Indoor cycling/spin has evolved so much. What was sheer torture to horrible trance & generic workout tunes has turned into a full out sweaty dance party on a bike. If you haven’t given it a shot yet, you should. Here are our top 5 do’s and don’ts when going to a indoor cycling class:

Do’s:

Do a little research. Where is the studio? Who is the instructor? What type of music do they play? If you are a music lover then finding the studio that plays the kind of music you appreciate will help you ride hard!

Do arrive early to get properly fitted on your bike. After the door shuts, winding your way through the cycle stadium looking for your correct bike, and then setting it up in the dark is not the best way to begin class.

Do buy your own cycling shoes. If you plan on going again (which you will), make the investment. Who knows what kind of stinky toe jam is all up in those rental shoes.

Do be prepared to sweat like never before. Don’t bother wearing makeup or a cute little updo for class.. The hair will be a rats nest and your full face of makeup that took a half hour to do will melt off in minutes.

Do bring your own water bottle. It’s insane the amount of H2o you guzzle during class. You need it. Stay healthy, Stay hydrated!

Don’ts:

Don’t bring your cell phone, favorite magazine, or the New York Times (true story) into the studio. Allow yourself an hour to connect mind, body, and spirit. You deserve that. Schedule this time to disconnect from the outside world.

Don’t forget your socks! Especially during sandal season, keep an extra pair of Pointe Studio socks in your gym bag! I see people put on the rental shoes with no socks because they “forgot.” My stomach turns just thinking about it.

Don’t bee-line to the back row! I know it’s tempting, but find a place in the second row. You will be able to see the instructor better and I am willing to bet you will work harder.

Don’t lean on the handlebars. Every once in a while look down at your knuckles… Are they white? Release the death grip. Keep your weight in your legs and your hips back over the saddle. They will get stronger I promise.

Don’t got it alone. Everybody has that one friend that you can make eye contact with and know exactly what they are thinking. Bring them.