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I'm thinking about going to a group cycling class. I've never been-- any ideas as to what to bring and what to expect?
Gym: Group Cycling Class
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Hi Heather. Do you have a doctor's OK to begin a new regime? If so, bring water and a towel to class, arrive early, and tell the instructor that you're new <span style="text-decoration:underline;">before class starts</span> so s/he can help you get set up properly.<br><br>
As far as what to expect in your first class... a sore butt. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> Seriously. The seats aren't the most comfy, and butt soreness is the biggest complaint from newbies.<br><br>
The great thing about group cycling is that you can modify the workout to suit your needs on that particular day. No one can see how much resistance you add (or don't add, as the case may be). Listen to your body and do what feels right for you. Don't get caught up in the group hysteria if you're in a class with a bunch of cycling junkies. Just do your workout.<br><br>
Let us know how it goes!
As far as what to expect in your first class... a sore butt. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> Seriously. The seats aren't the most comfy, and butt soreness is the biggest complaint from newbies.<br><br>
The great thing about group cycling is that you can modify the workout to suit your needs on that particular day. No one can see how much resistance you add (or don't add, as the case may be). Listen to your body and do what feels right for you. Don't get caught up in the group hysteria if you're in a class with a bunch of cycling junkies. Just do your workout.<br><br>
Let us know how it goes!
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It's best to use a heart rate monitor so you can see where you're working (for pregnant or non-pregnant participants).<br><br>
Definitely get there early so the instructor can set up your bike for you.<br><br>
Also -- it is hard! Even if you are fit and a good road cyclist, it's a different activity and can be pretty intense. There's nothing wrong with staying in the saddle for most of the class. Don't necessarily try to keep up with the regulars.
Definitely get there early so the instructor can set up your bike for you.<br><br>
Also -- it is hard! Even if you are fit and a good road cyclist, it's a different activity and can be pretty intense. There's nothing wrong with staying in the saddle for most of the class. Don't necessarily try to keep up with the regulars.
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I do road cycling already. (Did my first century in '07! <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> ) I love bicycling.<br><br>
My doctor suggested going indoors because of the risk of a wreck outside as my balance gets more off in the pregnancy -- doesn't want me to risk falling and causing stress to the baby. I don't have to yet since my balance is still okay, but I figured I should get used to the class before I "have to" <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">
My doctor suggested going indoors because of the risk of a wreck outside as my balance gets more off in the pregnancy -- doesn't want me to risk falling and causing stress to the baby. I don't have to yet since my balance is still okay, but I figured I should get used to the class before I "have to" <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">
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Can you suggest a good heart rate monitor? I don't have one and I'm thinking maybe I should buy one since it's important right now
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A simple Polar one (the base model I think is around $20 at Wal-Mart) will be fine. You can go as fancier as you want from there, but don't need to.
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Our fitness director and spinning instructor taught class up to a couple of weeks before her daughter was born, and now she's doing it again with her current pregnancy. She said she really has to watch her HR although I don't remember what the max was she could go to. I'm sure it may be different for you anyway.<br><br>
Regarding the monitor, Polar makes good ones but they can get pricey quick depending on features. I bought a Sigma Sports PC-9 and have never had any trouble with it. I think it was about $45-$50. It might depend on if you'll use it after the pregnancy as far as the features you look for--could you talk Nate into a Garmin 305 and use the HRM features off of it? Anyway, the Sigma came with a little bike mount so you don't have to wear the watch while you're cycling if you don't want to--I have weird circulation and sometimes my wrist will hurt from wearing a watch. It also has an alarm when you go from one heart rate zone to the next (you enter your age, gender, and you can personalize your HR zones), which might be handy if you're trying to keep your HR below a certain level and don't want to be looking at the watch all the time.<br><br>
Lisa
Regarding the monitor, Polar makes good ones but they can get pricey quick depending on features. I bought a Sigma Sports PC-9 and have never had any trouble with it. I think it was about $45-$50. It might depend on if you'll use it after the pregnancy as far as the features you look for--could you talk Nate into a Garmin 305 and use the HRM features off of it? Anyway, the Sigma came with a little bike mount so you don't have to wear the watch while you're cycling if you don't want to--I have weird circulation and sometimes my wrist will hurt from wearing a watch. It also has an alarm when you go from one heart rate zone to the next (you enter your age, gender, and you can personalize your HR zones), which might be handy if you're trying to keep your HR below a certain level and don't want to be looking at the watch all the time.<br><br>
Lisa
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