General Questions
What is Spinning® all about?
As a rider, you will be inspired and have fun while participating in a fantastic body, mind and soul group workout led by a qualified Spinning® instructor. You will be motivated to push to your personal best at a pace that is right for you and your body.
What if I’ve never done Spinning® before?
Spinning® is for all ages and abilities. Nobody will be left behind or asked to complete more than they are capable of doing safely. Nor will anybody go home unsatisfied! Each day will be different providing you with a fresh challenge each day. You will inspire and be inspired by others.
Why should I participate?
Because it’s fun and healthy! You will experience a dramatic improvement in your physical and mental well-being. In addition, you will meet great people who share your same passion for acquiring a more healthy body and mind.
What am I getting for my money?
Well, we don’t see it as money or a payment but rather an investment that you make into your health and well-being. So, for the duration of your class we strive to help you realise your investment. Each class is different so you will experience something new each time you come to ride. Our Instructors have in-depth experience and are carefully selected and they will guide you safely through class. They will correct your pedal stroke, provide you with alternative options should you need them, challenge you to go further if you can and provide creative, fun and inspired classes.
There is a magic to practicing in a group and our classes create a home for that magic to happen. Why not try it and see for yourself! Your first week is £10 and unlike many other studios we do not charge a membership or joining fee so you only pay when you come and not when you don’t.
How soon will I see results?
Improvements can take place from your first class. Any time we exercise, stretch and squeeze our major muscles, organs and glands we invigorate rejuvenate and energise ourselves. Everyone is different and so we all experience changes to our bodies in different ways, however, one thing is for certain changes will occur each time you ride.
Will these early results be tangible / measurable?
Many people hope to see weight loss. With the studios Suunto® heart rate system, you will see an almost immediate improvement in your respiratory system ( Heart / Lungs & Breathing ) and we would expect your initial max heart rate to come down thus requiring an adjustment on the system for without this adjustment you will not be training in your correct heart rate zones. (a sure sign of this is in your second week you may never get into your red zone even if you are ‘flat lining it’)
Do I need special equipment or shoes to ride?
Not really, shoes should be flat bottomed- not a running shoe but a cross trainer – for best use of the pedal straps. For the best workout, riders should wear clip-in shoes. Our bikes have dual pedals that work with Shimano SPD cleats.
What should I bring?
It is recommended you bring plenty of water to class and a towel. We will have bottles of water for sale and towels to rent if you forget to bring one. Otherwise just come in some kit you can get sweaty in.
Do you offer private sessions?
Yes! E-mail us at enquirey@pedalstudio.co.uk to arrange a private group session with one of our instructors.
Are children allowed to accompany their parents to class?
Due to the nature of our fitness programme, we unfortunately cannot accommodate any children at our classes. We do however link up with Eddie Catz who provide childcare on certain days.
Our Classes
I’ve never taken an Indoor Cycling class before. What can I expect?
One of the best things about indoor cycling is that it can be adapted to any fitness level. With the ability to adjust the resistance level on the bike, you will be able to control the level of your own workout. Riders control their own speed and resistance; it’s a fantastic workout for all fitness levels.
Indoor Cycling Bikes were created to accommodate all males and females, shapes and sizes, as well as athletic ability. However, to maximize the benefits of this aerobic workout and minimize injury, proper form has to be utilized. If you’re new to indoor cycling please let your instructor know. They’ll help you adjust your bike and answer any questions you may have. You should arrive 10 minutes early for your first time orientation and to get set up on Suunto®.
What can I expect during a class?
Classes are lead by a Spinning® qualified instructor who will take the class through a number of different types of cycling routines. The routines are designed to simulate terrain and situations encountered in actual bicycle rides, including hill climbs, sprints and interval training. Your individual training zone is monitored using the Suunto® Heart Rate system to ensure that you get the most out of your workout and that you achieve the best results.
What will I get out of class?
Besides being a great form of aerobic activity, Indoor Cycling is also beneficial in strengthening the muscles of the lower body. It tones the quadriceps and hamstrings, while working the back and hips. Importantly, unlike running there is less pressure on the knees as Indoor Cycling is non-load bearing so it reduces the risk of injury.Significant focus is also placed on core stability muscle groups (abs) as you transition from seated to standing in a controlled , smooth and fluid movement.
Which class should I come to?
Many New Riders are unsure about what class to pick and they want to find a ‘Beginners class’ which does not exist in the Spinning® programme. New Riders are nervous and think Spinning® is hectic. This is not so, especially at Pedal Studio®. The reason being is that we run very controlled classes through the use of our Heart Rate system. Everything is about training in your correct heart rate zone which is often at 55% of your maximum heart rate and thus very easy to get to, not hectic.
What do I need to know for my first class?
You should make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes early. This is to allow you enough time to get set up on the Suunto® Heart Rate system, get set up on the bike and meet the instructor. This is for your safety – so please be aware that if you have not got set up on the bike before the class starts, you may not be able to ride.
About Spinning
How often should I ride?
We suggest you get 2 to 3 slots a week that are convienient for you and follow a Periodised Training programme. Spinning is a cardo work out that integrates well with other forms of training. It is key you ride Endurance and Recovery rides and do not just sit in the high intensity Interval Classes. We encourage you to talk to our instructors about training programmes.
Additionally, your personal goals, exercise history and general level of fitness will all determine the impact that Spinning® has on your body, and the frequency that will best help you achieve the results you’re looking for.
What’s the best time of day to Spin®?
This depends entirely on you, your schedule. Try a morning class for a great uplift!
How is Indoor Cycling different from a stationary bike?
