If you think about it…the concept of spin class is pretty ridiculous.
What? You never thought about it before???? Actually, neither did I …until I was leaving the office yesterday and one of my coworkers asked me to explain what spin class is.
![IMG_1390[1]](http://activeeggplant.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_13901.jpg "IMG_1390[1]")
Here’s how our conversation went…roughly…I may or may not be embellishing a la James Frey…
- Dear Coworker: You’re on your way to the gym?
- ActiveEggplant: Yep! I take spin class every Wednesday at 6pm at the YMCA.
- DC: What exactly IS spin class?
- AE: Um…it’s a group fitness class where you ride stationary bikes.
- DC: Oh… (As she tilts her head to the side like a confused puppy wondering what the hell you’re saying.)
- AE: But…there’s music…and it’s really intense…
- DC: How exactly is a stationary bike intense?
- AE: Well, you can make it as hard or as easy as you want by adjusting the resistance on the bike. And there’s music BLASTING and you just get pumped up.
- DC: Oh. (Now she’s looking at me like I am a deranged lunatic.)
- AE: And you can imagine you’re climbing up hills or flying down the road. And you’re in a PACK so it’s really cool.
- DC: … … **crickets chirping**
- AE: And SOME places have video screens so you can actually picture riding up a hill or flying down the road!
- DC: Well…have fun! (As she exits the elevator and heads towards her car…still looking at me like I’ve come unhinged…)
![IMG_1414[1]](http://activeeggplant.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_14141.jpg "IMG_1414[1]")
I swear…at some point I also told her spin class is one of my favorite workouts each week for the following reasons:
- I don’t have to worry about getting hit by a car.
- I don’t have to worry about falling.
- I don’t have to worry about dying from heat exhaustion.
- I don’t have to constantly stop & go at traffic signals.
- I can do speed work, which I don’t find easy (or fun) to do on a regular bike.
She may or may not have looked at me like I needed to be taken away in a straight jacket anyway…
But I don’t care…Spin class, no matter how ridiculous sounding, is always going to be one of my go-to workouts when I’m looking for something INTENSE and FUN!
WHAT ABOUT YOU: Have you ever had the pleasure of trying to explain the the heck all of your workouts are like? Do they think you’re crazy – or end up wanting to try it too?
Lol Great post! It IS crazy. I’ve tried it exactly once… I don’t get it.
You should TOTALLY try it again Sarah! I love love love it! But then again, I love cycling to begin with…so maybe that’s why?
I freaking love love love spinning classes, but I do find that it’s a love/hate thing!
I’ve never been to one of those place with the screens but I’d really love to try it some day…
I’ve only hated a spin class twice…and it was because of the instructor. Otherwise I love it every time!
The studio at my YMCA was just remodeled to include the screen (and new bikes!!!). I am not totally sold on it yet though – sometimes I felt like I was getting motion sickness if I looked at it too long. But it was fun to look up & see mountains instead of just myself in the mirror.
I LOVE how you explained spin class.. I just read that story to my co-worker (she didn’t know what spin class was either) and I find it funny how I got the same response! hahaha I have to agree with Katy it is totally a love/hate relationship. There is something about being out on an open road! If they could add fans to a spin class.. maybe that would work!
I used them last night in my super sprint tri!
I am unsure how I would describe this, but a fun indoor cycling class, great when weather outdoors doesn’t permit.. or if you don’t won’t to spend the money on a bicycle or you like/need a coach to get the excersie you are looking for.
PS- A huge thank you for your support/knowledge/tips on my triathlon
There’s definitely NO substitute for an outside ride! I honestly don’t think I could ever NOT ride outside at least once a week. But then again, lots of people just don’t like cycling out on the roads (or can’t afford to get a bike) so spinning is the closest they can get.
Glad I was able to provide a little bit of useful insight on triathloning! I’m still a newbie myself & definitely have a lot to learn, but so far everything I’ve picked up has been from other bloggers! Triathlon is addicting, isn’t it?
I’ve never tried it but your description makes me want to.
http://Www.Shellyinmi.wordpress.com
You should definitely try a class sometime Shelly! I was hooked after my first class. It’s definitely a great way to cross train & avoid the treadmill on rainy or hot days!
I myself am not too into spin class—only done it once–although I do use the spin bike solo sometimes, and agree it can be great workout. Then again, I’m not really a class person, I’m a loner, prefer to do my own thing usually.
Spin is what got me hooked on group exercise classes! I actually can’t imagine doing a solo spin session – do you use music?
Oh, music for sure! Or watch tv!!!
Lol – I think most things that runners/triathletes etc do sound crazy to normal people. I get “YOU PAY TO RUN!?!?” a lot when I talk about registering for races. Ha!
I LOVE spin classes. A lot. But unfortunately I’m not a member of the gym right now so can’t go to them. I used to go all the time and they are super intense!
Love it!!! I miss spin… even though I am not a regular like you…
I love spin because — It is dark, cool, and you can ride as fast or slow as you want. Kristen has us dialing it up one more notch so much that you have to challenge yourself more so than I would on my own. It is group exercise without having to know everyone personally and you are all there for the same reason.
Exactly Kerri – group class with anonymity! But as time passes I’ve definitely made friends at class. I just feel like there’s less “watching” during spin class than in other group fitness classes were you’re in front of a full length mirror the whole time!
I’ve never tried spinning, but I love mountain biking and am learning to road bike, though that’s pretty much on hold until next summer!
Fortunately, most of my exercising is running, strength training and yoga, so there’s not much explanation necessary, though I do often have to explain the fun behind those activities to non-active people or people who rely on only one type of exercise.
Oh yes, I’ve had to explain why training for all of this stuff is “fun” too. Although I must say, getting up at 6am on the weekend for a long run isn’t my idea of fun – it’s just necessary!
I miss mountain biking – I sold my bike about a year ago so I could get a touring bike. As soon as we can afford it I’ll be back on the single track though!
Yes, spinning IS hard to explain! because spinning is harder than a regular stationary bike! That’s how I describe it though, “it’s harder than a regular stationary bike, and the wheel is weighted”
Love the description! See you Wednesday at 6pm