The spinning classes I regularly attend are exceptionally well-taught, cycling-driven classes full of triathletes, marathoners, and general crazy fitness people. The instructors consist of Coach Monster, Ironman Mike and Ironwoman Sarah, to name a few. Hardcore folks. And what a luxury, and I am very blessed to have access to such great classes and instruction. Oh, and I am by far the most unlikely triathlete in these classes, and I enjoy that. Constant motivation.
Well…. today… I entered into a whole new world of spinning class. I went to a gym near my house, because I am home this week. And I’m still shaking my head in confusion.
Hence the title of this post. It may be time to roll that spin bike right back into the corner and leave class when:
- Spin instructor has no water bottle of his own, has more fat than me, and is wearing a warm-up jacket, which he never removes from his body.
- Pre-class playlist consists only of Winger and Twisted Sister (I love a good hair band as much as the next gal, but come on…).
- Instructor turns out the lights and says: “Time to warm up those legs, warm ’em up, warm ’em up, warm ’em up!”
- You are one of four people in the class (and the only one in cycling shoes or shorts).
- Adding a gear is also known as: “Putting on the work”. And the entire breadth of the class “work” is two quarter turns to the right.
- Instructor teaches the entire class without opening his eyes (!). Yes, really. I would not lie about this.
Alas, I did not leave class. That would have been rude. But I did learn barrels about self-motivation today.
While it is difficult to spin well when the leader just landed from some alternate universe, I did learn that the quality of my workout is up to me – the class was my ride, regardless of the looniness leading me. Of course, I’ve thought of this before when I have felt crummy in other classes, but today was a whole new perspective.
At the end of the day, each workout and training is on my shoulders. Up to me. Me alone. Which is a great/scary thought! Today, I am thankful that the instructor closed his eyes the entire class and couldn’t see me boring holes in his head with my laser eyes. Ha!
Happy Humpty Hump Day!
You're right when you say the workout is up to you. I've had great spinning instructors and not so great ones… but not everyone can jump right in spinning with an Ironman instructor. Everyone has to start somewhere, and you were probably a big inspiration to the other participants in the class when they saw how hardcore you were!
Oh, I don't know about me as an inspiration… most unlikely. I am more likely a deterrent to the sport of cycling…. 🙂 The class wasn't laughable for the level of difficulty (I agree that a beginner's class is always great!)… but it was mostly laughable because of the instructor and his closed eyes. Eeek! Not checking anyone's form or paying attention to see if people are falling off bikes, passing out… Scary! 🙂 LOL
Wow… I've had some doozie's of spin classes, but that sounds like a rough one…
Great job making it your own and getting through it! 🙂