I Have Spun

I finally got my ass to a spin class.

I arrived 10 minutes early to familiarize myself with the room, the bike and to talk with the 'leader' about my novice-ness. I sat on my bike for the next ten minutes, telling everyone around me that I'd never done a spin class before, and watching people adjust their bikes like pros. I fiddled with some knobs and levers and told some more people I was new.

Then suddenly the lights went out. A woman jumped through the door, hopped on the bike at the front of the room and started whooping. Loudly. Then some house music started booming and blue lights turned on around her bike, and we were off (figuratively).

I actually enjoyed it. Somehow I lucked out and my bike was actually quite comfortably adjusted for my size. I worked up quite a sweat and felt an excellent burn in my legs. I didn't get sore the next day from it, which was disappointing.

The hill is a trap! Let's take the dirt road off to the side.

So now I have joined the rest of the whole entire world and have spun. Not quite sure yet what it means for my training - I'm kind of a cheapskate low on extra cash right now so I don't want to pay for a gym membership. Or, I at least want to wait until it's cold, rainy and lame outside so I won't feel like a loser to go sit on a stationary bike in a dark room and sweat with other people while it's gorgeous and wonderful outside and I could be riding my real bike.

Yeah, I'm probably going back.

Future Foray into Spin

I have been intrigued with spinning for years but have never actually been to a class. I have friends that regularly attend, even teach, spin classes and I've had every intention of going...

I have no idea what to expect. Except sweat. I'm actually quite scared of spinning. I'm scared it will be too hard and too loud. I'm scared of being too hot, too sweaty, and too exhausted. Also, I'm not a cyclist. I've been known to break down sobbing on long mountain bike rides with E.

These fears are mostly unfounded when I take into account the new me. The new me is a badass who has run a marathon, done P90X (sort of), works out regularly, sweats profusely in hot yoga...

... maybe my loud, sweaty hot yoga experiences will help prepare me.

A quick google search revealed this very interesting article related to spinning and weight loss. It basically says that "spin classes are among the worst fat loss tools around". How can this be true? Well the author says that with repeated spin classes, because you don't have to support your own weight, as in running, stair-stepping, etc., the body quickly adapts to the easiest way to complete the exercise - which results in your legs storing more fuel and building more muscle mass. I think the idea is correct, and related to why I stopped losing weight/building muscle with my half-assed runs. I do not think the author is correct if spinning is used in combo with other cardio activities (and if you really push yourself on the bike).

I was mostly drawn to spinning for its cardio/weight loss aspect. Further research is needed, but I must say I am very surprised by this initial finding.

Week of Vacations!

This past week I've had the opportunity to indulge in two different mini-vacations, which is why I haven't posted in a while. The first was a two-night camping extravaganza in Boonville for the Boontfling Disc Golf tournament at the Anderson Valley Brewing Company. I wish I had practiced up a bit and entered the women's division - first prize was a growler with FREE REFILLS FOR LIFE. Um, hello. My seester drove up the coast from Santa Cruz and we spent the day looking at farm sites, perusing the farmer's market, checking out the Not-So-Simple-Living fair, hiking in Hendy Woods and enjoying an ESB in the biergaarten. And it was WARM (the weather, not the beer).

Early this week I traveled again - this time down to SF for shopping, eating, enjoying our awesome hotel, and GIANTS. It was a great win for the orange and black, and the only one in a long stretch of losses that hopefully ends today. Hmmm.

And I'm not one for gyms, but every now and then I love a good machine-centered workout. I coerced my youngest sister into spending an hour with me at the hotel gym, where we elliptical-ed, treadmill-ed and stationary bik-ed to our hearts content, all the while watching the Olympics on our own personal TVs. We then lounged by the pool, splashed around and sauna-ed until it was time to check out.

We ate a delicious brunch at The Grove, which I highly recommend. Eggs Florentine with arugula, avocado, and Parmesan hollandaise sauce with hashed potatoes and a huge mug of coffee. Not exactly on the "clean eating plan". Come to think of it, neither were the gluten free crepes I just made myself for breakfast. Maybe I should sign up for the accountability roll call?