You’re in the middle of an intense Spin session, when suddenly you hit a wall, all your energy drains out of your body, and each pedal stroke gets harder than the last. Sound familiar?

We’ve all been there, and at times like these, quitting starts to sound like a pretty good option. But hang in there, workout warrior! Because at Studio SWEAT onDemand, getting through these tough moments is what we live for!

That’s why we reached out to our worldwide community of Komrades to see how they get through those challenging moments during a Spin class, and they did not disappoint! Here’s what they had to say:

“Remind myself that growth happens when things REALLY get tough!”

-Melanie L

Change happens outside your comfort zone. So, when you reach the point where you feel like giving up, lean into the discomfort, and know that it’ll only get easier from there.

“Think about where I started and how far I’ve come. Pushing through those tough moments are what got me to where I am.”

-Crystal M

The best way to keep up your Spin stamina is to think about how far you’ve come. When you stop and look back at where you were three months ago, you’ll see how much you’ve accomplished and want to keep it up!

“I take one song at a time, I tell myself I can stop anytime but let’s do this song first and then we’ll see… And I always end up finishing the class!”

-Danieli C

Instead of thinking about how you’re going to make it through the next 30 minutes of your Spin session, just take it one at a time. Tackling one more song, one more minute, or even one more pedal rotation will turn into two more, then three, and before you know it, you’ve completed your workout!

“I consider myself lucky to be able to work out and spin. I know there are people out there who wish they could do what we do.”

-Sharaya V

Exercise ain’t easy, and for some, it’s nearly impossible. Having the ability to get on that bike is not something everyone has, so consider yourself lucky and remember how fortunate you are that you have the choice to Spin.

“I remind myself that sometimes the victory is just getting through the workout and to celebrate that victory”

-Karen H

You don’t have to come out of every Spin class feeling like it was your best one ever. Some days you just aren’t feeling it, and that’s okay! Celebrate even the small victories, like making it through a 30-minute session, or even just getting your workout clothes on.

“Watching the instructor struggle too! … When I see that you’re struggling too in that moment…it gives me motivation to keep pushing”

-Wendy M

Working out along with someone always helps keep your motivation up, and can even make you work harder. This doesn’t just mean a gym buddy, it can be your instructor, too! It may seem like they’ve got it all figured out, but they’re pushing themselves right along with you.
 

“I swear internally at the instructor! Then afterwards I verbally yell out loud!”

-Janelle E

Aggression is a powerful thing, and it can be just the boost you need to make it through a tough Spin class. Channel that angry energy right into your workout – even swear out loud if you need to! Not only will it help you bust through that mental block, but it can also be quite therapeutic.

“Music motivates me a lot, it’s always a lyric that makes me push harder or pick up my spirit when I’m feeling like I can’t do it anymore.”

-Diana L

What better way to get you movin’ and groovin’ than a great playlist? Music can change your entire mood, and is a great motivator when each pedal turn gets a little tougher. Go with the beat, and listen to the lyrics to find some that move you. 

“I envision my future self! Strong, fit, healthy and confident!”

 -Ursula G

How will you feel after completing a successful Spin session? Accomplished? Motivated? Think about how what you’re doing now will help your future self out later, and you’ll be glad you didn’t give up!

“Focus on the why. Why am I doing it? To gain strength, to improve my condition, and because I am getting better and better every day!”

 -Axel S

Everyone has a reason for doing what they do. It’s something that pushes you to get up in the morning, ready to take on the day. The same applies to Spin! Any time you’re feeling a lack of motivation, get back to the root of why you choose to ride.

And now, some advice from the queen of Spin herself, Cat Kom:

“I try to not overthink it when it gets really tough. It may be hard, but it’s also as simple as “left…left…left, right, left” in my mind. And, of course, I always remind myself to inhale strength and exhale weakness.”

-Cat Kom

When you’re feeling your determination start to dip, just remember that no great results come easily. And it takes just as much mental strength as it does physical. Focus on every little movement – because after all, every success you’ll experience in life is just hundreds of little victories put together.

The passionate trainers and fellow cycle-holics at Studio SWEAT onDemand will help you stick to your goals and feel great doing it. And with a 7-Day Free Trial, you’ll get access to tons of onDemand fitness classes like TRX, Pilates, HIIT, and of course, Spin. So keep riding Komrades, be strong, dig deep… and we’ll see you on the other side.