Spin Class: Tips on What to Wear
09. Jan, 2010 
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Rachel (in green) is dressed in a technical fabric top and close fitting shorts. She has on cross training athletic shoes. Annie (in red) is a more seasoned spinner and is wearing a bike jersey and lightly padded bike shorts. Her cycling shoes are fitted with an MTB cleat in order to clip in. On her wrist she wears a heart rate monitor.
By Tara R. McKee
Here is a summary of what you’ll need for Spin Classes:
- Short-sleeve top made from moisture wicking fabric
- Well fitted shorts- padded bike shorts are best
- Comfortable stiff-soled shoes (for best results use cycling shoes)
- Water bottle
- Hand towel
- Cycling gloves (recommended but not required)
- Heart rate monitor
Like so many things in life, we know we have to dress for the occasion, or for the sport. Spin class is no different. You will feel more comfortable if you are in the right shoes and in clothing. You probably have everything to get you started in your closet now.
Moisture Wicking Shirt
To begin with, it’s hot and it’s humid, so you feel better in a short-sleeved or sleeveless top made of a technical fabric that will wick away moisture and keep you cool.
Fitted Shorts
For your first classes, you’ll be fine with some well fitted shorts. Avoid shorts that might cause chaffing with lots of loose fabric and shun cotton shorts like the plague. To protect your butt, you can wear some padded briefs under your shorts.
Wear Appropriate Shoes
If you are new to spinning, you can wear some cross-training shoes that have a breathable, mesh top and use the spin bikes that have straps on the pedals. Make sure not to pull your laces so tight that your toes become numb after awhile.
Stay Hydrated
Bring a water bottle to keep you hydrated and grab a hand towel to mop the sweat away!
Work Up to It
After awhile, you may enjoy spin class so much; you are going to want to dress the part so you can get the most out of it. To begin with, you’ll want to be more comfortable on the hard bike seat. You’ll be happier with some lightly padded cycling shorts that have a chamois crotch. That is just enough to keep you comfortable for the hour or so you are spinning. (You don’t need heavily padded or aerodynamic shorts here!) A note to newbies: nothing comes between you and your shorts—not your undies, and definitely not thongs! Wash them after every use. You can wear cycling gloves, if you like, but some people (like me) feel that you don’t need them for spin class.
To make the biggest change in going from good to great, you really want to get some cycling shoes. Cycling shoes will allow you to clip into the pedals to improve the power and form of your pedal stroke. Bonus: it will also decrease foot fatigue. It really is one of those things that once you try it, it’s hard to go back. Most people will use mountain biking shoes for their spin class shoes, which have recessed cleat or SPD (Shimano Pedal Design) and a rubberized sole for walking safety. But first check with your local gym to make sure they have SPD compatible pedals. (Save your shoes for class by wearing your cross-training shoes there. You can change into the cycling shoes once you get to the spinning room.)
Use a Heart Rate Monitor
Lastly, a heart rate monitor is one of the best tools to have in spin class to help you with your training. It is the best way to assess how hard you are working. The instructor will often tell you to try to get into a particular heart rate zone. As you learn how to use it, you’ll soon want it for road biking and running. It’s an amazingly useful device.
Enjoy your spin class!
You are dead on about using the SPD shoes. Makes a huge difference on the upward pull. Funny that you mention about the heart rate monitor, because I have never seen this used in a spin class. I wear my own, but I have never seen an instructor lead a spin class and guide them into a zone. It should be part of every spin class in my opinion. It’s a great way to ensure you get a proper workout.
I’m bookmarking this and sharing it with my readers.
Good article. The girls look cute. I took a spin class and it was really fun this is good info for it.
Great tips and info! The shoes make a huge difference. I did spin class for 2 years before getting shoes and I wish I would have sooner!
I would also add that you should get to class early because they tend to fill up especially in the winter. Great info!
For you newbies to spin; word to the wise, make sure you have someone show you how to adjust the bike to your body. I have seen too many people just jump on a bike and not adjust it. This does not make for a very pleasant experience.
A good spin instructor should make sure the bike is adjusted properly for a newbie. I never let anyone ride without doing some adjsut first. I do tend to recommend a high hand position for the non-cyclist, but recommend they lower it over time. I’m a strong proponent of cycling shoes and padded shorts. Let’s not be afraid of spandex!!!! It’s your friend in indoor cycling class.
Thanks Jo Ann & Melissa! I appreciate your advice about a proper adjustment once in Spin Class! It DOES make a huge difference!
I am a spin instructor now for 3 years and I can’t beleive that there are instructors out there that don”t speak in heart rate terminology. I use that along with RPE (rate of perceived exhertion) TOGETHER to formulate a desired intentsity. You can’t use one without the other, in my opinion. Sometimes peopel who wear monitors get so caught up in their “numbers” that are afraid and/or hesitant to “push the envelope” a little bit even though there pervception maye telling them they can, their numbes are showing somethig else and they sometimes hold back. That’s why I feel it’s imperative to utilze BOTH.
Great article and top points made by Jo Ann.
Bike adjustment is crucial for anyone especially new comers. If anyone intends on trying this the first time, please ask your instructor for help before the class begins.
Also padded spandex bike shorts are an absolute must in my opinion for pure comfort sake. They stop chaffing, provide excellent padding for sensitive areas and stop unwanted thigh wobble while you are peddling. Don’t let the ‘look’ of spandex scare you. It’s a gym in the end, not a fashion parade, everyone looks strange all hot and sweaty in a gym. Keep your mind on good technique and strong cadence and you will enjoy spinning in no time.