What to Bring To Your First Bespoke Cycling Class

It goes without saying that when attending your first bespoke cycling class you are going to have to bring a lot of energy and commitment with you. As a trainer I cannot emphasis just how much energy is needed to get those pedals spinning around to burn up the calories. So other than energy and commitment what else is needed when attending for the first time? Check out my tips below to find out.

Make Sure You Stay Hydrated

I know that one of the most important things when cycling indoors, or outdoors, is to remain hydrated. You will sweat a great deal and of course you have to put the fluids back into your body that you sweat out. So water is an essential. Don’t be tempted to gulp it down though, instead take small sips of the water regularly. Drink a lot at once and start pedalling again and you may find that you suffer from stomach cramps.

Take a Towel for Mopping Your Brow (Or use a fresh one on us!)

Even in the most bespoke of gyms with air conditioning you are going to work up a sweat and therefore you are going to need a towel to mop your brow and possibly you neck, back of the neck, arms, hands and legs too. If you don’t have a towel things are going to get mighty sticky by the end of your class and you will be uncomfortable.

A Good Comfortable Pair of Cycling Shoes (We got you covered here too if you don’t have a pair of your own!)

A good pair of cycling shoes is a must when attending your first cycling lesson. It can pay dividends, being a cyclist trainer and bike rider I know the importance of choosing your shoes carefully and making sure that they fit perfectly. Don’t make the mistake of purchasing new cycling shoes for attending a first class not breaking them in by wearing them beforehand. You find if you wear new cycling shoes without breaking them in you suffer from blisters on your heels, during and after the class. Buy not only the correct shoes but also ones that are comfortable and which fit properly and wear them before your first class to break them in.

Dress Accordingly but Comfortably

While you might want to make a fashion statement during your first bespoke cycling class you do need to dress accordingly and more importantly comfortably. Choose clothing that allows the skin to breathe and I cannot stress how important that is when in a room packed full of people cycling, as it does get hot. Another thing to consider if you are woman is choosing the right type of sports bra. There can be a lot of bending over the handlebars when cycling and it can get uncomfortable without the correct sports bra.

Keep a Check on That Pounding Heart?

If this is your first class you can expect your heart to be pounding with the exertion I recommend purchasing a heart rate monitor to keep a check on your heart rate. Your heart racing can be disturbing during a first time exercise class and you may worry that you are doing your heart more harm than good if it feels as though it is pounding away in your chest. By using a heart rate monitor you can monitor your heart rate simply by looking at the device and it gives you reassurance.

Cycle with a Friend

While there will be other people with you in the cycling class if this is your first bespoke cycling class you won’t know anyone else there. You might want to be crafty and talk a friend into signing up alongside you so that you have a friendly face to come with you to that first cycling class. If you cycle side by side you can chat, providing of course you have any breath left for chatter.