Yep, you read the title right- this fat (but fit) girl went spinning today. Taking a spin class has been on my 101 in 1001 list, and I've really wanted to mark it off. So this morning, I went to my first spin class.
I have to admit, I was scared. I have heard about how it's hardcore and tough, and everyone who ever comes out of a spin class is covered in sweat. I still have trouble with doubting myself and my body's abilities, but I went for it anyway.
I showed up a little early, and I was lucky that there were still a couple of bikes left – I didn't get the memo that you need to get there early to reserve the bike. Thankfully, I got a bike in the back corner, where I wouldn't feel too intimidated. I asked the instructor to help make sure the bike adjustments were okay for me.
There are 3 adustments you can make to the spin bike:
- Seat height: you want this to be high-hip level
- Handle bar: you want this to be pretty equal to the seat, or if you're a beginner like me, slightly higher
- Seat-to-handle distance: The seat can move forward or backwards- you want it to be where the knees don't go over your toes when you pedal, and you want to be able to reach the handles without strain.
After I got the adjustments made, class started. About 2 minutes in, I knew I was in trouble.
But not because it was too hard for me! It was because my *ahem* nether-regions *ahem* were in PAIN! Holy hell, it was bad!
You know when you hurt yourself and joke “Oy! That's going to leave a mark!”
Uh, yeah.
I have marks. Down there *points down.* Not just a single mark. Multiple marks.
I went to the grocery store after the class and I was walking like I had just gotten back from a two week donkey riding excursion.
I realize this may be crossing the line of TMI, but I'm considering this as a public service announcement.
Things I liked about spinning:
- The class was dark. You could just concentrate on what you were doing, and if you had to change your pace, you could without worrying what others would think
- The music was pumping. I love working out to good music, and it was loud and had great beats. Tempo varied so you would switch from sprints (fast speed and lower resistance) and hills (slower speed and higher resistance)
- It was challenging. Nothing better than getting a body-drenched sweat, and this achieved that for-sure
- Calories: I wore my BodyMedia FIT and for the hour I was in the class, I burned around 500 calories!
Things I didn't like about spinning:
- Feeling like I was taking a ride on a 2×4 steel beam
- The marks.
- The post-workout donkey walk
Here's a video I made explaining the spin class, in case you were too lazy to read what I just wrote 🙂 I am looking ROUGH, so just disregard that. I'm working on catching up on sleep.
Do any of you take spin classes? If so, how long does it take for the pain to go away so it feels “normal?” Also, how long will it take for my marks (and inflammation!?) to go away?! There is another spin class on Friday mornings I want to try that is 40 minutes spinning and 20 minutes yoga, but I seriously feel like my *ahem* nether-regions won't ever recover!
