Spinning and Coaching

Needing something to jumpstart my workouts, I joined a spin class a few months ago. It was, and actually still is, a hard workout. If I’m signed up in advance for spin class, I show up. When you know you’ve made a commitment and someone is expecting you, skipping class is not an option.

Weeks in, the routine has become somewhat familiar.

Warm up, gear somewhere between 3 -5, RPM 80 – 95.
Increase the gear 1 or 2, RPM up to 110
Gear between 10 – 12, RPM 62 to start the hill.

We cycle through intervals of hills, standing in second position, third position.
We incorporate tap-backs, four corners, elbow bends.

There is a song dedicated to arms and the connect song (which I love).

Typically, there are random team races.

Finally, active recovery.

​And, always a supportive coach not only telling us what to do and how to do it, but also cheering us on.

At one point, I had what felt like a clever idea. I decided I’d been to spin class so many times that I should be able to spin alone, without a coach. So, outside of spin class, at my regular gym, I hopped on a bike. If I could master the spin workout at the gym, I surmised, I wouldn’t have to pay for both the spin membership and gym membership. 
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​Spinning without the spin coach was, well, underwhelming. It seemed so easy in my head —I mean I know the routines and all the moves — yet, when I try to spin alone, I am a mess. The routine isn’t as smooth, the transitions are clumsy, and I miss the reminders to check my position. Not to mention the motivation.

Trying to spin alone made me realize that paying to keep the spin membership was completely worth it. Put simply, with the coach there supporting me, spin class is just better.

It’s easy to draw parallels between my spin class experience and professional coaching. 

When the coach is there, everything seems easier and it makes you feel good. When the coach isn’t around, things become fuzzy and less clear. 

Coaches are important.

Coaches are always supporting their players, their team.

Coaches are always watching, correcting, guiding, perfecting. 

Coaches are always there – waiting for you and holding you accountable.
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Just like spin class.