Whether you call it spin, spinning, or cycling, this popular and trendy indoor biking exercise class has created a cardio cult. Burning 400-700 calories in a short 30-60 minutes, these indoor cycling classes are all the rage right now and offer a sweat filled intense workout led by a certified instructor and set to upbeat music. “Spinning®” is taught by only certified Spinning instructors but places such as SoulCycle and FlyWheel offer alternate indoor cycling classes. 

About a week ago, I finally decided to give spin a shot. My first class was a Rave Ride at SoulCycle, which was an electric dance music/rave themed class. Let me tell you, it was probably the hardest workout I have ever completed in my entire life. However, it was also somehow strangely addicting and I can’t wait to go to my next class. 

Here’s a little look at my thoughts before, during, and after my first spin class:   

(Before class)   

Woohoo! Spinning!   

Wow this place is legit…   

Ugh, everyone knows I’m clueless. They know it’s my first time. I feel like such an amateur.   

Woah…is that the instructor over there?  Damn…she’s jacked.   

These spin shoes were definitely not made for walkin’.   

Wow, this room is dark.   

I think I went to high school with that girl!   

Crap, she’s going to see how bad and beginner-y I am.   

Okay uhh…so how do I know which bike is #36?   

(Nervously seeks help from staff)   

Choosing a bike in the back was the play…good thinking, Kathleen.  

(Staff adjusts bike to my body)   

I will never be able to adjust my own bike seat, this looks so complicated. 

Okay, I’m on. Success!     

Why is everyone already spinning? Class hasn’t even started yet.   

Warm up…right. I knew that.     

Oh wow, that IS the instructor. 

So, how many classes until my legs look like that?   

Oh goodness…here we go.   

(During class)   

Okay, this isn’t so bad. 

The instructor looks like Britney Spears with that headset.

(1 minute in)   

I’m not even tired yet! Gosh, I’m so fit and in shape.   

This is such a great song.   

Ugh, I already forget what 2nd position is.   

Okay hill, time to stand.   

I thought standing was supposed to be the hard part.

How the heck am I supposed to know when I’ve reached a full rotation on this nob thingy? 

Op, now this is getting serious.     

(approximately 10 minutes in)   

But my legs physically can’t even move that fast…   

This hill is so long, omg.   

Will anyone notice if I sit down for a second?   

NO! DON’T DO IT, KATHLEEN!   

ANOTHER rotation?!   

This is a lot harder than I thought.   

Thank god they give us this towel…I can’t tell if that’s my forehead or Niagara Falls. 

Oh sweet baby quads.   

(approximately 20 minutes in)   

Mommy, help me.   

No way I’m turning this nob again…I’ll just pretend I am.   

But really, how are everyone’s legs moving so fast?!

It’s my first class, I’m allowed to go at my own pace and turn the resistance down.

WATER. NEED WATER.    

Oh thank god, we can sit.   

Ow, my butt kinda hurts   

…and now we’re back up.   

Okay, try to go fast now, Kathleen. Don’t be such a wimp; if that 12 year old looking girl over there can do it, so can you.   

This is definitely like her 20th class, that’s why she’s so good.    

I legitimately think my knees are going to pop out of their sockets.  

(approximately 30 minutes in)   

How am I supposed to know how much time is left? Isn’t there a clock in here or do they not want us to be able to track the minutes remaining in our misery?   

YES, time to sit again.   

Weights……? I don’t remember signing up for this…..

Wow, the instructors’ arms are sick too…I wonder if her only form of exercise is spin.     

Okay, this isn’t so bad. I like this part.  

I lied. Ow.     

I don’t think I can physically hold up my arms for any longer.   

Phew, I did it.   I must be burning like…a ton of calories.   

Ooo! Another great song!  

This HAS to be almost over.   

End strong!   

Don’t cry…don’t cry…you’re almost done…you’re doing great!  

Faster…       

FASTER!!     

AHH its finally over! YES!   

Now time to stretch.

(After class)   

That was great. Wow, I better be so sore tomorrow.   

Alright, now where do I sign up for my next class?   

Time to Snapchat my friends so they know how fit and active I am: “Survived my first spin class…barely”   

Okay, time to go home and eat.