Almost a year ago I took my first spin class. I just realized it had been a year when I looked up that post.
I hadn’t been planning to give spin another chance. Ever. I hated that first class and decided spin was not and would never be the fitness activity to me.
Then last week our gym handed out passes for a free RPM class. I didn’t think anything of it until Kepa told me he was signing up for a Monday night class because Raina was the teacher. I realized that I would have to take the class too.
I didn’t really mind because I love Raina and think she is awesome. She is actually the first NZ blogger I ever read and indirectly led me to Kepa’s blog. Now he is my husband and I live in NZ so I might as well take a class from her and support her!
Before we started I was thinking, “Oh, it’s Raina. She’s cool. She won’t go to hard on us. This should be easy enough!”
WRONG.
The class was just as hard as it was last time I took it. I might have pushed myself a little harder this time though just because Raina was really encouraging during the class. She actually made me want to go harder than I thought I could at first which was nice. My foot still fell asleep halfway through the class after a big climb but that was really the only downside.
I might be smiling in these pictures but at the end of the class I was beat. It was 45 minutes of hard work. I was drenched in sweat by the end.
Despite being dead tired and completely sweaty I felt great after the class. Kepa and I both agreed that this class was a hundred times better than the one we took last time.
Reasons why this class was a GOOD spin class:
- The instructor (Raina) chatted with me before class about the class. I went early to explain my trepidation about taking another spin class and she encouraged me and also explained a lot of things that eased my mind.
- She helped me set up the bike before class started. Last time I had no help and ended up being uncomfortable and in pain for 45 minutes because the instructor didn’t even explain anything despite knowing we were new.
- Raina was very encouraging during the workout.
- She actually explained the reasons why we were doing things like recovery riding. (Kepa and I both like the science behind exercise, plus it’s good to know the instructor actually knows their stuff.)
- I liked the music! RPM changes every 3 months apparently so the music stays current and isn’t at the whim of the instructors personal preferences.
So if you are planning to take a spin class for the first time:
- Talk to the instructor before the class!
- Make sure the instructor helps you set up the bike properly.
Just those two things make a world of difference I think. That and having a kick butt instructor.
Then this morning I saw Raina’s comment on my facebook page:
That totally made my day! I tried my best and she noticed – that’s always something that makes me feel proud of myself. I probably won’t be going back any time soon since it’s an extra $5 on top of my membership, but I may occasionally treat myself to the class since it’s such a good workout!
Have you ever done an RPM class? What did you think? Do you like RPM and/or spin classes?
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{ 26 comments }
Thanks for the review! We have the breakaway Les Mills classes at my gym, so it’s no longer RPM, but Group Ride. Maybe I will give it a try again! It’s always good to mix it up.
Eating as a Path to Yoga´s last [type] ..I don’t need the scale to prove my worth
I would totally do Raina’s spin class if I lived in NZ. She should come to Oz!
I’ve done a spin class but had trouble because the cage on the pedals was not adjustable and the instructors didn’t seem to care. I’m starting at a new gym soon so I might give it another go.
It’s great to expand that comfort zone and see what’s on the outside:)
It’s interesting how many group fitness instructors seem to just not care. Don’t they realize if they care and helped newbies more people would come to their classes? Interesting. Let’s get Raina doing a world tour! Haha.
I’m yet to try a spin class because it terrifies me, to be honest. I know it’s supposed to be a great workout but something holds me back. Maybe I’ll try it next week?
Mandy, I had a new member come in one time and she looked at me with absolutely terror in her eyes and said, “Go easy on me!!!” She looked so frightened, like she was about to pee her pants.
A good instructor will recognise that for some people, getting in through the door is a massive enough hurdle. I encouraged her as much as I could, gave her as many options to recover as I could, and caught her for a moment after class to ask her how she felt. She’s been back several times since then.
Hopefully when you do get to give it a try, you’ll go to a class where someone appreciates how you are feeling.
It really is a crazy good workout. Even the sucky class I hated before was still a good workout. You get your heart working that’s for sure. Try it next week and let me know how it goes!
