By MaryBeth Moore
Three Most Common Myths that Keep Most Gym-Goers Far Away from Trying Indoor Cycling Class
New York City Based, Nationally Certified Instructor, MaryBeth Moore, Dispels those stereotypes so you aren’t afraid to step into your first class after the New Year
After teaching for cycling for several years, MaryBeth Moore has experienced the ups and downs that drive people in and out the door of indoor cycling class. She knows what turns them away and she also knows what keeps them coming back for more once they finally walk in that door. The pulsating music and screaming instructor radiating through the gym is probably the most common reason people stay far away from this “scary” class; but it’s also intimidation and fear of a far-too intense workout – especially for beginners and those just getting back into the swing of things cardio-wise.
Instead of keeping a closed mind on that workout many people fear most MaryBeth dispels the three most common myths that keep gym-goers away. “Because once these myths are combated in the minds of those who fear it, they are usually the people that keep coming back for more,” states MaryBeth.
MaryBeth answers your myths:
Myth #1: INSTRUCTORS ARE SO SCARY!
A lot of my friends say they are afraid to take indoor cycling class because they think all the instructors are like drill sergeants. They tell me frightening stories of hearing the instructor through the gym screaming over loud techno music and it just turns them off. Or they tell me stories of the instructor walking around “forcing them” to do the entire workout.
FACT: But that’s not true! Yes, every instructor is different, but they all have one underlying goal: to motivate you and to see you succeed at a fun and challenging cardio workout. Some instructors like to walk around just to feel out the classroom and make sure everyone is okay, some like to lead up front the entire time – it all depends on the their personality – but they all have one thing in common and that’s traits of a leader and motivator to get you though your workout. So just ignore them if they walk by, they usually have zone vision on the entire class, not just eyes on you.
Myth #2: IT’S TOO INTIMIDATING!
Hearing that pulsating music and looking into that window at sweaty bodies moving their legs round and round really fast is what keeps too many people away, especially a lot of my first-timers that finally stepped in. I’ll admit, it is “that class” that draws a lot of attention in the gym because it’s loud and it’s probably what scares people off and keeps them away. But it’s probably what they also see inside too…the commanding instructor and what “looks like” everyone keeping up with a crazy bike ride that seems far too hard!
FACT: But those people that are afraid to come in are judging the book by its cover! Because once you come inside, you quickly realize that there’s a lot of camaraderie and actually, no one really cares what the other is doing – nor watches you! Yes, you get some true cyclists that attend class wearing their spandex gear, but you also get the girl that lives on 87th street just trying to get in a fun and challenging workout that has no experience with “real” road cycling. It’s a great mixture of people and that’s what makes this class great!
Myth #3: YOU HAVE TO KEEP UP!
I think this is the most common myth about indoor cycling class that keeps people away and it’s a shame to me. So many people think this class is like boot camp and they have to keep up with the workout or they get shipped out. They feel out of shape, they feel like it’s too hard, or they just feel like they plain just can’t do it and they’d be in over their head to try it (especially those just getting back to the gym)! And too many people let that be the driving force of keeping them out the door for at least the first time.
FACT: But this is TOTALLY false! Actually, spin class is YOUR workout! Think of it as you being in the driver’s seat of a fun ride. You get to control everything! Yes, you have an instructor up front leading the way and choosing the music, but in all reality, you decide how hard you want to make it, and you decide how much resistance you really want on the bike. If the instructor says, “run” and you feel too tired, then don’t run! Really? How does anyone know? No one does! And is anyone really even watching? NO! That’s the beauty of this workout! At the end of the day it’s all you.
So stop starring in that window with eyes wide open, stop letting those instructor commands startle you and stop thinking you’re too out of shape to take spin, because really this is everyone’s workout and I bet if you try it once, you’ll keep coming back for more.
At the end of every class, MaryBeth’s trademark is telling her students that: “Getting to the gym is hard sometimes; but leaving sure is easy isn’t it?”
Great motivation to start fresh for 2011!
