If you are thinking about attending a Group Cycle class, here are a few answers to the most asked questions to help make your mind up.
Q. What is a Group Cycle a spin class?
A. Our Group Cycle spin classes are a high intensity cycling workout where riders come together as a community to push each other until they reach the finish line. Group Cycle is an instructor led class where they will call out intervals (when to pedal hard and when to slow it down) and motivate you through the entire class with help from pumping music!
Q. Is it a race?
A. No, it is not a race. As a group, the class works together at levels set by the instructor to achieve an average cadence target (RPM) until the end of the session. As long as the Group is achieving the ‘average’ RPM, it’s all good.
Q. How long do the classes last for?
A. Currently, we have classes which last for 30 mins, 45mins or 1 hour.
Q. What are the benefits of Group Cycle spin class?
A. Below are some key benefits:
- MOTIVATION. Our Group Cycle spin classes provide motivation in a group format. If you are struggling for fitness motivation whether it be general fitness or if you need extra training for competition, Group Cycle is ideal.
- BURN CALORIES. You can expect to burn anywhere around 650 calories per session, more if you push harder. Our Group Cycle Strength sessions which involve the use of free weights will help you burn even more calories.
- EFFECTIVE TRAINING: A spin class provides 30 to 60 minutes of high intensity interval training (HIIT), widely regarded as one of the most effective training tools. Short sharp bursts of sprints and hill efforts interspersed with active recovery and longer intervals to test strength and endurance all help to push your lactic acid threshold, annihilate fat, burn calories and build muscle.
- WEIGHT LOSS. Group Cycle is a high energy class, so naturally you will burn calories. If you would like to make the most of your efforts and are focused solely on weight loss, you should align yourself with one of our Personal Trainers who can organise a nutrition plan for you which will dramatically improve weight loss from Group Cycle classes and your results can be tracked using the My Wellness App with weekly weigh-ins on our Tanita scales.
- STRESS RELIEF. After a hard day’s work, a Group Cycle class can have an amazing effect on your body and mind, releasing endorphins (the feel-good factor) and raising your energy levels.
- SLEEP. Let’s face we sleep better when our body is tired.
- SUPERCHARGED CARDIO. Group Cycle Spin classes are a great cardiovascular exercise, this means it is great for your heart and lungs, it will help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels when combined with a good diet.
- SOCIAL INTERACTION. You will meet new people who will look out for you and keep you on the right track if you need help. You may even make friends if you want to.
Q. Can anyone take part in a spin class?
A. The handy thing about Group Cycle spin classes is that they allow riders of all abilities to push themselves as much as they like, in the same place. So, a semi-professional can train alongside a complete novice without either placing any impact on the other’s training. Our bikes have resistance dials – so a stronger cyclist can turn their dial right up to the max, whilst a beginner may want to be a bit more restrained. No one gets dropped and no one gets frustrated.
Q. Are spin classes suited to cyclists?
A. Spin classes take place on bikes – so ‘yes’ is the obvious answer. However, these sessions do have a reputation for being suited to those seeking more general, all-over fitness. This is because spin classes often incorporate elements not considered directly relevant to outdoor bike riding. For example, weights might be provided for chest presses whilst you pedal, and there’s often a large focus placed on using your core muscles to raise yourself out of the saddle, almost returning, and repeating – lots of times. Having said that, Group Cycle Spin classes are a great training assistant for cyclists and can greatly assist with motivation and fitness levels prior to competition.
Q. Can you give me any tips for my class?
A. Sure, here are a few well know tips for you:
- EARLY BIRD. Get there early for a good warm-up.
- BIKE SETUP. Check that the setup of your bike feels comfortable, if not, ask the instructor for help you.
- PAY ATTENTION. The pace of the class can change quickly so listening to instructions are important.
- MY LEGS HURT. If this is your first class, be prepared for sore legs muscles on the days following the class, they will get better, we promise!
- SMOOTH AS YOU LIKE. Keep your pedal stroke smooth, it will help your energy legs and make you go harder for longer.
- KEEP STRAIGHT. Try not to move your upper body too much, focus on keeping your body straight, tummy tucked in and put the power through the pedals.
- DEATH GRIP. Don’t grip the handlebars too tight, you will waste energy, focus on the down and up stoke of your legs.
- HAVE FUN. Group Cycle although it can be intense, is a load of fun, so enjoy yourself!
Q. What do I need to bring to my class?
A. these are a must:
- WATER, WATER AND MORE WATER. Take plenty of water, you’ll need it!
- TIME TO SWEAT. We will provide you with a towel, make sure there is one on your bike before your class starts
- CYCLING SHOES. This one is optional
- MOBILE DEVICE. Your will need a smart phone with the Mywellness app installed in order to log your results.
Q. Should I attend my class early?
A. By all means, if you would like time to setup your bike and have a good warm-up, you should aim to attend your class 10-15mins before your class starts
Q. Which one of the Group Cycle classes should I attend?
A. All our classes follow the same ‘Group Cycle’ format. Each instructor brings their own style to the class, so you should aim to try out a few different classes to see which instructor and class duration suits you best.
Q. Are my cycling shoes compatible?
A. If you have SPD compatible shoes, yes.
If we haven’t answered any of your questions, please get in touch with the club on 01224 873333. Otherwise we look forward to welcoming you to the new Group Cycle class.
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