When should I eat?

Leave at least a couple of hours between eating and starting a class, or you’ll feel queasy. Afterwards, have a snack within half an hour: a banana, say. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your class. Any decent studio will be air-conditioned, but if there are a lot of people, it can get hot. Prepare to sweat.

How do I adjust the bike?

This is the number one mistake beginners make. People will often have the saddle crazily low and the handlebars really high, which is a terrible way to ride. Stand next to the saddle facing the handlebars and bend your knee to 90 degrees; the saddle should be parallel with the top of your thigh. The handlebars should be level with your saddle, unless you’re pregnant or have back problems, in which case they should be a bit higher. Once on the bike, make sure that when your foot is at the lowest point of the pedal stroke, you have a very slight bend in the knee.

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What should I wear?

Nothing loose, as it could get caught in the pedals. Leggings or shorts and a T-shirt are good. I’d advise against very short shorts – the chafing can get a bit much.

Where should I sit?

For beginners, it’s good to be brave and sit near the front. You won’t be expected to keep up with the pace the instructor sets, it’s all about getting used to the bike and learning the terminology. Good luck!

• Muireann Carey-Campbell, aka Bangs, is a writer and head instructor at Boom Cycle.

• This article was amended on 16 November 2018 to remove an incorrect reference to “spinning”.