saddle. So although there may be discomfort at first, after a few rides, you will find your “sweet spot” and you won't notice the saddle. In the meantime, some people find that gel seats or padded bike shorts help. You can find these products online or at Walmart or bike shops. Sometimes, there are gel Seats in the studio for use. With or without a gel seat, I promise the discomfort does go away. If it didn't, we wouldn't have anyone in classes!
Q. I’ve had problems with my knees in the past. Will Spinning hurt them?
A. One of the benefits of cycling is it’s a non-impact exercise. Pedaling is a smooth motion, with no pounding on hips, knees or ankles. In fact, cycling is often used in physical therapy when rehabbing a knee injury.
Q. I’m a woman. Will I get giant legs from Spinning?
A. Gosh, NO! The muscles in your legs will become stronger and you may see muscle definition, but I promise you will not look like Arnold!
Q. How many calories will I burn in class?
A. It depends on your weight, intensity and fitness level. For an average student, we could say 400-600 calories in a 40 minute ride.
Q. Why is the room dark sometimes in a Spinning class?
A. The lights are sometimes kept low because in addition to being a wonderful cardio exercise, Spinning is a mind-body exercise. Many people prefer to ride with their eyes closed, transporting their minds elsewhere while their bodies are in motion. Think about it, there are very few group exercise classes where you can do this.
Q. OK, maybe I will give this a try. Which class would be the best place for me to start?
A. An Intro class! During an Intro class, you will be set up on the bike, taught how to ride safely and how to manage your intensity. You will learn all you need to know in order to enter any class and ride safely & effectively.
Q. Can I just wander into class?
A. No. You must sign up. Signup procedures will be posted on my website at mtnlifecycling.com. Please show up a few minutes early so you are in the saddle and ready to ride at the time class is scheduled to start.
Q. Is there anything else I need to know?
A. I don't think so, but I am always available to answer any questions you may have. You can ask me questions through the contact info on my website. You will also be added to my email list at the same time. I am also available through my email at sasspinn@gmail.com.
