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Motivation Monday: “It doesn’t get easier, you just get stronger.”
A little over one year ago I took my first spin class. I struggled the entire way through, unable to keep up with the instructor. It was so hard for me, that I was actually really really proud of myself for pedaling the entire time! A couple of weeks ago, I was talking to my friend Katelin and she was telling me how much she loves spin. Her pitch to get me to go with her was pretty convincing. “45 minutes and you’re done. That’s it and your workout for the day is done!” “Full Psycle has clips and towels!” “Your first class is free!” How could I say no to that? A couple of days later we met up at Full Psycle for our class and away we went! I have to admit I felt pretty bad@$$ when I “clipped in” with the cycling shoes. It got me seriously pumped for some reason. Like, I just felt so cool, and I’m not even joking, I think that made all the difference from my first spin class.
My very first class at Pedal Spin, I wore my new Nike Frees which I just got two weeks ago when I came across the offer at https://www.raise.com/coupons/nike and the instructor attached “baskets” to the pedals since I was wearing regular shoes. I quickly realized that spin class is 10 times better when you wear Clips. They make it much easier to keep your foot in place. This way you aren’t worrying if your foot is sliding or going to pop out, and you can focus on your power and speed. If you’re interested in trying a spin class, I highly suggest finding a studio that has rental clips like Full Psycle or Soul Cycle, borrow them from a friend, or buy a cheap pair from a bike shop or online. It made such a huge difference for me. After my first class I had no interest in going back, but thankfully my friend convinced me to give it another try at an excellent studio and now I’m in love!
After trying a free class at Full Psycle, I wanted to give spin a chance and see what other studios had to offer. Later last week I met up with my friend Amanda at YAS. I am totally addicted to spin right now! I used to be a die hard Bar Method-er until a few months ago. I got really burnt out and to be honest extremely lazy. I got into a complete fitness rut and nothing could motivate me until I was convinced to give spin a second chance. I’m so happy that I did because once again I have found something that I actually look forward to doing for exercise! I’m not saying spin is easy, it’s definitely challenging for me, but I have already seen progress with my strength and endurance in a few short weeks! Yay for second chances!
The classes: I tried them, so you don’t have to!
Pedal Spin – My very first classMonthly Unlimited: $119 ($49 for first month, new students)
First class free
Towels are provided
No rental clips
Instructor was very… passionate, and raised his voice a lot
He would run around and actually up our resistance for us. Ugh not fun!
Britney Spears Soundtrack played the entire class haha. But that was probably specific the instructor.
What I thought: My first experience was not so great. I hear great things about the studio, maybe I had a mediocre instructor?
Full Psycle – Second attempt at spin
Monthly Unlimited: $150
First class free
They provide rental clips
Towels are provided
Instructors remember everyones names
The instructors often come around the room and motivate you
Full body workout – you do weights while on the bike
HDTV screens in front of the class display your real-time performance statistics (Power, RPMs and Energy), allowing you to compete against your neighbors, your instructor and, most importantly, yourself.
Your personal online account tracks your progress and PRs.
What I thought: Obsessed. I love the displays that show you your speed, power, energy, etc. It keeps my mind occupied and makes me want to try harder to keep up with the group. I really hope that they open more locations!
YAS – Third spin class
Monthly Unlimited: $225
First class free
No towelsNo rental shoes
Good music and good instructors
What I thought: The company has great branding that really draws you in, but I didn’t find anything special about it. Why would I pay almost twice the price as another studio that has more amenities?
This morning my friend Kayleigh from Okay Fitness convinced me to go to spin at 5:45am. Yaaaa, never thought this night owl would take an a.m. class when it’s still dark out! We had a ton of fun and it was totally worth it! Metromint sent me a case of their waters, so I decided to take my Metromint Spearmint water to class with me today along with another bottle of plain water. The mint water gave my body a cooling sensation that was super refreshing during class. You know that feeling after you chew mint gum and then drink water? How it feels extra cold? Thats what this water does, every time! I have to admit that I’m not crazy about most of the other flavors, but spearmint and peppermint are awesome! I love that Metromint is made with refreshing real mint with zero chemicals, and zero calories! It’s a tasty way to up your water intake!
After spin I got a ginormous green juice from Nekter!
How many of my bunnies take spin?! Or who has tried it and what did you think?
Your challenge this week: Go to a “first class free” fitness class! Spin, barre, yoga, anything! Just try it! You never know, it might be your new favorite!
Angela
July 15, 2013 at 10:05 am (11 years ago)I love spin! I take classes at Flywheel which seems very similar to Full Pyscle! Glad you love it now too. 🙂
Catherine
July 15, 2013 at 10:39 am (11 years ago)Flywheel, I love the name! I’m so happy I gave it another shot, I’ve been loving spin 🙂
Stephanie
July 15, 2013 at 10:08 am (11 years ago)I teach cycling and I always tell new riders to give it a few times until you like it. And it is important to try different instructor to find out what you like since everyone has a different teaching style. Indoor cycling is such an AMAZING workout that really allows you to build leg muscle and burn calories at the same time! I teach 3 days a week an I uasually take someone else’s class as well. I recommend all of my friends to try it. It may seem intimating your first time but it is a workout that can easily be tailored to everyone’s skill level!
Catherine
July 15, 2013 at 10:43 am (11 years ago)Oh my gosh, you are a spinning phenom! Do you ride road bikes as well? or just indoors? I totally agree, it’s an incredible workout, I actually leave drenched in sweat! I am hoping some of my readers will give it a second chance like I did!
Chaunette
July 15, 2013 at 10:42 am (11 years ago)Hi Catherine,
I’ve always wanted to try spin. There are not any spin facilities out by me though:(
I live in the country. Although I do love it, sometimes I hate it for that reason!
