How to Survive Your First Indoor Cycling Class with Saddle Row
As the name of this blog entry suggests, my legs almost died during my first indoor cycling class with Saddle Row a couple of weeks ago. But don’t let the title scare you away, because if you want a different kind of burn—the kind that will literally melt fats off your thighs and tone muscles, then read on!
But before I talk about my experience and give tips as a newbie, let me introduce Saddle Row real quick. It’s the first boutique fitness studio that specializes in indoor cycling and rowing, with branches in Serendra and Rockwell Club. Since the rise of the so-called “fitness culture” in Metro Manila, it’s no surprise that specialized studios have popped up left and right to cater to the city’s expanding community of fitness fanatics. Saddle Row offers 45-minute and 60-minute workouts that suit different individuals, depending on their fitness level and background, because they believe in providing quality and sustainable workouts that are safe, fun, and effective!
During my first session with them, I honestly had no idea what to expect. But since I was an athlete my whole life, plus I play Ultimate once a week, I thought I had the stamina to keep up and that I was “fit enough” for a Resistance cycling class. I was so wrong!
Here are a few tips I can give to survive your first indoor cycling class with Saddle Row:
1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
I was one of the first students to arrive, and one of two first-timers. I didn’t know there were special shoes provided that hooks to the pedals of my bicycle. Not wanting to look like an idiot, I asked one of the staff to teach me how to hook the shoes to the pedals, and how to remove them after. I also asked her to show me how to adjust my bike, so that I’d be more comfortable.
2. Respect your body.
Don’t push your body too much. If you know it’s really too difficult for you to do, try your best but don’t force your body to do something it can’t. Remember that it’s your first time, and there’s always room to improve and gradually get your body used to the different exercises. There were a few exercises where as much as I wanted to keep up with my cycling mates and the instructor, I had to slow down or stop altogether because I was scared it would trigger my asthma.
3. Bring water, and drink lots of it!
In between exercises, you’ll be given a chance to drink water. Drink a lot, but don’t drink too fast. Just enough to quench your thirst and give you that boost of energy.
4. Expect PAIN.
If it’s your first time to try an indoor cycling class, and you’re not as active or into sports, expect muscle soreness especially on your quads. Mine lasted for a week! (I’m not even exaggerating.) My class was held on a Saturday afternoon (right before my physiotherapy session with Polarity), and Sunday wasn’t as sore as I thought it would be. But by Monday, I couldn’t go down stairs or walk fast. I felt like an old lady limping my way around the office!
So those are just a few tips I can give to an indoor cycling newbie! The most challenging part for me was dealing with the burn after. It’s a painful burn, but one that’s addicting because once you feel it, you know your workout is incredibly effective, and you’ll want to keep coming back!
PROMO ALERT: Saddle Row is currently having a SUMMER RUSH promo where all classes are only Php 500 per session. To know more, visit their website here.
How to Survive Your First Indoor Cycling Class with Saddle Row
