It wasn’t until I moved into my new apartment building that I really started getting into the idea of attending a spin class. Enter: Peloton. My building has two pelotons in the apartment gym, and I quickly became addicted. It was nice for me, because it wasn’t intimidating attending an on-demand class where no one can see me, as opposed to the 30 person classes in a studio. Basically, I didn’t risk embarrassing myself, and that’s always a plus in my book.

After a month of using the apartment Peloton daily (and sometimes twice a day), quarantine began, and the gym was shut down. Suddenly, I had no way to get my cycle fix. Months go by, and I still haven’t gotten on a bike. I even contemplated buying my own, but the price tag was hard to swallow knowing the gym will eventually open.

It wasn’t until last week–after 4 months–that I caved and attended an in-person class. I figured it was worth the risk of doing something silly with witnesses around in order to get some exercise in. Keep reading for how I most certainly embarrassed myself.

I had a week vacation from work, so I went home to Pennsylvania to spend the 4th of July and my birthday with my family. Backstory: for the last year, my older sister has asked me to take a spin class at her studio, and I have always declined. But I really wanted to spin, it was my birthday, and my sisters just bought me a new pair of spin shoes. How could I not break these in? And so I went.

Arriving at the Studio

We arrived at the studio for spin class about 15 minutes early, and thank goodness for that, because it was my first time “clipping in” spin shoes to a bike–I previously used toe cages. For those of you who have before, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. For newbies like me, don’t be intimidated, because you will get the feel for it after some practice–and also you might want to check out this article.

Long story short, I struggled, and I had no idea what I was doing. Luckily, I had my sister and a helpful instructor who ended up putting my shoes on and clipping in for me, and I put my shoes on while they were already attached to the pedal. If you are new, I recommend going early to get yourself situated.

During Spin Class

Finally, it was time for class to start. I was clipped in, I had my water, towel, and weights, and I was ready!…for about 5 minutes, and then my weights fell off the handle bars, and I was too afraid to unclip because I didn’t know if I could get back in. This is when having my sister helped–she jumped right off her bike and grabbed them, and I was ready once more.

If you’re ever intimated about going to a group fitness class, go with a friend! I promise it helps take the pressure off.

During the spin class, the lights were off, and the music was blaring. The instructor gave cues throughout the ride, which I tried to follow, but admittedly, I don’t have the best rhythm. I was just trying to stay on beat, so I focused less on arm movements throughout the ride, though I’m sure once you take more spin classes you eventually get the hang of it.

A piece of advice: you’re going to get a good workout regardless, so have fun with it! Don’t stress about being on beat or getting all the movements right. With the lights off, no one is going to see you mess up anyway. And if they are worried about you being off beat, they aren’t working hard enough themselves.

In total, the ride was 45 minutes. Towards the end, we stopped spinning and did a few minutes of arms with 2-3 pounds dumbbells. It doesn’t sound heavy, but your arms will get tired much quicker than you think. After arms, we spun for 2 more songs, did a quick stretch, and class was over!

After Class & Reflections

As far as “clipping out” goes, I promise it’s a lot easier (at least for me), than clipping in. What it came down to was that I was nervous I was going to break the cleat attached to the bottom of the shoe. However, both my sister and instructor assured me that wasn’t likely to happen. And if it does, they are easy (and cheap) to replace.

I spent a few minutes after class practicing clipping in and out with my sister’s guidance, so that I would be able to successfully do so when the gym in my apartment opens.

All in all, I would say my first spin class was a success! I’ll say it again in case you missed it the first time: if you are nervous or scared to take a workout class, I always think it’s easier to go the first time with someone else. I’m so glad I had my sister there to walk me through my first in-person spin class. I probably would have full-on panicked with my shoes if I didn’t have her.

Compared to Peloton, I think they are pretty equal. You’re going to get a great workout from both. I also don’t think you lose out on any “class energy” from a Peloton, since they do a great job of making you feel connected throughout the ride. And at the end of the day, both options are a FUN way to get moving.

What was your first spin class experience like? Any mishaps like me or tips for clipping in and out?

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