Hate running? Intimidated by CrossFit? Maybe it’s time to give into the spin craze. We finally broke down and gave it a try last week at Swerve — a spin studio that just opened in the Flatiron District of New York City. It kicked out butts but we loved it and can’t wait to go back for more!
Due to our new found love of spinning, we teamed up with Chelsea Kocis, one of the founders of Swerve to teach you how to survive your first class. Don’t worry — you can do it!
1. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after class
You will sweat so you need to drink water constantly throughout class.
2. Let the instructor know if you are new
They will help you set up your bike properly and will also check on you throughout class.
3. Dress to ride
– fitted work out gear is best, loose clothing (especially pants) can get caught in the pedals.
4. Remember that you can go at your own pace
If at any point you need to rest, you can always lower your resistance, take a sip of water, and catch your breath before jumping back into the class.
5. Don’t be embarrassed if you have NO idea how to clip in!
No one knows how to clip in on their first try! The instructor or assisting staff will help you.
6. Listen to the instructions at the beginning of class
The instructor will explain what metrics are being tracked on your console and how to follow along throughout class.
7. Remember to maintain the proper form throughout class.
If you forget, the instructor will be there to correct any issues they see.
8. Have fun!
A cycling class is a challenging cardio workout but it’s also meant to be fun – so don’t be afraid to lose yourself in the music.
According to Chelsea:
I found cycling after college as an alternative to running, which was beginning to take a toll on my knees. It’s an incredible cardio workout, much lower impact than running, and a lot of fun! All packaged in a 45 minute class. Can’t beat that.
Have you ever taken a spin class? Let us know in the comments below!
*featured image by Bryan Smith
