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.