Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Spinnerina

I must admit: all these years, I just never understood the people who went to spinning classes. I would be at the gym, plugging away on the elliptical machine (staring off into space) and would watch the people coming out of the spinning studio after their class, looking like they just ran through a waterfall. And I'd think, 'What a waste of time! Sitting on a stationary bike for an hour while someone barks at you to increase your resistance. Bo-oring.'

I couldn't have been more wrong.

I got there a few minutes early, and the instructor helped me adjust my bike. I picked the bike in the very back of the room (but of course!). The class was almost full, and people were spinning away and warming up. Everyone in the class was seriously fit. And then I reminded myself that perhaps at one time, some of those people weren't in great shape and started out just like me.

The hour just flew by. The instructor did speed intervals, power intervals, and some resistance work. The best part about the class was that I went at my own pace, and my own comfort level - I didn't go crazy on the resistance at all, because it was my first time. I just wanted to get a feel for the bike. The music was a good mix, but there were some songs that left a little something to be desired. I'm not into working out to blues or jazz music, but it was fine. I was concentrating so hard on not falling off the bike!

Oh, about that. I didn't realize that my feet had to be all the way into the pedals. My ankles were very wobbly about half-way through the class, and I was starting to feel pain. I looked around, and realized what my problem was. I had to stop in order to adjust my pedal straps. As I was doing that, one of the clips on the pedals spun around and gashed my leg pretty badly. Nice chunk of skin flew off. I just kept going.

I came home, and my hubby winced when he saw my wound. I just laughed! It was so worth it, honestly. Some antiseptic cream and a band-aid later, and I was good to go again.

The calorie burn must be crazy. Because it's interval training, the heart rate is going up and down. I read somewhere that it's possible to burn up to 900 calories in a 45-minute class! Talk about big bang for the buck when you're working out.

I'm a bit sore today (but not crazy sore, because I didn't go gangbusters with my resistance dial) - but I will say that I've asked myself why that bike seat couldn't be more cushioned quite a few times this morning. I am walking a bit like I've just gotten off a horse. And I've never ridden a horse before.

So, verdict? Clearly, I loved it! I'm going back on Friday. And I might get a little more adventurous with that resistance dial.

7 comments:

Rebecca said...

I'm so glad you loved it!!

I typically burn 700 cals an hour...it used to be more! so it wouldnt surprise me if you burnt that much!!

it truly is an awesome cardio activity!!

you should look into some padded biking shorts! so worth it!!

marie said...

My friend is an instructor of RPM @ Goodlife and I have avoided going to her class for about a year because I'm afraid that I'm going to throw up in the middle of it.

You have given me hope :P

Teresa said...

Sounds like a great workout. Glad to hear you are going back for more. Thank goodness you little guy is on the mend. Enjoy the sun while you can. Keep up the great work and you'll be having that pedi in not time at all.

Sheridan said...

wow sounds like a ton of fun! Good for you for going!! :) My Mom won a prize at some drawing for a couple of spin classes and took pics when she went and I just remember her being the "beetroot" in the middle of the pic. She's fairly fit but she said it took everything she got out of her but was super fun. Who knows, when I'm down a little more I might give that a try, I already checked a few weeks back and know they've got them at the Y close to work... lunch time workout for the New Year maybe?

nic said...

I'm SO glad you put that stupid "fit" thing behind you and dove in!

If you loved it, invest in some padded shorts, like Rebecca said, or capris (I prefer). Your butt (and crotch) will thank you.

When I went to my first spin class, I weighed 185lbs. I wore my HRM and I burned 1160 calories in an hour. I still take spin classes every week, but now I typically burn more like 550-700 in an hour. Enjoy that MASSIVE burn while you can. It will make a huge difference. Working your legs (largest muscle group) will literally MELT pounds off you.

I'm so proud!

Vanessa (Last Night's Leftovers) said...

After all of these great spinning reviews I think I'm going to have to check it out!

Amy said...

I loooooooooove spinning!

Let the addiction begin.

Pretty soon you'll be buying the little clippy shoes.

Great investment BTW. ;)