I felt like that lady when I went to a spin class for the first time in over five years. I thought everyone would ride like Lance Armstrong while I hoped I would just stay on the bike. Once the class started and I watched other riders, I noticed that they were all at different fitness levels and I was able to keep up better than I expected.
Some instructors go 100 miles per hour but I'd like to suggest that you pace yourself. Don't feel intimidated to keep up with them. One of my instructors teaches like a drill sergeant and when I need to take a breather, I eliminate some things to bring my heart rate down and catch my breath. This is even when he barks in my face. My goal is to reach my maximum heart rate without going over it.
An excellent certified group fitness instructor will show beginner, intermediate, and advance movements. For instance, beginners will march in place, intermediate will add a knee lift and advance will add a jump with the knee lift. I'm in pretty good shape but sometimes I switch between intermediate and advance movements so that I can pace myself for the duration of the class.
My advice, don't keep up with the fitness "Joneses" of the gym. Go at your own pace and gradually
build the endurance. Here is to your health.
Patricia, this is great! Ive been wanting to try spinning again for the longest. I went one time and the instructor unintentionally made me feel bad that I couldnt keep up in my FIRST spinning class ever. I am definitely going to try a spinning class again even if he does walk around and try to turn up the resistance on MY machine :)
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Brie, it's a great idea that you're going back to spinning. If you can, try a different instructor but if not, go at your own pace. Also, remember that the instructors are never at full speed if they're walking around. Hmm, when an instructor is walking around, he or she's taking a break from the "hills and sprints." Keep me posted!
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