Hey! I've been spinning for almost 2 years now and I love it! It's an awesome workout, and the group atmosphere it actually really helpful becuase it helps keep the intensity up throughout the class. It depends on the instructor too, but if he/she is upbeat, encouraging and enthusiastic, spinning can be such a welcome break from solo cardio.

Another great thing about spinning (especially for beginners) is that it is totally personal. You can adjust your tension to any amount that you want and no one will know. If you want more of a workout, crank it up. If you want to take it easier, don't. It's your decision and no one else will be focusing on it. If you have bad knees or don't want to stand up during jumps, you don't have to. Within reason you can make it as much or as little of a workout as you want.

Be prepared for climbs (periods of increased tension), downhills and recoveries (low tension), jumps (out of saddle work), and plenty of variations. I really hope you enjoy it, but just know that the first class will probably be tough. Your butt will be sore the next day, lol. But if you stick with it, spinning is an awesome low-impact workout that you can continue for many years to come!

Have fun!

Thanks, guys for your posts! I'm not feeling so nervous, just anxious! I'm hoping to have a great workout, even if it's not that fun while I'm doing it.  The expresso Bike I usually do does have increased tension as you go up hills, so I will be used to that a little bit. I probably will stay seated through the jumps though, at least the first time. I don't want to burn myself out too fast!

Again, thanks for your comments!

Hey I hope you enjoyed your first spinning class!  I was doing a class before I had this last kid and while it was extremely intimidating the first time I went, I went in with the mindset that I was just going for a leisurely bike ride.  I had no intentions of trying to keep up because spinning is very difficult and if you overdo it you will feel sick and won't enjoy it (and probably won't go back) 

If you go at it slowly and work your way up gradually, I promise it is so addictive it is ridiculous.  I am trying to work on my endurance some before I go back, but I can't wait!  I am still hooked!

I don't have a lot new to add to the other replies but I just wanted to encourage you.  I started doing spinning classes about two months ago.  I almost didn't do it when I got in there and saw the end of the class before me.  I have been slowly building my strength and endurance but figured there was no way I could be on a bike for 60 min (length of my classes).  But I forced myself to do it and now I love it.

Here are my tips:

- on your first class keep your resistance really low - as far as I can see on any spin bike, no one can tell what your resistance is at unless they really look at your bike - so don't be embarrassed about having a low resistance - keep it at the very bottom and don't even change it thoughout the class if that's what you need - just for the first class to show yourself that you can last the whole class

- keep your stomach pulled in tight and use your stomach muscles to move your legs - This gives you a better work out and it saves your leg

- bring a big water bottle and drink often

- pass on the jumps if you need to - jumps are fast and hard on the knees and ankles

- if you are standing spinning, keep your entire weight over top of your feet on the pedals - it's actually not hard to do at all if you remember that tip

- keep your butt back to the back of the seat - relieves pressure on the butt and gives you a better centre of gravity

- don't be afraid to adjust your bike during the class until you get it to a place that feels comfortable

Spinning is great because of the group atmosphere.  If I go into a gym by myself I will not stay on a bike for that long.  I will convince myself that I'm too tired/sore/sick that day to do it.  In a class, I will not leave no matter how tired I am.

The class I do has bikes that have gears from 1 to 24.  You set for yourself what your max resistance is and the instructor tells you what percentage of that to be at.  In my first class about two months ago, I did not go above four.  Yesterday, my top resistance was 12.  It builds really quickly.

Best of luck!

Thanks everybody for your advice and well wishes!

The class went well. He put me up front where he could see me (uh oh, lol) but I did make it through the class and I did all of the climbs. Though sometimes I had to sit back down, but other times I was able to finish them.

I didn't put my resistance quite where he asked me to, but I didn't keep it on super easy the entire time either.

My legs are sure feeling it today! When I got off the bike, it was like the muscles went on strike! But today after my weight training session with the trainer I am going to hit the pool to relax them a bit.

The only thing is that my butt is really sore right now and hurts for a moment when I get out of a chair. But I think I read on another post that is normal in the beginning and eventually your body gets used to it.

at first while being initiated into the wonderful world of spinning, you may feel as though you've been raped by your bike. your body will adjust. spinning is great and wonderful for losing weight - good luck!

Yes, your body will get used to it.  This week, my butt really didn't feel sore at all.  And you do build up the strength in your legs so that doesn't hurt as much either.