PRO TIP #1: HEELS DOWN, HEART FORWARD
Are you a spin-room ballerina? AKA do you ride on the bike with your toes leading the way? Riding with your heels down instead of pointed toes relieves your calves and knees from being strained and gets your quads and glutes more involved. Not only this, riding with your heels down helps you stay on beat!
PRO TIP #2: RESIST THE LOW-RESISTANCE
Fact: When jogging out of the saddle, you actually need more resistance on the gear then you think. When you get up into a jog track, and the motivator stares you down and passionately tells you to “ADD IN!”, it’s not because they have a grudge against you - they actually just want to help you save your knees!
PRO TIP #3: FIND THE SWEET SPOT
Something to pay attention to as you become more familiar with spin is how to stay on the beat while getting a challenging workout.
In the words of YYC motivator Emily Cheffins, “Be honest with yourself! Are you walking down 17th ave sipping a Frappuccino? Or are you approaching the puke zone? Sometimes it’s easy to go on cruise control once you start getting tired, but stay on beat with the MOST resistance YOU can handle without losing pace!”
In other words, find the sweet spot where you are able to stay on beat with enough resistance to stay in the Frappuccino zone.
PRO TIP #4: BALANCE IS KING
Most people have a dominant leg that they perfect to lead with when it comes to hitting that “1,2” and staying on beat. Does this resonate with you? Try switching it up every track and see how you can create balance in both of your legs.
PRO TIP #5: KEEP IT FRESH
Don’t be afraid to ask around for motivator suggestions. Everyone has their favourites and will have a suggestion of who’s class to try, so try a new motivator until you find a style you love.
Best Spin Practices -- Advice from our Bikergang!
-
Eat something! Preferability an hour before class to avoid the puke zone.
-
Water is your best friend. Drink up!
-
Rock + Roll. After you rock the class, hit up one of our body rollers in studio to restore your muscles.