Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Spinning

I am an athlete. I don’t just mean a track and field athlete, I mean an athlete. Period. If there is something athletic to be done, I will more than likely be good at it. It’s in my blood and part of my genetic makeup. And while there are some things that I am better at than others, I always believe I will be at least above average when it comes to the general population. Well…until now.

Monday I attended spin class. They offer it at the 24 hour fitness and I walked in and was greeted by a random slice of the general population. These weren’t fitness buffs or cycling gurus, just your regular joe’s and jane’s stopping by for a good sweat. I needed to start being active and this seemed like a good place to start. Well, if I learned anything, it was to never step into a spinning class after sitting for almost a month. Many of these gen pops kicked my butt and it kind of embarrassed me. Even when I’m not in shape I still look athletic and I look like I shouldn’t be huffing and puffing after 5 minutes. But I was. And I don’t quit anything so I knew I was in this for the long haul no matter what. And long haul it was. But the important thing was that I finished. I got off that bike looking like I stepped out of the shower fully clothed and with my legs still shaking and discreetly thanked God for keeping me alive through that torture.

And because I secretly like inflicting pain on myself, I’m going back today. Well, really it’s because I’m so darn competitive I at least have to go enough to be better than average. I simply cannot let the soccer mom out spin me.

Have you guys ever tried Spinning? I need some confirmations that it’s as hard as I believe it to be! If you don’t agree…keep it to yourself. ☺

17 comments:

Diandra Ann said...

I'm afraid! I see it at my gym, but I've heard too many stories like yours, and I too am competitive and afraid of being shown up :) So I stick to trying to beat the guy on the elliptical next to me :)

Anonymous said...

i spint 4 5 hrs once. it jus grabs u after a while.

Shannon said...

I feel the same way when I go to yoga. I secretly compete with everyone and I leave every time frustrated that the 50 yr old man with a pot belly is more flexible than I am.

Daniel said...

Ms. Glenn,
I can’t do indoor workouts; kills brain cells by the minute, all that boredom and lack of sensory input. So, I own a bunch of rain gear. For both running and cycling. Being outdoors is so much more satisfying. Always.
Now, about being competitive and all; I got a nice 1 hour Easy run scheduled for this afternoon (after racing a 10K this weekend). You “up” to find out how old ‘distance’ guys do?

And … what in the world you doing Indoor workouts in a beautiful spot like SoCal for?

Bianca said...

Bri, if this heifer can do it, so can you! Don't give me this whiny, baby pants, cry-me-a-river blog about spin. You can do it. So just go! Now!

(Did I encourage you? If not, let me try again.)

Breezy Wheezy, I know it was tough, sweetheart. But if you want anything in Life, you have to try hard. You've got it in you, kid. I believe in you, tiger! Rawr!

Jon Lustig said...

Aren't you sort of missing the point? Sounds to me like you got more out of that class than anyone else who was there. The point of high intensity workouts is to strain your system, not to see how many miles you can pedal or whatever. If the same class is easier for you today, that's not an improvement, it means you'll need to work a bit harder to push yourself. My philosophy for doing that kind of training anyway.

Brianna said...

@Diandra...all classes are scary to me. i can't stand the kickboxing one where everybody knows the routine EXCEPT YOU.

@anonymous...do they call you mr armstrong?

@shannon...I boycott yoga for the same reasons!!! omg, it kills me how i am the WORST person in the whole class because i'm so darn inflexible.

@daniel...i like being around other people for once, that's why i try classes.

@bianca...hush and come join me.

@jon...you can always make the class harder. but the point is for me to start getting in shape. i'm not a professional cycler, this is my recreational workouts so i can really do whatever i want.

Anonymous said...

No, you're not imagining things- it really IS that hard! I'm an athlete too, AND someone that looks like an athlete even when I'm "out of competition shape". I thought my legs were going to explode when I tried it! YIKES! Kudos to you for going back to the class....I think I still give all spin bikes the evil eye when I pass by them!

JTS4H said...

Every thing which I do, I give my maximum, especially in the sport because I love... :)
Every day I suffer but I like! it's normal?? I dunno! some people think that not :s
I find that you are very brave

Tyrone said...

"until work starts back up"

You think you work? LMAO! Being a professional athlete is not work. Nice try. Go get a job princess and let see how your tune changes.

"If you don’t agree…keep it to yourself"

No comment.

Brianna said...

Hi Tyrone! Thanks for stopping by my blog. If you'd like to see my tax returns, it proves that this is actually my job. It's not my fault i don't have a windowless office. Have a great day.

Elena D said...

Yep, I had the same feeling at my first spinning class. But the second time it was pretty much easier. And now I can say that I'm keen on spinning. I even bought myself that special underwear to feel comfortable while sitting on that device, you know:)

Daniel said...

Ms. Glenn,
My oh my, lol.
I think "Tyrone" missed the smiley face at the end (and lots of other things too!).

Now all I can think of is Erykah Badu and "Call Tyrone" ...
"help you get your sh#t"

MemoirsofTre said...

LOL @ this blog. Yeah spinning is tough at times, Ive definitely dont my share =] But just like u, im competitive also, so i will not stand for the next out doing me lol, so u did the right thing... [follow me!]

Jo Carpenter said...

Brianna;

I love spinning...and I was a spin instructor for 5 years. It can totally transform your body and give you amazing strength. I have seen men and women's bodies totally transformed from spinning classes. It might hurt your butt at first but you will get used to it and get addicted fast! The important thing is to make sure your instructor helps you set the seat up correctly for you so your legs are positioned right for the bike, otherwise you might hurt your knees. Don't do more than you know you can handle. Classes are NOT a competition, but don't slack. You get out of it what you put into it. It will make you even more fierce than you already are!

Tiffany said...

Bri:

I took two semesters of spin in college and I L-O-V-E-IT. However, it's a literal pain in the ass. (pardon my french). My teacher always said it takes one month to adjust to spin. If nothing else, just adapting to the soreness of that darn seat takes a few weeks. She would say it was normal to hate it but that after a month she could have us hooked. And it was so so true. Well, probably less time for you but I just thought I'd pass on the tip. Now, if only I could get back into it ;)

Anonymous said...

Flo Jo and the crew used did it back in the day. Put it in your training program the benefits are clear.

Njou