Every indoor cycling class at MINT has its own personality specific to the instructor. Still, with each ride, there are a few basics every rider should remember, and a few guarantees to make sure you’ll have a great experience! Check out these tips from Ori Korin, our Cycle Director.  

1. Know which format you choose: rhythm rides incorporate some on-the-bike choreography timed to the beat of the music, using light arm weights, while MINTRides simulate outdoor rides, using intervals, hills, and flat roads. Both involve cardio endurance, it just depends on what you’re in the mood for!

2. If you’re not used to the bikes we use, ask your instructor for help setting up. Our LifeFitness bikes are easy to set up, but whether you’re an experienced indoor cyclist or new to the class, it’s always good to check your bike settings. Your instructor can help with your seat and handlebar height, fore and aft positioning, and making sure your sneakers are strapped in tightly, or if you’re clipping in (our bikes use SPD clips, unfortunately, they’re not compatible with Delta cleats), that you’re in securely. And be sure to tighten all your knobs!

3. Once you’re in, we’ll let you know how to use the monitor: Each instructor will walk you through how they coach using RPMs (or cadence), resistance (or level), and other metrics (watts or power output, rate of perceived exertion or RPE, i.e., a scale of 1-10 to measure difficulty) so you’re able to follow along and know how hard to work! The beauty of indoor cycling is that everyone can work at their own pace, and adjust to their own level on a given day. 

4. We’ll coach you on good form throughout the class. Since indoor cycling doesn’t require you to actually move forward, or balance the bike the way an outdoor bike does, you’re free to add your own additional resistance and practice maintaining good body positioning to help you ride more efficiently. Things to keep in mind are to keep your feet flat, draw your elbows in, and make sure your weight stays over the saddle.

All of these tips will help make sure you have a fun and safe indoor cycling experience. Don’t forget your water and towel! Visit our class schedule and sign up for a class today. We look forward to seeing you in class soon! 

Meet Matt Gardiner, MINT’s newest personal trainer! As a NASM-certified personal trainer, Matt’s goal is to help others find an area of fitness and working out where they can find enjoyment and are motivated to push themselves while doing it. His signature training style is a mix of cardio and strength: getting your heart rate up and then chasing muscle failure. Having had deep routed experience in the military means that each one of his clients can expect to receive a heightened level of dedication and consistency from him. Matt has worked with clients with a variety of goals including running a marathon and reaching a new squat max to simply wanting to feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies. Whether you’re training for strength or endurance, he will find a unique, challenging, and above all – enjoyable – way for you to meet your goals.

His advice for anyone trying personal training for the first time is, “Getting started in the gym is all about gaining confidence and making a commitment to yourself. When you first come in, sometimes it’s better to not even have a goal for the day. Simply looking around, familiarizing yourself with the people and equipment, and getting yourself comfortable with the environment is the best way to start. That’s where a personal trainer comes in; once you have made that connection and commitment to yourself, a personal trainer is there to guide you through a routine and help you reach your goals in the most effective and systematic way. So if you’re looking for a personal trainer, be confident and committed; they are there to help, and ready to guide you to your goals.”

Outside of personal training, Matt is in the Navy which is a huge part of his life and character. When he’s not working, he loves to run. His favorite DC path is the C&O canal in springtime!
If you’re up for a challenge and dedicated to creating a healthy lifestyle, Matt is actively taking on clients and is ready to help! Please contact our GM, Bresni (Bresni@mintdc.com) to get started with a consultation.