…or exhaustion!
So, as always, there is a story behind my decision to go to my very first spin class this morning.
You see, what had happened was…
I went to bed pretty late last night (11 pm) because a coworker came over after a work event, and we had an impromptu girls night. Girl talk + wine = fun times!
Anyway, I set my alarm for 5:10 am and decided that I would make a game time decision as to whether or not I would go to the gym in the morning. This kind of planning usually ends in resetting the alarm and sleeping in, but today was different. I sat up, changed into my workout clothes, brushed my teeth, and walked out the door before I could convince myself otherwise.
I didn’t know if it was a wise decision to go to spin class with only six hours of choppy sleep, but I went for it regardless. My gym actually offers group spin classes from 5:50 – 6:40 am four mornings a week, which works out perfectly with my work schedule. And since I joined my gym (and pay $50 a month for my membership), I wanted to at least try it out once to see if it was my thing (and make the most use of my money if it was).
I walked into the spinning room and probably looked really unsure of myself because a very nice woman walked over to my bike and started helping me (I didn’t even have to ask). After some initial conversation, she told me that if I decided to give it a chance, “spinning would change my life.” Well, ok then!
As the instructor was setting up, I watched a few others in class that looked experienced because I honestly had no idea what I was doing. Smart I know!
We started off by pedaling at a low resistance to warm up our legs. Then, the intensity kicked in. Most of the class was spent spinning at a moderate to high resistance level. There were lots of hills and jumps mixed in with flat roads.
I really liked that I could set my own resistance throughout the entire class. And for being a newbie, I think I did ok staying on track with all of the instructions. However, I made a conscious effort not to overdo. Even still, I was extremely sweaty and tired by the end of the workout.
Definitely didn’t look pretty after today’s class…
I also noticed a few other things as the day went on – my hunger levels went from 0-10 every couple of hours, and around 2 pm, I hit a plateau and felt extremely exhausted. Now, I don’t know if I can completely attribute those two things to the class, but I definitely felt like I got a good workout this morning. I think the exhaustion thing also had to do with the lack of good sleep. Duh!
And finally, I already know that I’m going to be pretty sore tomorrow – legs (obviously) but also my arms and abs. Lucky for me, I love that feeling.
The only major issue I had with today’s class was getting comfortable with the seat on the bike, even with the use of a seat pad. But I hear that after a few classes, it’s no longer a major issue.
So with that, I think early morning spin classes are going to make a regular appearance in my life. My goal is to go to at least two a week. In my opinion, variety is key, so I’m going to keep up with running, zumba, and my strength workouts as well.
With a wedding in my future, it’s time to work hard!
While I plan to keep this little mantra in mind, I also plan on having fun while I’m at it!
Are you a spinner? Do you believe in workout variety, or do you like to stick to the same routine? What’s your favorite motivational workout mantra?
what’s this whole spinning thing? I don’t get it. This is a fitness program?
Yes, spinning is a group cycling class (using stationary bikes).
I recently tried it and LOVED spinning. I’m best working out in groups because I get competitive. 🙂
LOVE spinning and wish there were classes nearby me! There are very few exercises I would put in thevsane category as running in terms of intensity…spinning is definitely one of them! The mantra that always works for me is ‘You’re only one workout away from a good mood’ – so true!
Woops should read *the same category
I love spinning and I don’t do it nearly enough. That’s actually one of my goals for next year is to get to at least one spin class/wk. And you’re totally right about getting used to the seat, after a few days of wanting to die every time you sit down to pee, it totally goes away 😉
I love spinning! Always feel like I get a good sweaty workout out of it. Plus it uses the principles of HIIT which is awesome 🙂
It does depend sometimes on your instructor, but it’s been pretty good and my quads and butt hurt like a mother after. In a good way of course 😀