3 Things You Need to Get the Most Out of Mcycle Classes
We love it when first-timers sign up for classes at our Salt Lake City studio. Every new student represents yet another opportunity to help someone pursue a healthy lifestyle. New students also represent an opportunity for us to educate people about everything related to indoor cycling. For example, people often ask us what they need to bring with them in order to get the most out of their classes.
This is a great question. Why? Because advertisements showing professional models riding their bikes and following along with instructors do not offer a complete picture. In fact, they can leave those new to indoor cycling with a false impression of our sport.
You don't need expensive workout clothes to get a good workout. Cycling shoes are helpful if your indoor bike features the appropriate pedals to utilize them. Otherwise, a typical pair of sneakers works just fine. Now, there are three things that first-timers do need to bring to class – none of which pertain to equipment or clothing:
1. An Open Mind
The first thing we recommend is coming to class with an open mind. Indoor cycling, or spinning if you prefer, is a somewhat unique form of exercise in that it combines cycling, music, choreography, and the basic fundamentals of cardiovascular exercise. When taught by an experienced instructor, indoor cycling offers many benefits besides just sitting on the seat and pedaling for 30 minutes.
Be prepared to learn some new things about yourself during those first few classes. Be ready to work out to music you might not be familiar with. Be prepared to exercise in an environment with like-minded people, all of whom are not there to judge you and your abilities. Hopefully, you'll find it refreshing.
2. A Willingness to Sweat
Second, we recommend first-timers come to class with a willingness to sweat. Even though spinning classes are low impact in nature, they are high intensity. Our primary goal is to maximize the benefits of cardiovascular exercise. In order to do that, our instructors have to make sure students are working hard enough to break a sweat.
You can exercise without sweating if you like. Go for a leisurely walk around the neighborhood several times per week. Your body will reap the benefits of doing so. However, just know that you are not maximizing the cardio benefits of your exercise if you're not perspiring.
3. A Minimum Commitment
Finally, we encourage first time indoor cyclists to make a minimum commitment to themselves. What do we mean by this? We mean committing to at least a couple of months of regular cycling. That doesn't mean five classes per week, every week for three months. Even one or two weekly classes, supplemented by some other form of cardio exercise at home, works well enough.
The reason we encourage a minimum commitment is pretty simple: you are not going to truly start seeing the benefits of regular exercise for at least several weeks. It could take 2 to 3 months before you get into a comfortable routine. Not giving it at least that much time is selling yourself short. We hate to see guests do that because they are missing out on so much.
In addition to an open mind, a willingness to sweat, and a minimum commitment of at least several months, make sure you bring plenty of water with you to class. You are going to sweat. That means you're also going to have to stay hydrated. Note that all of our bikes come with bottle holders so you can always have your water close by.