5 Spin Class Workout Tips to Maximize Your Fitness Routine

Spinning — a fun name for indoor cycling workouts that people do both at home and at local gyms — has become an increasingly popular form of exercise over the last few years. You can enjoy these routines rain or shine, and they offer a great way to get in an effective workout whenever and however it’s most convenient for you. These exercise classes can be great for your body, your mind and your spirit, and they’re particularly appealing if you’re in the mood for upbeat, engaging movement.

Whether you’re taking an online class or heading to a nearby spin studio, it helps to get prepared. Before you climb on that spin bike for the first time — or the first time in a while — brush up on your form and expectations so you can benefit from a safer, happier ride.

Tips to Improve Your Overall Spin Experience

No matter where you’re cycling — from your home to the local gym to a spin-focused studio — your workout can benefit when you incorporate these tips into your routine.

Adjust Your Seat Height

Any dedicated cyclist will tell you that seat height matters. Why? Because the height of your seat helps you maintain proper form while cycling, giving your legs the right length per stroke of the pedal. Before you begin class, sit on the bike and place your feet on the pedals. When one of your feet is on the downstroke, your knee should be nearly straight. If you have to stretch at all or your knee is bent, get off and adjust the seat height down or up.

Hydrate Throughout Your Workout

Even if you’re just doing a quick class, it’s important to keep the water flowing throughout your entire workout. Take the water breaks provided in class. If you’re feeling thirsty at all, take more swigs when you need to. If you’re thirsty, your body’s telling you that you need water.

Wear Something Comfortable

For spin class or any other cycling, it’s important to wear the right gear. You don’t need a fancy jersey and shorts — though bike shorts do add some padding — but you should wear comfortable undergarments, a breathable top and longer athletic shorts or tights.

Ideally, you’ll have shoes that clip into the pedals on your cycle. These help you spin more efficiently and assist you in maintaining your balance and position. If you’re not ready to invest in them yet, though, you can wear other solid-soled athletic shoes (not “barefoot” shoes, flip-flops or backless shoes).

Safety Tips for At-Home Spin Classes

Aside from your location, at-home spin workouts differ from gym workouts in a few key ways.  When you work out at home, here’s how to handle those differences well.

Give Yourself Time to Set Up Properly

Technically, this is helpful both at home and at the spin gym, but it’s especially important at home. If you’re clocking in at home, be sure to give yourself extra time to set up, clip in and breathe for a few moments before class starts. The last thing you need is to feel rushed. Being fully present for your workout can help you get the most out of it.

While you’re spinning, your instructor will likely provide suggestions about when you might want to change your bike’s resistance level. The point of your program, after all, is to get the most efficient and effective workout in. So, when they say “take it a five,” it helps to know how to do that quickly. Practice a few times before class starts just to make sure you feel comfortable and familiar with the adjustments.  click now next page