Today I'm giving you insight into one of my favorite ways to get my sweat on, spinning! I've been teaching spin at Mountainside Fitness for over a year now. Each week I get the pleasure of leading 3 classes. I've been asked to take on more, but it's not my full time job. I do it because I love it, and I love motivating others! In the short time I've been teaching spin, I've created bonds with my regulars. However, I do see funny things from time to time. These are the confessions of a spin instructor.
Confessions of a Spin Instructor
Spinning Is A High Intensity Workout
Contrary to popular belief, spinning is not a low impact workout. I can't tell you how many times I've had a member comes to my class thinking spin was going to be a casual, "easy" bike ride. Quite the opposite! Spinning is hard work. You burn a ton of calories. It's not only a great cardiovascular workout, but also great for building strength in the legs. If you come to a spin class, be prepared to sweat and work hard!
Don't Be Shy To Try
If it's your first time to my class, I don't judge and others won't either. Feeling self-conscious is normal. Remember, everyone has had a first class at some point. The best thing you can do as a first timer is to tell the instructor and ask for help setting up your bike. That way the instructor can show you the proper way to setup the bike and coach you on form before class. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help. It's easy to get hurt on a spin bike if you're not doing it the right way.
Yelling Is My Way Of Motivating You
Good or bad. I'm known for yelling at my classes. Most members tell me they love this about me. I'm sure there are a few though that are scared by it. If I'm yelling at you, take it as a good thing. It's my way of motivating you! I can tell when you are cruising along, not working as hard as you should be. I coach all my classes to push themselves out of their comfort zone. When you push yourself that extra once, that's when you see change. If you stay where you're comfortable, you will never see the changes you want to see in your body and performance.
I Want To See You Sweat
When people leave my classes without an ounce of sweat on their face, it makes me feel like a failure for not coaching the right way through the class. Huffing, puffing, sweating. That's what I want to see! No matter how fast or how slow you are, I can tell how hard you're working by the amount of sweat dripping off your face, on the floor. I don't care that you're not going as fast or hard as the person next to you. All I ask is that you show up and work hard!
Cruising Makes Me Crazy
Several of the drills in my classes involve high intensity sprints in the saddle or Tabata pushes. If you're bouncing around, cruising along on a low resistance you're not doing it right. Sometimes no matter what I say some people want to stay in that place. Again, that "comfortable" place. But you're not helping yourself when you don't execute the drill properly. In fact, you can get hurt if you're resistance is too low. Think riding down a hill. If you don't have some resistance riding down a hill, you'll fly off the bike. Remember, listening to the instructor is a must and if you must do something a certain way then talk to the instructor a head of time.
More Confessions:
- I don't give breaks between drills, but if you need one I don't mind. Not everyone is at the same fitness level. There's no shame in listening to your body and taking a minute to regroup.
- When you show up late, I don't care. I only care that you DO show up.
- Whipping down the bike for the next rider before you leave is common courtesy. Just think if the rider before you didn't do that how grossed out you would be.
- I love having you show up to my class. It makes me happy!
Chuck says
Hi Megan..
I am an instructor too.. I agree wholeheartedly with what you say and I add that it makes me happy to see smiles on the members faces.. It is a tough world out there and we make life fun.
All the best
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
I love spin! And a good instructor makes all the difference 😀
Megan says
You know it!
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says
I love this because before I tried spin I was so intimidated to try it! It's nice to know the etiquette before you stumble your way in! Funny story, the first time I tried spin the whole pedal came off the bike.... I still want to take one of your classes!
Megan says
That's funny you were intimidated. Most of my members just think it's a ride in the park until they come to a class and realize it's hard work.