Spinning

Well, in an effort to keep up with my fitness and weight loss goals, I realized I needed to do 2 things 1.Really intensify my cardio activities and 2. Vary my activity more. So I decided I would try the spin class at my gym. I thought I was in good shape, but after nearly passing out on my first night, I had to reconsider. However, I still go and can honestly say it is an extremely difficult workout, especially for someone like myself who can't remember the last time I went on a bike ride more intense than a casual jaunt on the Boardwalk or around Lake Murray. One thing to note, I did go to undergrad school at UCSB and rode a bike EVERYWHERE. But college was a very long time ago and the bike gathers a lot of dust in the corner these days. That said, I do still try to exercise as much as possible - I try to get out 5-6 days a week - and I try to vary it as much as I can. I still practice karate (Shaolin Kempo style) twice a week and run on the beach at least one or 2 days when it is sunny. And I take a dance class and try to take a Barbell class or lift weights on my own at least twice a week. (Remember, I am also trying to lose weight, so I try to be very diligent).



So, back to the spinning class...Today I was very enlightened by a gentleman in my class who appeared to be in excellent shape, who told me even the pros take spin class. He was actually wearing Mountain Biking shoes so I remarked about the fancy shoes in hopes to start a conversation and he could tell me more about this thing called Spinning - since in all my years of fitness this was perhaps only my third or fourth time attending. I should add that, without mentioning the name of a specific gym, I do attend a larger chain fitness center and the rest of us in class apparently were all novices and wearing regular athletic shoes, so this super buff guy in a full on cycling shirt with somewhat muddy mountain biking shoes, was a bit of a stand out. But he informed me that even though he goes on 6 hour power rides on weekends (OK I admit he may have been showing off at this point) if you really increase the resistance the way the instructor tells you to, you will always get a very intense work out. Point taken. My thighs are always dying afterwards, and I seriously think I lose a full 2 pounds of body fat after those classes. Even with all the water I drink during class, it isn't just water weight loss. I check the scale and everything! OK I am sort of joking, as I truly don't want to give the mistaken impression that I believe in quick fixes or diuretics or any other non-sustainable methods of weight loss. But spin class has been a great addition to my fitness plan. And it is always important to stay properly hydrated. After the first night when I failed to bring a water bottle and had the embarrassing experience of having to get off the bike and go to the back where the water fountain is, I learned to bring a water bottle - and drink often. Ironically, Super Buff Biker Guy did not have a bottle...maybe that is how they do it in the advanced class? Kidding.

First Day

This is my first blog posting. Ever, actually. But I want to get a forum started where people can come together and share ideas and tips on exercise and all things health and fitness related. I believe that all people are connected to each other and we are all synergistically connected to the planet, so all our actions affect everything around us in some way. Therefore, it makes sense to be aware what we do to our bodies - how we treat ourselves and others, and the impact we leave on the planet. But I am not trying to make a philosophy blog, just use that as a basis for where I am coming from and the kinds of thing that will be on here in the future. I am hoping to get certified as a Personal Trainer and eventually do nutrition/ wellness consulting where I can incorporate all aspects of health into a comprehensive Lifestyle Management plan. Eventually I will add links to articles, ideas and even products that are of interest to the topic. I want to keep everything positive because I strongly believe that what you think about you bring about. I would love to hear more about motivational tips and tools people use that work for them in their fitness programs, and overall diet and nutrition plans that contribute to a healthier, and hopefully more sustainable lifestyle.