Top four tips to get the most out of your spin class

Spin classes have boomed in popularity in recent years, revolutionising the way people get fit by cycling.

With an enthusiastic instructor driving the sessions a spin class can seem an intimidating environment, but they’re huge fun to take part in and extremely good for your fitness.

Read on for our top four tips to get the most out of your spin activities.

Choose a good Personal Trainer

Working with an instructor you like will ultimately increase your enjoyment of a spin class.

The way the class is delivered and the music choices are among the things that can affect your motivation, so if one trainer doesn’t suit you try someone else.

Take advice from other gym members or ask for recommendations for a Personal Trainer from staff at reception. Also, ask for recommendations from friends and family who have taken the help of personal trainers in the past. Research online and read customer reviews for trainers in your area. Additionally, call the ones you are interested in and ask if they have a time slot open for training.

Be comfortable when using bike

Get a bike where you can see the instructor clearly – or pre-book your spot if it’s possible to do so. This will make it easier for you to follow the routine as you spinit towards fitness.

The staff generally check the bikes to ensure they’re in working order, but give everything a quick once over before starting your workout.

If you’ve been given cycling shoes, ask to be shown how to click in and out. It’s easier than it looks, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Also, invest in comfortable gym wear. Wearing breathable and moisture-wicking clothes will make your workout far more comfortable and enjoyable.

Females should invest in a proper sports bra, as you’ll need lots of support during the more vigorous elements of the class. The general rule is to wear padded cycling shorts or gym shorts either a muscle tee or tank. The outfit is lightweight and won’t interfere with your bike.

Build up steadily

Spin classes are high intensity and can sometimes catch out even the most dedicated fitness fanatic.

Ahead of your first session try to cycle for 10 minutes on a low to medium intensity three times a week, before increasing your time by five minutes each week. Increase your resistance at the same time – this will strengthen your legs in preparation for your first class.

It can be tempting to try and match the level of other people in the class, but it’s important that you stay in control of how difficult your own workout is.

The instructor will tell you when to make it harder or easier, but do it at the level you’re comfortable with while trying to push yourself to get the most out of the session.

As you get stronger, you can add resistance and speed to ramp up the intensity.

Post-workout Recovery

Focus on recovery after your high-intensity spin class workout. Post-workout stretches and exercises can help your body to heal quickly and prevent severe muscle pain and stiffness.

You can look for a few recovery exercises online on Urbansportsclub.com or similar sites to practice every day after your spin class. The basic stretches may include foot rolls, thigh movements, shoulder girdles, and more.

You can follow up these cool-down exercises with recovery tools that could be used to relax muscles with the help of vibrations. Vibrating massagers and foam rollers could be the options you can explore to speed up the healing process.