Indoor cycling is a non-impact group exercise with a motivating Spinning® qualified instructor, fun music and visualization. Indoor cycling is non-load bearing so it reduces the risk of injury.
Is Spinning® a legs workout?
Besides being a great form of aerobic activity, Indoor Cycling is also beneficial in strengthening the muscles of the lower body. It tones the quadriceps and hamstrings, while working the back and hips. Importantly, unlike running there is less pressure on the knees as Indoor Cycling is non-load bearing so it reduces the risk of injury. Significant focus is also placed on core stability muscle groups (abs) as you transition from seated to standing in a controlled , smooth and fluid movement.
How many calories are burned per class?
This all depends on the individual and the amount of exertion used. Indoor cyclists can burn from 400-800 calories in a 50 to 55 minute workout such as our classes. This all depends on the weight of the individual and the amount of energy used.
Will the class bulk up my thighs?
This is the Myth about Indoor Cycling. It offers a workout which can sculpt the body and offer loss of inches for each rider. The harder and longer the rider uses tension, muscle tone may appear quicker but it will not bulk up your thighs. (Please see related articles on this on the ‘links’ with the scientific back up). Depending on the frequency that a rider works out and the rider’s diet, the rider can control his or her shape. Indoor Cycling is a great workout for the heart and the mind.
Health Precautions and Pain
Will I be sore sometimes?
If you are not used to riding and moving in the ways Spinning® asks, you may feel some soreness / muscle burn. This can last a few days if you have worked hard. Its part of the process that lets you improve and is an indication that you are getting a good workout! The soreness should only be stiffness and not a sharp pain, if you are concerned, speak to your instructor. If you have any sharp pains on the bike, please stop immediatly and let your instructor know.
Can I make the seat more comfortable?
As a New Rider, the seat and the bike in general require a little getting used to. During this phase it sometimes helps to wear padded bike shorts and we can give you a gel seat. In a short period of time you won’t necessarily need these.
I have an injury – or am recovering from one – can I still do a Spin® class?
If you have suffered a significant injury – either recently or in the past – you will need to speak to our instructors before attending a class. Depending on the severity of the injury and the extent of your recovery from it, you may need to consult a doctor for a medical clearance form.
Women Specific: Until what stage of pregnancy is it safe to Spin®?
We recommend that you consult with your doctor. Spinning® is dynamic and high-energy, if you are already a Rider and fall pregnant then continued participation in the class requires a medical consent letter signed by your general practitioner. For some people practicing right up to delivery is often acceptable if the right modifications are made as your pregnancy progresses. The key is to ensure you are comfortable and that your heart rate (increased thanks to your little one on board) is controlled. Please see the Pregnancy article on the Spinning web site.
Please always tell your instructor that you are pregnant.
If you are pregnant and have not participated in a Spinning® class before, we recommend that you probably wait until after the birth as starting a new form of exercise is not recommended.
Booking and Formalities
What is the sign-up process?
We have a simple and once off sign-up process. Simply complete the registration form before your first class.You will obtain a password. Log in with your e-mail and password. Buy ride credits through our secure online payment service and book a class that suits you.If you are new to the studio we have a week’s Indoor Cycling special for you to sign up to! 7 consecutive days for £10!
Is there a refund policy?
There are no refunds under any circumstances.
Riders mailing in to enquire about refunds will be charged a ride credit for administration costs of dealing with the request that will be denied given our policy.
Can I cancell my booking?
Except when there is less than 24hrs untill the ride, you can log in and cancell a ride and you will be refunded the ride credit
Very importantly, if you cancel a booking with less than 24hrs till ride time, you will still be charged for the ride but by cancelling you graciously free the bike up for a rider on the waiting list to take on the ride.
If you do want to cancel a class and there are more than 24hrs till the ride, then please log into your account and cancel this from here. You can control all your bookings from your account.
Riders mailing in to enquire about refunds for rides not taken or cancelled with no credit refund (given there was less than 24hrs till ride time when the booking was attempted to be cancelled) will be charged a ride credit for administration costs of dealing with the request that will be denied given our firm policy.
Do you operate a waiting list?
We operate a waiting list for all of our classes; if somebody cancels the person at the top of the waiting list will automatically be put into the class and charged the appropriate ride credit for that class. An email will be sent to you informing you of this. Please note that if you are put into the class from the waiting list our cancellation policy still applies.
How do I get on the waiting list?
Just click on the class as you would normally do to book yourself into and you will automatically be added to the waiting list, we accept 5 riders. You will be reminded a day before about this so that you take suitable riding gear with you to work in case someone should cancel and you can ride.
The rider at the top of the waiting list will be auto registered into a class if there is a cancellation and will be charged appropriate ride credits to cover the class. Please be aware that this is an automated process and if you decide to cancel and there is less than 24hrs till ride time, you will be charged and rider number 2 on the waiting list will get allocated to ride the class – and the process repeats.
Please be very sure before allocating your name to the waiting list and unlike the ride bookings, you can cancel yourself off the waiting list at anytime with no charge. Please manage this wisely and remove yourself if you have no intention of riding.
(Note: This may seem somewhat unfair but it is the way the new system works and once again, whilst an improvement on the last system as we now have a waiting list, this cannot be changed)
Riders mailing in to enquire about refunds for rides not taken or for rides cancelled with less than 24hrs till ride time (even if auto allocated by the waiting list system) will be charged a ride credit for administration costs of dealing with the request that will be denied given our firm policy
Can I manage my bookings online?
You manage all your bookings, cancellations and purchases online.
Are there changing rooms and showering facilities?
Yes, we have change rooms for the ladies and men. Each has showers and we have space in the studio for you to keep valuables in whilst you ride.
Share this:
Connect