First Time Spinning

Today I experienced my first ever spinning class at the YMCA.  The instructor Laura introduced herself to me and gave me few pointers before the class began.  She knew everyone else by name so I am guessing they are all regulars and it was very obvious to all that I was new - it didn't seem to be an issue though. 

The class began with a small warm up and then we went straight into a minute and a half sprint.  We reduced the speed to a steady standing jog and I was told this was our first break!  I was already sweating like a pig.  She then had us go into a position called a hover where you lower your forearms and move your hips back over, but not on, the seat - I think a more fitting name would be "hell".  I could only maintain the position for a short amount of time before I found myself back on the seat.  The next position was "no bounce" where you stand and ride but with little or no bounce, instead there is a lot more pressure on your thighs and knees.  Again I found myself back on the seat after a while.  We did many more positions, some high resistance and low resistance spinning, and much more.  In the end I think it was a great time and definitely a workout. 

I am going to do couple of things differently next time. 

First of all I was the second one there and had my choice of all but two bikes (the first person there had hers picked out and it was clear which one was the instructors).  With this liberty of choice I made one of the worst mistakes a newbie could do.  I picked one in the middle of the room away from any one of the four fans!!  Next time you will find me seated directly under a fan like the first to arrive was. 

Second I think I am going to see about riding my bike to class.  It would be a great warm up getting there and a great cool down on the way home.  As I mentioned, just minutes into the class I was soaked from sweat so I think the ride home would allow me some time to air out. 

Lastly I am debating reintroducing myself.  The instructor heard Jay and so I am now Jay instead of Jake or Jacob - which is cool.  I had some friends in high school, actually just one - actually none, he wasn't much of a friend but more of a friend of a friend, who called me Jay - still not sure why but he did.  Like I said I am still debating this one - it might not be a bad thing to have an alias at the gym.