It’s time for another Fitness Friday, a little overdue, as though I haven’t missed a SINGLE DAY of exercise this year, I’ve been a bit of a procrastinator on the writing side of things. This week I’m going to tell you a little about spinning classes at Spin Society. Yes, I’ve been spinning around physically, as well as in my head, recently.
Spin Society is at the foot of the Granville Street Bridge on the North side, a perfect walking distance from home for me, giving me about 30 mins to warm up and cool down. It’s brand spanking new, and they host three classes a day on weekdays and two on the weekends at varying times. The instructors are all pros and I’ve tried three of the nine, loving each class once I am through it, but suffering pretty much all along the way; this ain’t easy folks. I think on the first two I had my seat in the wrong place, making the standing and riding portion of the class a little more difficult than needed. Lesson? Be sure to check with the instructor re seating for the first few classes.
The studio is very clean, offers showers and change areas separated by sex and these people are super friendly and helpful, so just ask. There is a special on right now for $100 for newbies 30 days; 5 rides are $85 and 90 days $310.
When I was off to my first class a friend remarked that that was the last thing she’d like to do, saying “why would I want to be yelled at for an hour”. Well, she was quite wrong, as there’s no yelling, just enthusiastic encouragement and some pretty groovy tunes to keep you spinning.
For the first two classes I was absolutely dying from start to end and spent a lot of time sitting, but somehow by the third I was able to keep up for the majority of the class and although thoroughly drenched with sweat by the end, it didn’t start from the very first pedal. Apparently the magic number is ten classes, so I’ll let you know. What I do know is that I am definitely burning off calories and time does fly by, despite the effort that you exert, and suddenly you are done. I am truly looking forward to the next one.
With spinning, you control everything from your speed and resistance to your intensity level, so it can be as easy or as challenging as you want it to be. Feel exasperated? Decrease the resistance, slow down, and sit back on the seat. Got some more energy? Faster and harder and up off your seat!
Here’s what you need to know.
Spinning is a cardio workout with music and classes are 50 minutes at Spin Society.
Get there a bit early to claim your bike, get your shoes, store you stuff and get spinning to warm up.
It’s low-impact, so it’s very suitable for people who want to balance out higher-impact exercises or for people who have some joint problems.
You can go at your own pace. The instructors are guides and let you know when to increase resistance, pedal faster or slower or when to stand, hover, sit or combine these moves. YOU DECIDE how hard to work though and can pause if needed by slowing down, decreasing resistance, or sitting versus standing. You’ll find each class gets easier.
YES! There will be some uncomfortable moments as your legs tire when you are near the top of “a hill” i.e. at higher resistance, or when pedaling super fast, but keep pedaling, and slow down when needed. Don’t stop the momentum!
Wear workout clothes, nothing too baggy. Cycling shoes are provided and you clip into the pedals so you use all of your leg muscles, pushing down and pulling up. Padded cycle shorts could be useful, but not required and I’ve heard some use a gel seat; my bum did got a bit sore in the first few classes when I was sitting more, but got better on the third when I was standing high and proud.
BRING water…..I needed two bottles in one class as I was a bit dehydrated to start with. Try not to show up dehydrated as it does make class, and life, harder.
Show up early and get the bike set up properly. Work at your own pace and don’t stop spinning whatever you do! Now go forth and spin!