I really am grateful that you came along and gave it another go – especially given the experience that you had last time. You would have been well within your rights to tell everyone that RPM/Spin was a terrible thing and noone should bother trying. I’m really glad that you had a better experience this time, and I am completely overwhelmed by your praise in this blog post :) Thank you so much for your time yesterday, and thank you so much for all of your kind words here :)
You were a great instructor. I’m seriously glad I tried again because I was so anti-spin before but now I sorta see why people dig it. :)
By the way, here’s my blog post about how it was to have you both in my class :)
http://large.mmmarshmallow.com/2012/02/linkage-merry-life.html
:)
Mary, this is totally off-topic but I saw this blog and thought of you as the girl looks just like you and she is an aussie! She seems to have a very similar style as you. Part of operation beautiful?
http://frocksandfroufrou.com/
Off topic is good. I love new blogs and hers is all about her totally cute wedding so thanks for sharing! I like her style a lot! :)
Glad you had such a good time at spinning! I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Monday spin class, and it’s because of the instructor!! :)
I LOVE RPM. I do it 6 or 7 times a week (in fact I did it twice today!). A good instructor makes such a difference. We’ve just got a new one at my gym, and she makes some of the other instructors look amateur.
perhaps I SHOULD revisit too.
I went once circa…2001? and have never returned.
Miz´s last [type] ..Fragmented Fila video-shoot thoughts.
I’m not a class taker but I’m glad you enjoyed yourself and gave it another shot!
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh´s last [type] ..Clementine Infused Crock Pot Game Hens
Never give up~ all the best
Shawn´s last [type] ..Lose Weight And Increase Energy (Acai Berry Select)
I hope this comment isn’t taken offensively, because I mean it as nothing but the highest praise:
I LOVE THAT RAINA IS NOT SKINNY. Go Raina, showing people that “larger” ladies can kick some butt too!
I don’t find that offensive Liz and I don’t think Raina will either. I think part of the problem is that there is a feeling that if you are fat/overweight you MUST be lazy. This isn’t true for everyone but it’s definitely a persistent thought for lots of folks. I think actually our first instructor might have ignored us a bit because we were the “fat people” in the back of the room. That’s unfortunate because we can complete the class too!
Believe me, I definitely do not find that offensive :)
I have come across a large number of people that 1) are too afraid to try out fitness because they fear that the instructor/trainer will judge them, or 2) they fear that only thin people can actually achieve the workout being presented. I like to be an example of “I’m fat, and I’m doing it. What’s your excuse now?”
The first time I tried a cycling class it was only an “intro” and I about died! It was ages before I dared try again. And only because I had a friend to go with me. Eventually I grew to love it, as much as I can love any exercise, which means I love it when it is over and I’ve got a sweat going:) I haven’t been in ages though, due to riding outside and now an injury. So ride for me too please!
I am looking for a good RPM class at the moment – I love it.
I am joined up to a gym that doesn’t do classes – and I either have to move my entire membership over to another gym or pay $10 a class just for the RPM. Hmmm.
Our gym charges $5 extra for a class. It’s crazy! They obviously aren’t making much money though because there were only two people in the class besides us. I think they should just let them be free as part of the membership.
Oh, ya rpm is one of the les mills classes. I take the bodypump and cxworx and the music/routines change by cycles so you’re not always doing the same thing. Sometimes good, sometimes bad, depending on how you like the soundtrack! LOL. My instructors do ‘remixes’ as they call them, putting in one song from this cycle then one from another, to vary our workouts somewhat. A teacher def makes or breaks a class I think. That’s why I find my fav instructors per each class I take and stick with it, and if they have a sub, I schedule other things I need to get done on those days. No, I’ve never done a spin class…maybe one day but probably not.
merri´s last [type] ..Wet Houses – Shelters where Alcohol is Allowed
Loooooove RPM. I do it once a week – it’s an excellent cross training activity. It trains you for cardiovascular endurance and quick recovery so other forms of cardio become easier over time.
Forgot to add – the instructor makes a HUGE difference. I’ve had some wonky ones too!