If it wasn’t for the music, it’s unlikely I’d ever go to spin. Seriously. I can’t imagine doing sprints to the sound of huffing and puffing. Nor would I ever entertain doing a heavy seven-minute climb without a rocking song to push me through it. Heck, let’s be honest, every time an instructor’s iPod cuts out, I’m literally ten seconds away from getting off my bike and heading home.

For all riders, getting the most out of your workout can be a challenge. At the beginning, class can be confusing and intimidating. Should you really be able to do everything your instructor is calling out? Experienced riders, on the other hand, can start to plateau as they get stronger. Here are a few tips to ease new riders into the flow of class and help experienced riders keep getting the most out of their bike time.

As the days get shorter and temperatures cooler, you might be tempted to put away your bike for the season. But if you’re a serious cyclist, you may want to hold off on putting your gear into storage. Cycle Life offers individualized CompuTrainer sessions that will help you maintain and build your fitness during the winter months and get your ready to surpass personal bests next season.