Spinning + New Purchases

I took my first spin class this morning at The Alaska Club!

I’ve been wanting to take a spin class for quite some time, but an opportunity had never presented itself until now!

I had a general idea of what to expect but still wasn’t 100% sure what it would be like. For some reason, when I first heard of spinning, I thought you sat on the bike, listened to pre-programmed music, and the resistance of the bike changed (automatically) as the tempo/intensity/dynamics of the music changed. I didn’t know you personally adjusted the resistance yourself.

(Source)

In general, you basically ride a stationary bike while music is played. The instructor has a workout planned that includes changing up the resistance to simulate going up hill, downhill, and riding on a flat surface. He or she has songs picked out to get you pumped up.

It was a fun class, and I was sweating by the end. I know it could never replace my running, but it was fun to change things up. 🙂

~~~~~~~

In other news, check out the two new purchases I made over the weekend.

Asics Running Shorts

I am excited about these because I have a hard time finding running shorts that fit well!

I love my Nike Tempo shorts, but I don’t want to wear the same kind every day, so hopefully these will be as enjoyable to run in as they seem.

Original price: $48.00

20% for  being an REI member: – $9.60

REI dividend: – $22.60

Total: $15.80

~~~~~~~

Yoga Towel

After practicing yoga a handful of times, I have quickly realized that all the sweat from the 100* room dripping onto my mat makes it near impossible to do some of the yoga poses (i.e. downward dog)!

Welcome, the yoga mat!

I can lay this towel over my mat which will provide friction for my hands and feet. Plus the little “grippers” will keep my towel in place!

I was super pumped that I even found the brand Jen recommended in a recent post!

Original price: $35

Sports Authority gift card I was sent in the mail: – $15

Total: $19.99

~~~~~~~

I still plan on getting my daily run in after school today. I’m going to keep it short—4-5 miles because of my afternoon stomach issues and because I will be doing a longer run the next morning.

Question

Have you ever taken a spin class? What did you think of it?

Hi, I'm Michelle

I love running around the lakes of Minnesota, running after my two boys, and racing anything from the 5K to the marathon. I have been blogging here since 2010 when I ran my first marathon. I finally secured my sub-3 hour marathon after trying for 8 years.

Shop my Instagram

Tap Here

Follow me!

Leave a Reply to MichelleCancel reply

17 Comments

  1. 4.12.11
    Shannon said:

    I have never taken a spin class but I would really love to. I get free access to the local college gym, which is really nice, but they don’t have a very good selection of classes to take.

  2. 4.12.11
    Liz said:

    I used to be a regular (1-2/week) spinner when I belonged to a gym. I loved it because I had an awesome teacher, which I think is really important for enjoying a fitness class. On the other hand, I’ve been to classes with terrible teachers and if those had been my only experiences I would have hated it!

    • 4.13.11
      Michelle said:

      Most definitely–the teacher can make or break the experience.

  3. 4.12.11
    my little celebration said:

    Oooh, I adore spin class. It’s definitely one of my favorite workouts! I perhaps even love it more than running. But that’s because I’m not a running lover like you are. I don’t belong to a gym right now but if I did I’d be at every spin class they had! It’s such a good low impact cardio/resistance workout, and I’ve heard that 45 minutes of intense spin can burn between 600-800+ calories! I can’t sing its praises enough! Plus, it always revved up my appetite like no other for the day so I could eat all the food I wanted! So great!

  4. 4.12.11
    lifttorun said:

    Spin class would never replace my running either, but when I’m injured I’ll take anything. (:

  5. 4.12.11
    Jenn said:

    The first spinning class I ever took was in Costa Rica. Spinning is all the rage down there. Imagine being “motivated” by an instructor but not understanding a single word!

  6. 4.13.11
    megan @ blackberries for jam said:

    I’ve never taken a spin class, and I’m not sure if I would unless I couldn’t run. When the weather is nice, I really enjoy biking outside on non-running days.

    • 4.13.11
      Michelle said:

      I am so with you! I love biking outside as well, and now most of the snow has melted and the roads are pretty clear, so I hope to get out soon!

  7. 4.13.11
    Stephanie @ The Cookie Battle said:

    I love spin! It is definitely my favorite form of cardio. It all depends on the instructor though. If you’re instructor isn’t good, the class won’t be good.

  8. 4.13.11
    Kat said:

    I want to try spin so much, but I don’t belong to a gym 🙁 I just found your blog and wanted to say your recipe section is AMAZING! I’m sitting here drooling over all of them. Can’t wait to try out all those breads especially!!

  9. 4.13.11
    Rosie said:

    I really like spin class! I was super intimidated the first time I went but it is a great work out and a nice change from running.

    I’ve also been suggesting your blog to my runner/healthy eater friends. Keep up the good work! 🙂