I have a question for you off the topic of spin, Does your friend Kayleigh Bond still sell Herbalife? I sent an email to her about a month ago and no reply:(
Thanks so much. I’m happy you found something new to enjoy! And So So glad you are back!!!
Catherine
July 15, 2013 at 2:48 pm (11 years ago)Hi Chaunette! Are there any gyms like 24 hour fitness, LA fitness, or Gold’s Gym? All of them offer spin classes 🙂
I just spoke with Kayleigh, and she is no longer a distributor for Herbalife. You can use the form on their website http://contact.herbalife.com and a distributor will contact you!
xo
Chaunette Bone
July 19, 2013 at 6:54 am (11 years ago)Thanks so much Catherine for the info.There is a 24 hour fitness a few “towns” away lol. I will call and ask. The drive may be worth it
Micah
July 15, 2013 at 10:54 am (11 years ago)I joined a gym in April this year, and soon after took my first spin class. I almost died! It was so hard!!!! The next few days, my butt hurt and my legs wobbled, but I’m a very determined girl! Later that week, I took another spin class and somehow, like magic, I stayed with it the whole time! I love spin! I go 2 times a week for an hour each time. My husband tells me all the time how proud he is of me for not giving up!
Catherine
July 15, 2013 at 2:46 pm (11 years ago)I totally feel you! You should be really proud of yourself for pedaling the entire first class, seriously! I have seen people stop pedaling and even leave! So high five to you for not giving up and giving it another try!!! The same thing happened to me, it was just like magic when I gave it another chance 🙂
Kendra Rogers
July 15, 2013 at 2:08 pm (11 years ago)I absolutely love spin! The loud pumping music, black lights and fun instructors. My favourite instructor does a hill session to River dance Irish music, it’s amazing! !
Catherine
July 15, 2013 at 2:44 pm (11 years ago)Omg Kendra, that is hilarious!!! I want to take that class haha The studio I am loving just started Hip-Hip Mondays, I NEED to go!!! hahaha
Megan S
July 15, 2013 at 7:15 pm (11 years ago)Oh my god I know exactly what you mean about the clips. We have spin at my university’s gym so we don’t have fancy equipment. I tried spin twice and both times my foot slipped out at I had so many scratches on my legs! Glad you got it to work for you. Maybe I’ll have to try again? 🙂
Megan S
July 15, 2013 at 7:17 pm (11 years ago)Sorry just one question!
You’re in LA right? I go to school near downtown LA and if any of these spin classes are near by I would definitely check it out!
Catherine
July 16, 2013 at 12:56 am (11 years ago)Oh my gosh, totally feel you with the normal shoes!
There us a YAS in downtown LA by FIDM/Ralphs off of 9th and Flower!
They don’t have clips, but they do offer a free first class. You should take some friends from school 🙂
I love the DTLA location!
http://go2yas.com/yas_locations/downtown-la/?cl=yas-indoor-cycling
Christine
July 16, 2013 at 12:18 pm (11 years ago)I LOVE spin class – I have fiddled with the idea of becoming an instructor. I was going consistently at least twice a week and then realized I got a little too used to it, so I’ve been changing it up, but I do miss spin. You always feel so BA after getting through it all, like, yup, I just KICKED MY BUTT!! Wooo!
Catherine
July 16, 2013 at 4:40 pm (11 years ago)hahahaha so BA!!! I know the feeling lol!
Stacey
July 16, 2013 at 1:03 pm (11 years ago)I LOVE spin and never need to find the motivation to go, I just want to!! It has been the one form of exercise I can stick with and that keeps me interested and striving to always be better. I’m up to 5 times a week and can’t imagine doing my cardio any other way now!
Catherine
July 16, 2013 at 4:39 pm (11 years ago)Love it Stacey!!! I can’t believe I was missing out haha
Elle | nutritionella
July 16, 2013 at 1:17 pm (11 years ago)I just took my first SoulCycle class last week – obsessed! Was totally surprised because I just never could get into spinning. The only downer is how expensive it is but I suppose I can sacrifice a meal out or a pedicure every now and then to justify the cost. Glad you’re enjoying cycling too! 🙂
Catherine
July 16, 2013 at 4:38 pm (11 years ago)Some fo my friends are addicted to SoulCycle! I’m so happy I gave it another shot, I seriously love spin now!
Becky
July 17, 2013 at 2:03 am (11 years ago)I’ve been taking spin classes twice a week for a little over a month now, and I love it! I have a lot of weight to lose – right now, I am just about where you started in terms of height and weight. Spinning is the first type of exercise that I actually love, and can see myself sticking with. I’m so glad you’re into it, too!
Julie
July 17, 2013 at 7:03 am (11 years ago)I’m obsessed with spin! (So obsessed that I purchased my own spin bike for my house last year). The studio I go to in DC is Biker Barre. They offered barre and spin classes which is the best because you can alternate days or do a spin/barre double!
Nicole
September 29, 2013 at 4:05 pm (11 years ago)I love spin class! I tend to spin 2-3 times a week at Crunch Fitness here in New York City. If you’re ever in town and want to try out a class, I believe it costs $15-20 to just walk in and use the gym if you’re not a member. Like you, I didn’t care much for it initially, but it’s so much fun now. You really feed off the energy of not only the instructor but the students as well. I need to invest in some spin shoes!
Alina
February 26, 2016 at 2:38 pm (9 years ago)Hi, just found your blog.
I really love it
I’m taking a spinning class at last twice a week for 1 hr. I’m dying every time but the feeling afterwards is unbelievable 🙂
Cheers.
Alina