New to Spinning? Here are six must-know tips beyond techniques for your first ride
PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG
Navigating towards your first spin class may be confusing, particularly if you aren't familiar with the sport of cycling. But just what differences do spin classes offer to outdoor cycling?
We take you through some important first steps in getting to know the sport of Spinning, which is risen in popularity in recent years in the fitness scene.
From what to wear and things to bring along for your first class, SportPlus.SG has got you covered with six essentials you should know about, thanks to Sync Cycle Trainer, Tricia Amanda.
1. Attire
Wearing the right attire for a spin class will not only enhance your workout experience but also support the many movements while riding on a spin bike. For a full-body workout that doesn't just use your hands, but your legs as well, it is essential to wear an outfit that is not too restrictive.
For the Ladies (Top): Sports Bra / Dri-fit Tee
Investing in a good sports bra is absolutely necessary when riding, as you'll be having lots of upper movements and you don't want to get abrasions from a bad sports bra.
Sync Cycle Instructor, Tricia Amanda. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG
(Bottoms): Cycling shorts / Leggings
Ensure that you are able to squat fully when trying on your leggings without any discomfort for a smoother and more comfortable session at Spin Classes.
For the Men: Tank Top/ Dri-fit Tee & Tights or Shorts
For the Men out there, a tank top or a Dri-fit tee will do, try swinging your arms to see if movements are restricted, if not, you're ready to go!
PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG
(Bottoms): Tights or Biking Shorts
The same goes for the Men, try doing a full squat to ensure that movements are smooth so that your experience at Spin Classes will be a smoother and more comfortable session.
*Generally speaking, soft, stretchable, and breathable fabrics that don't restrict your movements while riding will ensure a smoother ride for you or it might get messy and uncomfortable.
2. Hydration is Key
Hydration is definitely essential when it comes to doing a workout as it powers up your workout during your Spin Class! Drinking water during your workout also fights the heat and nutrition which comes with a lot of benefits! So don’t miss out on your precious water bottle.
*Keeping a water bottle close at hand is advisable and you can easily slot this onto your spin bike for easy access midway through class in between workouts.
Sync Cycle Instructor, Tricia Amanda. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG
3. Towels
Spin classes are guaranteed to be a sweaty and fun workout experience which makes towels essential! Towels are usually provided by the studio, but if you prefer to bring your own towel to Spin Class that is fine as well.
Sync Cycle Instructor, Tricia Amanda. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG
4. Cycling Shoes
Cycling Shoes, otherwise known as cycling cleats, are usually provided by Spin Class Studios, but if you already own a pair of cycling shoes at home, you can bring them down to the studio as well!
You may wish to check with your studio if your cycling shoes are compatible with the bikes that are provided at the studio. If you don’t own any cycling shoes at home, all are good, your studio will definitely provide you with cycling shoes for the Spin Class!
Learn how to wear spin shoes in our article here.
Sync Cycle Instructor, Tricia Amanda presenting several Cycling Shoes. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG
5. Eat before your Spin Class
Whether it’s a beginner, intermediate or advanced class, spin classes are guaranteed to be intense workouts that will require a lot of energy for you to reach peak performance! A proper pre-workout meal is necessary so make sure that you have eaten 1 - 2 hours before your class and hydrate yourself so that you do not feel tired and lethargic during your class.
6. Listen to your body and pace yourself
Sync Cycle Instructor, Jocelyn Tan performing a Spin Class.
PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG
Listening to your body and pacing yourself is not emphasized enough, learning to listen to your body is important. Even if there’s an instructor guiding you and motivating you, only you yourself understand how you feel at that point in time, so make sure to pace yourself.
The class is planned in such a way that certain points will be more intense, and some points are for recovery, if at any point you feel that a certain point is too much for you, it’s alright to take a seat on the saddle or just roll your legs out.
When there’s a workout that is required to stand up to paddle, and you feel you are already exhausted, it’s always alright to just ride seated down, everyone just learns to take it at their own pacing whatever is comfortable for you! But most importantly, just enjoy the Spin Class!
Feel empowered through movements and beats at Sync Cycle!
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