We joined a great gym over the summer (2014), and when I looked at the fitness schedule of classes offered I saw a lot I wanted to take.
But. I was out of shape. Therefore, I created a plan of attack in how I would eventually make my way into classes. Simply this: I needed to be in shape before I took classes to be in shape. Makes perfect sense to me. I liken it to cleaning the house before the housekeeper comes – you know who you are.
So, I went at it alone. I used the track to gently jog in my vibrams and listen to podcasts. I used the weight room once in a while, but was lacking motivation to really get into it. (Turns out weight – or strength – training is really one of the very best things you can do for your body.)
Then, one day I was walking in the hallway where the gym posts fliers for various special classes and events. It was there that I learned about many “intro” classes with the purpose to teach us newbies how to make the most of the classes. I was immediately drawn to yoga and spin – which is called “cycle” instead, at our gym, for trademark purposes. I like to call it spin anyway. ;)
Long story short, I took the intro yoga series which was awesome and so helpful. I’ve since started taking the Basic Yoga class at the gym recently.
What about Spin… err Cycle? Well, I kept putting the “Intro to Cycle” class on my schedule, but I kept having reasons to miss it, which meant I just wasn’t going to spin… err cycle. Clearly, I needed to learn how to use the bike before taking a real class so the intro class was vital. Those classes look intimidating right? The room is dark and has a closed door. People come out, after a class, looking like they’ve been to another world, sweaty and mumbling.
Scary stuff. Not to mention, I actually thought the regulars in class (it’s like they have a club, ya know) wouldn’t appreciate my newbie-ness disrupting their groove.
So, get this. One day my friend joins the gym, who hasn’t exercised a lot recently, and after a couple of weeks, we sync up our schedules to do the Deep Stretch/Meditation class together – nice and easy. I’m thinking that it’ll be a gentle class to introduce her to the club. Well, she comes into the class all sweaty and huffin’ puffin’ and I asked, “What the hell happened to you?”
She said, “I did spin just now.”
I was like “WTF? Are you serious? You just joined the gym and doing spin already?”
She was like, “Yeah, it was hard. My arse is on fiyaaa.”
My hero. (Thank you, Myriam, for paving the way.)
Well, suddenly I had a new perspective on spin. If she can do it. I can do it.
Do it I did.
Fast forward to today and I’m a spin… errr cycle addict – to a degree. I don’t get all cray-cray and go daily. Instead I limit myself to two times a week and do other things on the other days. Remember, that strength training is important. And yoga.
But, why the draw to spin for me? Damn if you spin peeps out there, especially the instructors, don’t have the sexiest most fit bods. I watch in awe as you walk by. I almost feel like I should bow. Total respect comes from me and I want to reach out and just touch their legs, but that would be weird. I abstain.
And, so, I want legs like that. And a butt like that. Solid, strong, and perky.
Yeah, I love spin cycle. (Can I just call it SPIN already?). Here’s a bit of my spin history, which is brief.
- The first class I took I left my lungs back in the classroom. I did tell you I was out of shape.
- The second class I took my lungs felt like they were in my knees, but at least I didn’t feel like they left my body.
- The third class I took, well, I don’t remember much. I was probably mumbling when I left.
- The fourth class I took I learned that the tops of my hands can sweat.
- And so on and so forth.
I looooooove it. It’s sooooo challenging. It kicks my ass. I’m out of shape but with every class, heck with every pedal, I get stronger.
Spin is more than just that though. It’s f-ing cool. We spin (cycle) in the dark with black lights on. And because it’s pretty dark, I’m in my own zone. I go at my own pace which makes it friendly for newbies. Just get a bike in the back by the door for a quick escape if necessary but I’ve yet to eject. Oh, and my intimidation that I wouldn’t be welcomed in the spin club? Totally unwarranted. Newbies are in there all the time. In the back. By the door.
The music is loud and bumping (a bit too much for me and I wear ear plugs – but I can still enjoy it), and it’s a great way to learn about new songs to download for jammin’ out in my car.
It’s not easy for me though. I blame my lack-of-grace genes on my mom. I have issues before class even starts. I have those fancy shoes that clip into the bike (important to have those), and I swear it can take me 5 minutes just to clip in. And, once I’m clipped in, there’s no turning back. I will not unclip, even if it means twisting my body in ridiculous ways to get my bag from the floor because I forgot my ear plugs in it before I clipped in. (I didn’t know I could twist like that – must be the yoga I’m doing.)
Let’s talk about the calories burned. O-M-G.
I’m burning 600 to 700 calories a class, and I’m not even keeping up with the class (yet).
This class really puts you in shape and burns tons of calories, but damn if it doesn’t make me friggin’ hungry as hell. I have to be careful to fuel with good foods and not just mow down on everything in sight. I like having my Coffee Shake before class for massive power. After, I eat some dark chocolate (simply because it’s always in my purse), and when I get home I throw down which is never too dangerous because I don’t keep any crap in the house anyway.
This is the arm band I use. It’s lasted through a washing in the washer, too. Oops.
Or, if I’m staying at the health club to write for an hour after spin class, I pack a green smoothie… if I have my morning organized enough (read: I wake in enough time) to make a green smoothie.
The Body Shaping Benefit: With two days of spin class a week, my body takes a better shape and I feel amazing – it’s really effective for me.
The Happiness Benefit: And, that buzz – endorphins feel so good! The buzz from exercise is so awesome I can’t praise it enough. My mood goes into high gear happiness and I ride it all day long.
From Dr. Mercola’s website… According to Times Magazine:
“Molecular biologists and neurologists have begun to show that exercise may alter brain chemistry in much the same way that antidepressant drugs do — regulating the key neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine.”
The Presence Benefit: When I take these classes, and most exercise classes for that matter, I love it extra so because I’m completely present. I’m not thinking about the past or the future – I’m in the zone. I’m working my ass off. I’m killin’ it (as much as I can) or just trying to survive each second.
I looked to the wall of motivation in today’s class and the word “commitment” stood out to me (it’s at the top and you can’t really see it in the pic). I pedaled harder as I was overcome with motivation at committing to myself… my body and making it better in that very moment. And, I committed to my daughter’s life. Committed to being as healthy as I can, with each passing pedal, so I can be here, for her, for a long long long time.
Need a little more motivation? Watch this seriously awesome transformation.
This week, I want to give props to Donna, the teacher I was with on Tuesday. She walked around the class and offered a drop of peppermint essential oil on our hands to rub together and inhale – it gives extra energy. How groovy is that? And, I give mad love to Jes for her Thursday class, Rhythm Cycle (thank goodness for spell check cuz I always misspell rhythm <- and thanks again). Anyway, I love Jes’ Rhythm class where we dance and pedal to the beat of the music.)
Thanks for reading and go get your exercise on.