It’s been years since spinning swept the fitness world by storm. Now, bike studios have sprung up in cities across the nations.

But despite the explosion of cycling studios and numerous high profile celebrity endorsements and TV spots, there are still a number of people who have never been to a single cycling styled fitness class.

That is why we have written this post, to give you a better idea of what you can expect at your first cycling fitness class.

What Is Spinning?

Let’s start off with an easy one: What exactly is spinning?

As we mentioned above, spinning is a high-energy fitness class that replicates the most exhausting cross country bike ride you’ve ever gone on. It includes interval training, inclines and declines that require a full body commitment. Muscles that are specifically targeted include glutes, quads, and hamstrings.

As you might expect, spinning is excellent cardio and is often recommended to individuals looking for exercises that facilitate fast fat-loss. There are also long term health benefits. One Finnish study showed that cycling for 30 minutes each day could reduce the risk of diabetes by 40%.

What to Wear

The best options are those that won’t get stuck in the equipment. Tight fitting exercise capris and a tank top are the unofficial uniform of the cycling fitness class. But if you prefer to wear shorts or another fitted pant, you are welcome to.

The only strong rule is to make sure you wear socks! That’s because you are going to need to use the bike studio’s special shoes. These shoes clip right into the bikes, so don’t think you can get away without them.

Also important to note, you should wear your hair off of your face, because you are going to be sweating — a lot. So make sure to bring the heavy duty headband.

Bike Safety

Bike safety is hugely important to preventing injuries and maximizing your work out. The most important thing to do is make sure your bike is set up properly. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are unsure of the proper way to do so.

Cycling is one of the most popular fitness classes on the market today. Hopefully after reading this guide you will feel a little more prepared to try it out yourself.