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Writer's pictureKatie Cano; Christine Curtis-Carr (Editor)

New to indoor cycling? Here are five ways to instantly feel confident!

At FireCycle Abilene, we make it easy to start your indoor cycling workouts.


Indoor cycling can be intimidating if you're new to it, but don't worry.


We got you.


Trying something new can be scary sometimes, but our knowledgeable instructors will guide you through your first indoor cycling class and help you take your first steps on your fitness journey.


Even our instructors were new once, too. Instructor Nina tells us about her first indoor cycling class: "My first spin class was scary as hell as I didn't know what to expect. It was with Christine, and my mom brought me to the class. After the ride, I felt on top of the world and like I had accomplished something! By ride # 3, I was hooked!"


Now, Nina commands the stage, motivating and inspiring new and experienced riders.


If this is your first time taking a FireCycle Abilene class, you can look forward to an unforgettable riding experience.


We want you to feel confident as you start your indoor cycling journey.


Remember, you're only a beginner once. And like Nina, you, too, will find yourself hooked.


With these five simple tips, you can instantly boost your confidence and get the most out of your next indoor cycling workout.


  1. Know the basics.

The basics of indoor cycling are simple; our instructors will walk you through them before your first class.


We recommend you get there early for plenty of time to set up.


You'll be clipped in on the bike and turning the pedals to generate resistance. Yep, just like an outdoor bicycle, but it is a bit different.


Before you begin, familiarize yourself with the basics of indoor cycling.


We review all the basics before your first ride, so you'll feel confident and ready to start.


Start with your bike setup.


Your bike setup can make or break your ride, and we want to help you find your best setup to get the most out of your ride.


When you clip into the bike, your instructor will check your seat settings to ensure you're close enough to the handlebars and your knees are slightly bent.


This will ensure you don't hurt your elbows or wrists and can pedal smoothly.


Once you have adjusted your bike, review the numbers to remember how to quickly adjust your bike on your next ride.


Adjust the resistance and intensity of your workout while you ride.


It's easy to adjust the intensity of your workout. When you ride at FireCycle, you can take what you need from each ride.


We encourage all of our riders to ride at their own pace. All choreography is an invitation to move and is entirely optional.


You can perform any movements in the saddle.


Sitting is never quitting!


In fact, most new riders stay “in the saddle,” aka sit in the seat most of the rides, just finding the rhythm first.


Turn the resistance knob to the left to ride easier and to the right to make it a little harder.


Your instructor will offer modifications as you ride, so you choose what moves feel right for you and what moves make you feel the strongest.


Proper posture is the key to a smooth ride.


Proper posture includes:

  • Relaxing your upper body.

  • Bending your elbows slightly to protect your wrists.

  • Pulling your shoulders away from your ears.

  • Keep your back straight and your chin up.


Relaxing your upper body will allow you to focus your energy on your lower body for the best possible ride.


Our experienced instructors will take the guesswork out of it and ensure your first ride is successful!


If you know the basics of indoor cycling, you'll be fully prepared before you start your ride. Instantly boosting your confidence.


Also, if you are reading this and already feel overwhelmed, don’t sweat it!


We will walk you through every step of the way.

2) Prepare for the ride.


Before your ride, take a few minutes to learn about the instructor's style, the music, and the type of workout you'll be doing.


This will give you a good idea of what to expect and help you feel more confident.


You can read each instructor's profile on our website under the Instructor section.


Every indoor cycling studio is different.


Even though you'll be riding to music in most classes, the rides can be geared toward other goals, such as riding in the power zone, hitting your metrics, endurance, or rhythm riding.


And rhythm riding is what we do at FireCycle!


Rhythm riding.


Finding the beat is about riding to the rhythm of the music.


You can feel it by tapping your hands or matching the instructor's leg speed.


At FireCycle, we're a rhythm-riding studio, which means we ride to the beat of the music.


Our bikes have no numbers, and the music, along with the instructor, guides your movements as you ride.


There is something extraordinary and liberating about moving to the beat of the music in a dark room with your riding community on a bike that goes nowhere.


Faster songs lead to movements like sprints, and slower beats guide us through climbs.


The music guides our movements, leading us to listen to our body and get the best workout.


It also allows you to have a more interconnected experience, not stopping to look at your phone or a screen in front of you.


Of course, your personal metric devices, like Garmin, fit bit, etc., are always welcome. Just silence any beeping.


No cell phones are allowed during the ride, and need to be put in a bin in the back.


Instructor's style and music.


FireCycle Abilene has the most incredible instructors in Abilene.

At FireCycle Abilene, we are proud to have the most fantastic team of instructors who work together towards a common goal.

To uplift and motivate our riders on and off the bike.

Each instructor brings a unique style of rhythm and choreography, making every ride a one-of-a-kind experience.

As we encourage individuality within our unique model, each ride is tailored specifically to you, ensuring you have the best possible experience whenever you book your bike.

Get to know our instructors and their styles and preferences here at firecycleabilene.com.


You can also find our ride schedule on our website and Instagram telling you the instructor and ride theme.


Yes, we love a great theme ride and playing different genres of music.


