Have you ever attended a spin ass? If you have, you’ll likely agree it’s easily one of the most exciting, high-energy classes that GoodLife offers. The positive vibes are contagious and it’s hard not to feel a surge of energy pulse through you during and after your ride.

Perhaps, if you’ve never been to a spin class you’ve watched from a far… trying to take it all in while wondering what all the hype is about. If you’re considering trying spin here’s what you can expect:

It’s high intensity
We won’t sugar coat it, spin class is high intensity and fast paced! If you want to see what a typical RPM class looks like, check out this video.

During spin you can think of your instructor as your guide – they will give you guidelines about how much resistance to add and how fast to pedal. If you’re a beginner, remember it can take a few weeks to build up your fitness level, so go at your own pace (see point below!).

Throughout the class you can expect to feel your leg muscles fatigue and some saddle soreness form the seat. If you come regularly, just like any other form of exercise, your body will adjust!

Go at your own pace
The great thing about spin is that it’s as difficult as you make it. You have to ability to control how hard you work out because you control the resistance yourself. The instructor will tell you when to have heavier or lighter resistance and what stance to take on your bike but it’s up to you what you do.

Work at a level you’re comfortable with and tailor it to your fitness level. Do your best to challenge yourself so you get the most out of the class. As you get stronger you can always up the speed and resistance.

If you need it, take a break
Similar to the point above, listen to your body. Classes include sprint intervals, where you pedal as hard as you can before taking a rest and pedal at a slower pace. If you need more time between intervals, feel free to rest for longer. You do you!

Oh, and pro tip: don’t forget to hydrate! There’s no doubt you’re working hard so having water with you is key. Take sips throughout the class to replace the fluids you’re losing through sweat.

The set-up
Be sure to arrive a few minutes early to give yourself enough time to find a bike and set it up correctly. When the instructor arrives feel free to ask for help setting up your bike or you can check out our instructional video below!

When choosing a bike ask yourself the following questions:  

  • Saddle: Is it stable?
  • Bike: Is it secure? Is it wobbling when you pedal? 
  • Pedals and straps: Are your feet securely in place and are the straps adjustable? Are pedals moving smoothly?
  • Resistance: Is it working correctly, are you able to adjust it?

If there are any issues with the points mentioned above, change bikes to get the most out of your ride.  

Happy spinning!