Spin the Black Circle
March 22, 2006
For some time I have been wanting to mix some weight training in with the cardio I regularly enjoy take part in suffer through. Due to some wise financial decisions I have had a significant amount of surplus cash, so I walked in and plunked down the full two years of membership dues to a brand new Gold's Gym that was running a pretty good sign-up special. But since I paid for the entire term of the contract they threw in a third year for free.
For over a month now, I have been going several times a week and am happy with the results I'm seeing. It feels very good to be lifting again and strengthening parts of my body other than my heart and my legs. That is until I discovered the spin class.
I peeked in the room where all of the top of the line spin bikes were located and thought I’d warm up on one of those rather than the regular bikes. A few days later, when talking with a friend, she invited me to join her in a class. Enthusiastically, I agreed.
That first class was very interesting. First, I had to get used to the bike. The shifter takes some getting used to, as do the handlebars. Second, I didn’t even think about bringing water. I worked my butt off and sweated a ton, but despite the annoying instructor (who looked as if she taught aerobics in the ‘80’s, hibernated for the ‘90’s and awoke in front of the class), I decided I’d try it again and picked up a schedule on my way out.
A week later I came more prepared. I brought water, a towel and my cleated cycling shoes. The instructor for this class was a lean, tone cyclist. She was very knowledgeable and fun to ride with, yet pushed the class very hard. I left excited for the next class.
It has now been over a month that I’ve been attending spin classes and I feel amazing. Last weekend, I took a spin on my real bike and felt stronger than ever. I climbed effortlessly, stood for longer periods and rarely got tired. Going into the spring season I feel very good with the work I’ve put in over the winter. I’ve lost some weight, toned up, and improved my fitness. Last week, a coworker who rides asked if I’d like to join her cycling team. It’s not a huge honor or anything, because anyone can join. But it is going to be fun riding with some experienced cyclists who can share their knowledge with me.