Newbies in established Spin Room
Date Posted: June 22, 2007
Interested to hear other Spin instructors feedback on this one.
So, there is a weekly class that has the same crew for multiple years, all extremely strong and motivated. Then the newbie walks in and you want them to feel like they can fit in and keep up but in reality they are not anywhere up to the level of the "fiend" like spinners.
What is the best way to integrate newbies into the mini cult?
Date Posted: January 21, 2008
Well, this is an old post but I am new to the site and figured I would throw out a reply. I have experienced the same situation, especially now that the New Year has hit - first make sure the newbies are set up correctly and understand correct riding form on a spin bike - secondly I teach my class on an effort scale instead of a turn system, I also use tempo counts. Example: for quick pace my class shoudl be at a 7 (scale of 1-10) and rpm 16-20 for a 10 second count - this should be pretty tough but not overwhelming - the newbie might be at 3 turns to reach this level where your experienced spinner might be at 6 turns.
Date Posted: March 6, 2008
I encourage participation at their level. Instruct them that they need to first get used to the bike and practice form, just as they would while lifting. I encourage frequent rests and to not be concerned with the more advanced riders. My guys usually congratulate and encourage newbies on their effort and participation, because we all remember our first rides!!
Date Posted: March 11, 2008
It is important to encourge participation and try to ween the person in. It could be as easy as saying something at the beginning of the class such as "remember to always work at your own pace but to challege yourself with the recommended guidelines and tensions" With spin, its easy for people to come and hate their first time because they aren't used to the way the seat feels or how fast it is compared to other cardio classes. Usually though once people get those spin endorphins going, they always come back for more :)
Date Posted: June 30, 2008
Joanna,
I was an interim Spin Instructor, participant for many years, still going strong. Your dilemna is common and key to what makes a great vs mediocre instructor. Either offer Advanced and Beginner Classes, OR, offer the advanced vs beginner options.
When in a class that caters to Newbies, bigtime JohnnyG stuff, I have to improvise, without trying to upstage the instructor. It's not easy, but the Instructors know I am there to SPIN, at Pro Athlete Level.
I particular prefer the Advanced Classes that force the other to keep up or kick back when they need to ease up. That's how I learned. I knew the first month or so, I was going to get my butt kicked and have to catch up. GOOD LUCK!
