Fitness Update: Braving the Spin

After a couple months getting my footing with the Barre Pilates class I have been taking, a friend of mine convinced me to take a spin class with her.  Well really she said "I took this class with you and now you have to take a spin class with me."  hahaha  I know what a bunch of you are thinking.  I am clumsy walking on a good day.  How would I ever walk away from a spin class in one piece.  My only hope was that the class is on stationary bikes. 
One of the aspects of Barre Pilates I love is the easy gear.  During the warmer months I would show up in flip-flops.  The mat and bands are all provided for me.  This is not the case for spin.  My friend was so happy showing me her cool spin shoes that were made to clip right onto the bike and special spin shorts that contain extra cushion in the tushy section for a more comfortable class.  She then informed me that my bum was probably going to be quite sore tomorrow. 
And in comes the doubt.  Was this actually going to be a fun workout or a form of torture?  I was really starting to get concerned.
We were among the first people into the spin room.  After deciding on bikes, I opted for one near the fan, I learned that not only does the seat move up and down and forward and back, but the hand part moves multiple ways too!  It was starting to become overwhelming and then the instructor came in.  She took extra time to make sure I was comfortable and correct in my pose on the bike.  After ensuring that I was secure she also told me a little about the class.  She showed me different techniques she would be calling out to the class.  She started going over the jumps.  Yes, you heard correctly.  Spin class is about doing jumps and sprints on stationary bikes. 
Thankfully one thing I have learned about group fitness classes is that the instructors are there to facilitate the push, but also offer easier alternatives to make everything doable even for a beginner like myself.
The spin class lasted for 1 hour.  It was such a rush!  The instructor choreographer the "ride" to go with the music.  We did sprints, jumps, hills, and long climbs all based on the resistance we set on our own bike.  It was great.  I felt the cardio burn and the sweat, but had a blast learning something new.  The jumps are no joke!  They are timed like dance moves and are quick and controlled.  And they really work your legs!
I am so glad my friend pushed me to take the spin class with her.  I plan on joining her again next week.  It was such a different class, but I loved the challenge!
And yes, in case you are wondering, my bum killed the next day. 
Have you ever taken a spin class or ever thought of taking one but got too scared?  Do you have another cardio class you love that you think I should try?  Would love to hear from you!

See you soon!
Love always

Challenging Myself

The other day I challenged myself to overcome one of my greatest fears.  For me, it is starting something new and venturing into the unknown.  Even when I was younger I had this fear.  As a swimmer, I was always the last person to jump into the pool for warm-up.  I knew that I was dry and warm on land and that jumping into the pool would make me cold and wet.  The hardest part of practice was just starting.
After talking about trying to get back into shape by walking and watching what I am eating, I decided to try a group fitness class at my gym.  The class I chose was a barre pilates class.  Not only have I never taken a group fitness class, unless you include swim practice, I have also never learned barre or pilates.  I have heard all about how amazing both exercises are and how they will help me get into shape by toning up and working on flexibility. 
Even after walking in and starting the class I was still nervous.  I felt very self-conscious.  What if I messed up or couldn't even do the moves?!  I think I was also the largest person in the class.
While watching myself for 45 minutes in a mirror didn't really help me feel better about my size, but I did feel better about me at the end of the class.  I didn't do all the positions correctly and I couldn't do all of the moves, but the instructor was so helpful and encouraging.  She always gave alternatives to the entire group as an option for everyone and would explain the movement again if I was having difficulties.
The ladies in the class were also wonderful.  After the class most of the ladies came up to me and gave very encouraging comments.  "That was a great first day!"  and "You did great!"  were a blessing to hear when I felt everything but great. 
So happy that I went to the group fitness class and learned some barre pilates.  I know I am going to feel the workout tomorrow.  Hopefully I will make this a weekly adventure.
Do you have any of these fears?  Have you tried to overcome them as well?  How did you feel during and afterwards?  If you also are doing barre, pilates, or both and want to share your experiences with me I would love to hear!  Also would you like to hear more about my journey to getting back into shape?  Would you like to join me?  Maybe every week we can check in and encourage each other? 

See you soon!

Love always