First Timer for Indoor Cycling

Crystal Varela

November 7,2018 at 4:29PM UTC

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I am going to my first indoor cycling class next weekend to give it a try. I generally workout at home in teeny shorts and just my sports bra. What should I wear for indoor cycling? Shorts? Yoga capris? I overheat while working out really easy, so i'm concerned about getting too hot, but also rubbing on the seat or anything else during the 45 minute session. Do you have any advice for a fist timer?

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AnonymousNovember 7,2018 at 5:23PM UTC
Don't do Soul Cycle. Everyone loves it but there is no resistant training on the knees
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AnonymousNovember 7,2018 at 5:26PM UTC
Flywheel is great if you like a competition
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AnonymousNovember 7,2018 at 5:32PM UTC
All of the indoor cycling I've gone to are usually an hour long unless it's around lunch time
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AnonymousNovember 7,2018 at 5:38PM UTC
I prefer any classes with dimmed lights or a disco atmosphere :)
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AnonymousNovember 7,2018 at 5:39PM UTC
I would recommend not wearing shorts. Longer pants, like leggings, yoga pants, or yoga capris, will help you ward off painful rubbing from the bike!! Also, remember to take your time and be confident! You don't need to do what everyone else is doing, just what makes you feel like you're getting what you need out of the workout :)
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Crystal VarelaNovember 7,2018 at 5:40PM UTC
Thank you all for your feedback. Can you answer the question on clothing choice though?
I'm trying out Cyclebar. It is new in my area. I also do weight training at home, so cycling won't be my only form of fitness.
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AnonymousNovember 7,2018 at 6:30PM UTC
i think you should wear yoga pants for protection (at least for the first time & u can decide later on what's best for you). they generally keep it cool in the studio so i think you should be fine. wear a bra top / tank top.
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AnonymousNovember 7,2018 at 7:44PM UTC
I'd wear bike shorts, sports bra and loose tank. The loose tank = not sticking to my body like Saran wrap when I get really sweaty. Plus it makes me feel less self-conscious about my body size/shape.
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AnonymousNovember 7,2018 at 5:48PM UTC
Tight clothes whether they’re shorts or yoga pants.
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AnonymousNovember 7,2018 at 5:49PM UTC
I always wear yoga pants and a tank. It’s so great.
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FlossyNovember 11,2018 at 11:27PM UTC
Wear Lyra shorts like yoga but knickers or shorts.
A couple of things. Tell the instructor you are brand new and have them help you set up the bike. Your knees will bless you. It’s okay to just make it through the first class. Even if you don’t follow the jumps and the resistance levels ... Bring a large water bottle and a hand towel.
Wear a tank over your sports bra but depending on the gym and your comfort .. you might take it off.
Your sit bones (derrière) will KILL for the next day or so for the next couple of times. It goes away once you get your “seat”. Don’t be the “Freddy” that buys a gel cover seat. Instead ...
If you like it. Invest in cycling shorts. You can find good but cheap ones on performance cycling or Nash Bar or Amazon. You can find them for ~$30. Remember, you are in them for an hour not for 5 hours .. no need for ultra $$ ... and no one can tell... don’t get the tri athlelon ones they don’t have the padding.
The next investments are cycling shoes to clip in and a pair of cycling gloves. Amazon is fine to get these. Most spin bikes have “SPD clips” you will want to order mountain bike shoes rather than road shoes. Confirm with the gym.
Finally .. have fun ... I love it. I have my own bike at home (Walmart for under $250).
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AnonymousNovember 12,2018 at 2:42PM UTC
"Your knees will bless you" - haha - This is awesome advice.
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Evelyn S ClarkNovember 12,2018 at 12:05AM UTC
I urge you to get padded bike shorts. Your undercarriage will be quite sore if you don’t. Layering yoga and tank tops is really comfy. Be sure to bring a water bottle and something to keep your hair out of your face and the sweat dripping into your eyes. There are hair bands that do double duty for those 2 things. If you decide you like spinning, get bike shoes with the correct clip configuration. Many bikes use SPD cliops but double check that detail. Enjoy. It’s so much fun.
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FGB Community ManagerNovember 12,2018 at 2:44PM UTC
I remember walking out of my first indoor cycling class not wearing padded bike shorts and regretting it. I walked quite awkwardly for the next few days. Great advice.
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Focused825045November 12,2018 at 1:10AM UTC
HI there - you probably already went to the class and if you loved it - you may want to invest in a pair of cycling shorts - if it is a traditional indoor cycling class. When I say ‘traditional cycling class’ I mean one where you do things on the indoor bike that you would do on an outdoor bike (in other words, you actually sit in the saddle most of the time, are not doing silly things like push ups on the bike, not lifting teenie tiny weights, etc.). If you went to a ‘soul cycle’ type class - this is not indoor cycling - it is using a bike for purposes not intended for cycling. :-) I love Betty designs cycle shorts - not cheap though! You could also get a decent pair of cycling shorts from your local sporting goods store (like Dick’s) that won’t set you back much more than $50.
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