Spinning

The first time I ever heard of “spinning” I thought how crazy it was that anyone would want to go to a class and spin around – I’d puke!!

Later, in touring a gym I realized that spinning was something you did on a stationary bike, in the dark to loud music. Again this did not appeal to me because any stationary bikes I had been on I didn’t like.

I then worked with a girl who was a regular spinner and she raved about it. After I asked her many questions, she asked me to go with her. So I agreed to join her and try this phenomenon that is spinning.

While on that bike that evening, I thought I may die or pass out or attempt to try and walk out. I was blown away.

I tried a class a few more times and I realized I didn’t mind it too much. But it wasn’t until last year that I started attending regularly and realized just how much I truly enjoyed it.

But then that stopped.

I started again last night. And I am paying the price for it this morning.

This is what is difficult about spinning – besides spinning itself. Your upper inner thighs by your butt really hurt from the seat on the bike. I know I will get use to this but when starting it hurts. The other thing that hurts is your shoulders. They hurt from bending over and trying to keep your elbows relaxed.

And you thought I was going to say my legs hurt.

Here is what I discovered and what I like. There is a posture to spinning and while it doesn’t work the majority of your upper body you still need to maintain a core hold and therefore your shoulders and back do strengthen and this is good for someone who sits as much as I do. There are hand positions during the ride that help this along.

A spinning bike isn’t like a regular stationary bike. It is specially made for the class. You adjust the handlebars, the seat height and seat position in relation to your arm length. Yes you peddle as you would on a bike but there is a knob where you add and release the tension of the bike thus stimulating an endurance you have to put forth. No resistance represents a flat surface, more resistance represents a hill. During the class you sit and peddle and other times you stand to peddle. You can even do jumps (which are a few rotations of sitting then standing then sitting then standing). Lastly, included in your ride is a quick warm up and a little longer cool down. The ride or class is normally 45 to 50 minutes and with the right instructor and the right music you can go on quite an incredible ride and the time flies by.

You make the ride your own by listening to the instructor knowing when to add and release the tension and it is up to you to do as much as your body can handle. Everyone in the class can work at different levels without affecting one another. Therefore a beginner need not feel intimidated by the spinner that is in full cyclist gear.

It took me a little while to find my grove in the class. But what I eventually found in my ride was the same type of zone that many discuss when they are running. I like the fact the room is dimly lit. I can close my eyes and move my legs and my upper body to the beat of the music and this becomes very hypnotic. I have actually found this to be meditative and have been able to nearly clear my mind and just let go. Other times my eyes are open and I focus on one spot. Something frustrating comes to mind that I need to work out and I am able to find I can do just that by peddling it away. Spinning becomes very cathartic.

The drawback – there isn’t one. Which makes me so frustrated at myself for making it such a chore to get to the class. When I went regularly I worked next door to the gym so for lunch or after work I just walked there – no excuse. Now when I have to plan this into my day and actually drive to the gym – this for whatever reason seems to be a hindrance for me. I do better when I am accountable to someone and unfortunately I don’t have a spinning buddy to hold me accountable.

So what I know is it’s up to me . . . it’s up to me to haul myself to the gym and take the ride. It is always worth it at the end. It makes for a very relaxing evening and a great night sleep – obtaining both a mental cleansing and exhaustion both mind and body crave.

What I don’t know is to how to keep myself motivated to go but I am trying and will continue to try.