We even take requests from our riders.


Nothing keeps you coming back like knowing you'll hear your favorite song on your favorite theme ride!


Knowing what to expect will increase your confidence before entering the studio!


Join our email list, and follow us on social media to get to know our instructors and check out the different theme rides throughout the week.


We also want to get to know you, so DM us or email us anytime.


3) Set Your Goals.


Setting goals will help you stay motivated and on track, especially if you are new to indoor cycling.


Take a few moments to consider why you're starting your indoor cycling journey and what you'd like to get out of your rides.


At Firecycle, every new goal starts with taking small actionable steps and building good habits.


All within a supportive community.


Write down 1 or 2 goals you want to accomplish within your first month of indoor cycling.


Sometimes, making it to class is your goal, and we get that! For us, that is a reason to celebrate.


We believe in you. We are here to support, motivate, and cheer you on.


If you want to lose weight, add variety to your workout routine, release stress, and have fun, we can help you reach your goals.


FireCycle is a place to find your inner light and let it shine while also getting an excellent workout.


Setting your goals before you come to class helps to motivate you and gives you a purpose for all of your rides.


Skyrocketing your confidence!


Whatever you want to achieve, we are here for you and fully support you.


4) Get Comfortable.


The key to feeling confident is to be comfortable, and wearing the right clothes is crucial to having a comfortable, effective ride.


Wear workout clothes that you're comfortable in, and that won't distract you during your ride.


Also, ensure you have plenty of water and a towel nearby (we provide clean towels and even partner with Blue Jug to provide alkaline water - bring your own bottle).


Wear something comfortable that you can move in.


Avoid clothes that restrict your movement, like jeans, or make you too hot and uncomfortable, like sweatpants or cotton.


We will sweat during the rides, so finding light and breathable clothes is a must.


Padded shorts are unnecessary for our classes, but padded bike seats are available if you need extra padding.


And if you prefer padded shorts, by all means, wear them.


My favorite spin outfit is high-waisted leggings, a good supportive sports bra, and a light tank top.


I also wear socks and sandals to make it easier to change into my cycling shoes, and on a cold day, I wear a little jacket.


However, after the first two songs, I am warm enough to take off my jacket and toss it on the floor.


Cycling shoes.


We clip into the bikes, so bring your cycling shoes, and if you don't have your own, that's okay because we have shoes you can borrow.


Plus, if it's your first class, your instructor will ask you ahead of time for your shoe size and get you a pair ready.


Our bikes fit Delta and SPD clips, and we love TIEM shoes (you can actually order them through FireCycle Abilene and save on the shipping)!


However, deltas are an excellent choice if you need more ankle support.


You can build confidence by showing up in your favorite outfit and shoes.


Again, we provide clean towels, water, and shoes, so we always have your back when getting comfortable.



5) Celebrate your success, and be prepared to have fun!


Celebrating your wins will boost your confidence and help you feel more secure in the class.


Celebrate your successes.


Whether mastering a new move or pushing yourself to your limits, give yourself a pat on the back for your accomplishments.




  • At FireCycle, you got us, and we got you!

  • Share your wins with your instructor.

  • We love to hear about your progress on and off the bike.


As a new rider, learning new choreography and getting comfortable moving in and out of the saddle takes time.


Take it at your own pace. Listen to your body.


Every cue is an invitation to move, and we offer modifications for everything during the ride.


Have Fun.


Every class has the greatest music of all time, and no matter your level, you will always have fun moving and groovin' to the beat.


Give yourself time and grace.


Before you know it, you'll jump out of the saddle and do tap-backs for days.


  • Coming to your first class is a celebration.

  • Booking your first three rides is a celebration.

  • Showing up and moving is a huge win.


Instructor Nina says, "One thing that helped me was to keep coming and riding. Slowly but surely, I learned to trust my body just enough to challenge myself in how I needed to. Over time, I could cycle bigger, take bigger turns, and honor the joy of movement. As an experienced rider and instructor, I practice tracking my wins, big or small, so I can look back and have a tangible track record that reminds me, " Hey, I am actually doing it!"


Don't expect to be an expert right away.


Even if some of the moves are challenging, take them step by step and remind yourself that you are there to learn.


Remember, you are only a beginner once.


At FireCycle Abilene, you gain a supportive community to help you feel comfortable and confident every time you step into the studio.


Indoor cycling is a great way to get an intense workout, but it can be intimidating if you're new to it.


But don’t worry. We take all the intimidation out of stepping into the studio for the first time.


And with these five tips:

  • Know the basics

  • Prepare for the ride

  • Set your goals

  • Get comfortable

  • Celebrate your success


You'll surely gain the confidence to make the most of your next indoor cycling session.


About FireCycle Abilene.


Our superstar instructors are here to make your first ride a breeze and motivate you to return for more.


And our community is supportive and uplifting.


So what are you waiting for?


Book your bike now and experience the joy of moving with the music on a bike that goes nowhere.


Be sure to visit our website for instructions on how to book your bike, and your first ride is free with the code firstride2023.


DM or email us if you need any assistance with booking. We will see you in the studio.


Let’s ride y’all!



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