Today I taught my first spinning class!
It was an interesting experience. The girl for whom I was subbing is a cyclist, and teaches her classes in a very traditional way compared to the more aerobics class based class that I am more used to, like better, and feel more comfortable leading. So it was a double whammy of newness. I hope am confident that my playlist/class structure was good, I am also concerned it was horrifically boring (mostly because I find that style horrifically boring.)
Also, she warned me that this class is not very popular, so don’t expect huge crowds. Because it was at 5:30 am, people drift out at different times to get to work. So at one point I had 10 people there—and ended with three.
On the other hand, 66.6% of the participants came up to me at the end of class to thank me for a good workout.
I am so thankful for the great girls at the front desk who were more than happy to show me what to do/where to sign in/where the keys were for the music. They made it so easy.
Things I learned/need to work on:
- I could see that a lot of the participants were not really getting the workout that they could have gotten. Other than encouragement to give the dial another turn to raise the tension, I’m not sure how to inspire them to push themselves.
- I feel like I need to talk more. By the time I finally got to the tabata, I was finally getting into a groove, but alas, there were only 3 people there to see it.
- I also need to work on sprinting. I could climb hills for days, but going fast with good form gets hard quickly.
Here’s my playlist:
Warmup:
Fresh Feeling–Eels A late in the game change up
Boys of Summer–The Ataris
Block I–Rolling Hills
The Middle–Jimmy Eat World (ramp up)
The Edge of Glory–Lady Gaga (steady climb)
Bottoms Up–Trey Songz feat. Nicki Minaj (back off tension/jumps)
Its My Life–Bon Jovi (steady climb)
Block II–Sprints
Hey Ya–Outkast (standing run) This song is suprisingly long.
Cinema (Skrillex remix)–Benny Benassi (Sprints) The BEST sprinting song
Let Me Love You–Ne-Yo (recovery run) This was a stupid song to put here. I’ll be changing it up for next time
Block III–More Hills!
Just a Dream–Nelly (steady climb)
Boom Boom Pow–Black Eyed Peas (Jumps on chorus)
Tabata–
Boys of Summer–The Ataris (ramp up run)
Blown Away Remix–Carry Underwood (tabata) Favorite!
Cool Down–
Nightswimming–REM
Overall, it was a great experience and I cannot WAIT until I get a chance to teach again.
Ironically, I was asked to sub 2 classes tomorrow which, unfortunately, I am unable due to my FT job. When it rains, it pours.
Any tips? Tricks? Advice? I’d love to hear it!
Spin. Run. Sew. Repeat. 