Spinning: What should you expect at your first spinning class?

Bring water to Spin Class!

I have never allowed anyone to participate in my spin classes without a full bottle of water. Not only is it unsafe to ride without a source of hydration, but during your ride, drinking water is like pouring extra heart beats down your throat.

Don't work too hard!

You're thinking, "What?! Don't work too hard?" Many well trained athletes who try spin for the first time think that it will be a piece of cake. However, no matter how fit or unfit you are, it will take a couple of times for your body to adjust to any new type of physical activity. Don't work too hard feeling pressured to prove something to the others in the class. Everyone else in the class had to build up their tolerance for spin too! By keeping your heart rate under control, you can be assured that you are burning the right kind of calories.

Wear a heart rate monitor!

Many health clubs offer heart rate monitors for members to use during spin classes. With a heart rate monitor, you won't have to worry about overworking to the anaerobic state or for some, not working hard enough. If your health club doesn't offer these, you may consider purchasing your own anyway. They are useful for all types of cardio work. It's just happens that spinning was the first cardiovascular group exercise format that began to tout them.

Next week, look for more on heart rate control and the importance of staying in your fat burning zone.