I have never done a spin class, and am super intimidated. The one time I tried, the seat hurt my dainty bits so much I gave up after 5 minutes and was bruised for a week. Granted, that was 80+ pounds ago, but still.

Any advice on how to approach? There is just one basic class available, and it is not a beginner's course. How can I ease into it?

Perhaps talk to the instructor about how to get the most out of the class while not killing yourself the first time out. I'm sure he/she has some advice for getting started. Also, I think you can actually purchase padded panties like pro cyclists use. Perhaps that will help.

I probably should have clarified - this is a PT (physical training) class on my Army installation and is taught by a soldier. The class is at 0530 in the morning so not a lot of time to really chit chat with the instructor.

I tried my first spin class after losing 80lbs, and least to say, my girly bits were severely pissed at me. I didn't let the mister touch me for an entire week, and wearing panties was pure torture. I'm not a fan of spin class. I know they are fabulous, and wonderful, but honestly, it just wasn't worth it. I didn't have the leg strength to hold my weight and I was 190ish pounds back then.

Plus, the intimidation factor was high for me back then. Every single other class member was a size 2 and built like a brick shithouse. I wanted to like it, I wanted to feel amazing, but it was torture on me physically and mentally. I had to quit about 3/4 of the way through the class, and felt the looks of "shame on the fatty" as I practically fell off the bike. I could probably tolerate it better now, and I know they make padded pants for spin class that helps protect the important parts.

I'm sure you are in much better physical shape than I ever was/will be so it might be easier for you.

Spin class is actually awesome for a beginner, and I'll tell you why! YOU control how far you crank the knobs! If your spin instructor tells you to crank it up 5 notches, but you only want to crank it up one notch, you can do that. It's not like bootcamp where you will fall woefully behind if you can't run a 10 minute mile or whatever. Also, here's MORE good news. Your girly bits WILL adjust.... I don't know how or why, but after a week or two, your body totally adjusts to the seat. As my cyclist friend said to me, it's one of great mysteries of life how your body adjusts to that evil seat.... but you do! So, stick with it! I am doing spinning classes right now at 260 lbs and out of shape, so feel free to shoot me an email if you want to commiserate! :-)

I'm with Lila. Spin was great for helping me take weight off after I had my lap band removed. My gym is different, I guess, we have all sizes. I totally understand the intimidation factor -- they are mostly very fit people with low body fat. I think because they spin! I'm one of the bigger people, but oh well. It's all in the DIAL, you are so right. My instructors always say you should try at least 3 or 4 before you quit. It's also important that your seat and handlebars be adjusted properly. If it feels too high, lower it. If it feels to low. raise it. Enjoy the ride. PS -- You can buy seat covers that have some extra cushioning or ask the instructor if they have any.

A guy I worked with here became a spin addict and lost well over 100 lbs, without surgery! I really would love to spin but I will have to fashion some sort of home-made seat pad, I was bruised down to the bone the last time I tried it. Right now I do 30 minutes on a bike in cardio mode on my own and I work up a decent drippy sweat, I can only imagine with spin! That's it! I'm goin' in!!

I've done spinning before and after surgery, and the seat is killer either way. I do have a seat cushion, which helps slightly. And I have a friend that has the cushioned cycling pants and she swears by them. I think combined, they may help tremendously.

I was completely addicted to spinning the year I lost 70 pounds with the lapband. (Then it broke and I gained back half). Even when I weighed in the 280's, I was able to do it. Granted it was painful the first few classes. I belong to the YMCA and we have some great teachers. If you have a good teacher, it can make all the difference. I stopped going when the band started causing me physical pain about a year ago. I am planning on going back this week. I have been starting slow with the treadmill and weights. Now I think I am finally ready six weeks post op. I hope I can keep up!

My advice: Ask for the seat cushion, see if they have any beginner classes, and keep going. Your body will adjust and you will grow to love it. I love the way I feel after spin class. NOTHING else makes me work that hard!

I've done spinning before and after surgery, and the seat is killer either way. I do have a seat cushion, which helps slightly. And I have a friend that has the cushioned cycling pants and she swears by them. I think combined, they may help tremendously.

You are right - If you get a padded seat cover and padded bike shorts, you won't crush your private parts. I used to spin twice a week (prior to taking a job where I traveled all the time). It is outstanding cardio, and the best exercise ever for your legs and but. Good luck!