Remember when I tried FlyBarre last week?
Last night, I decided to check out FlyWheel, an indoor cycling class at the same studio.
I was in the mood for a serious sweat session after a long day of job-searching, so I signed up for a 5:30pm class. I love that you can reserve a bike, view the status of a class, and manage your account all online. I love technology.
When I arrived, I checked in on a laptop in the lobby (again with the fancy technology!) and grabbed the bike shoes that were in a cubby corresponding to my bike number. I was wondering how they magically knew my shoe size but soon remembered I entered it online when I first created my FlyWheel account. Genius.
So official and appropriately sized.
Here’s what I loved about the class:
-The room was dark, making it easier to concentrate on my workout. I get distracted way too easily.
-The music type varied and it pumped me up. Music = very important in my world.
-The instructor gave specific guidelines as to the effort we should be expending. I would stare at the little electronic torque and RPM screen (attached to each individual bike), thinking the lady was crazy and that there was no way I could push harder. But I did it anyway. (See how your mind plays tricks on you? Don’t listen!) “Never Coast”, as those FlyWheel-ers say.
-Assume spinning only works your legs? Think again. Weighted bars were occasionally used to incorporate arm exercises while riding.
-It wasn’t uncomfortably packed, but there were enough participants to raise the energy level.
-The Torque Board (which, if you opt to participate, displays your stats in relation to others in the class) gave my competitive side a push. I did NOT want to see my name behind anyone else’s.
-It was tough. I was sweaty. Enough said.
Honestly, I felt out of shape; not being able to run has obviously taken a toll on my cardiovascular fitness level. I definitely needed this push to remember how a solid heart-pumping workout feels. Cross-training on my own just hasn’t done it for me; this would be a good way to stay in shape and ensure my return to running is as seamless as possible.
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Now, hear me out:
Sometimes I honestly feel too lazy to think about creating my own workout.
I’m used to going outside and running. Yes, there are quite a few variables and situations runners focus on: pace, mileage, speedwork, tempo runs, hills, weather, outfit, shoes, and form, among other things, but for some reason that seems much simpler. (Read: Simpler. Not easy.) Running is second nature to me. I may not be super speedy but I’m certainly passionate.
Look how young I was! Running has been my life for so long.
Where was I? Running = Preparing a unique, challenging workout and deciding what lifts need to be done, in what order, sometimes just seems like too much thinking.
Yes, I said too much thinking.
I did enough thinking in college. 4 years is enough, right?
Most times I do love coming up with fun, new ways to exercise. But other times, on an early morning or after a long day, I just want to concentrate on working hard and have someone else worry about the details. I like having someone yell instructions at me while I spin my little heart out.
Strangely enough, after my FlyWheel class I felt more energized than I had all day. I had to talk myself out of going for a run – yesterday was my run day.
Now I just need additional income to support this pricey habit.
Anyone want to go to a FlyWheel class with me? Have you been to a class where they display your stats up on a screen for everyone to see? Did you know they are already putting Easter candy out at stores? Ugh. My post-Valentine’s candy hangover isn’t even gone yet.
