Cycling at Endorphin

So it’s my first ClassPass workout. I’m all signed up an hour before class and that hour was filled with hand sweating anxiety. What am I getting myself into? I don’t look like the people in these photos. I don’t have the fancy cycling shoes. Can these bikes even accommodate my weight? Luckily, ClassPass has a strict attendance policy, or I might have chickened out. I show up to class 15 minutes early. I always find this helpful and I would suggest it to anyone taking their first class at a studio. I get there as a super fit pony tailed hippy is opening and I’m a little shaken to see the instructor is a man. I tell him this is my first time and I’m super nervous. He reassures me that it’s tough but a lot of fun and he will support in any way he can. He explains the basics to me and helps me get the Stages SC3 indoor bike setup. I notice the maximum load is 350 lb (I fit!). We talk about potential modifications, not turning the resistance as high, taking frequent breaks, going slower during the “race” series – I’m already feeling more at ease. People start making their way into class. There are 4 super intense fitness model women who gladly take their place towards the front of the class. A few softer looking women and 1 guy stroll in. It’s a small class of around 8. I am definitely the largest by a long shot and as per usual with Denver I am the only minority but I’m not feeling too sorry for myself, I’m here. The lights are kept low, a plus since there are so many mirrors in the room (which I sat far away from). I was in the second to last row feeling pretty comfortable. One of the fit, but not scary, women around my age, late 20s, was directly in front of me. This turned out to be great. I was pushing myself to try to compete with her instead of the unobtainable but very sweet instructor. The first five minutes were rough. I mean really rough. But then you get the hang of it and go through the motions and push through the pain. And when I say pain, what hurt the most was the damn seat on my ass. I thought with all this extra natural padding 😉 I’d be fine. No, I am still sore 3 days later. I was happy to get off the saddle and start racing just for a moment of relief for my poor butt. The instructor had an awesome EDM playlist and almost everything was coordinated to the beat. I was having fun!  When he turned the resistance to ten I stayed at a more reasonable six. When we were up off our seats I think my body weight actually worked to my advantage, I didn’t have to work as hard to push through the resistance. 

All is going well, really well, then we get to the last few minutes and the instructor explains were going to slow it down. Were going to do “isolation”. You stand up, hold your arms straight out in front of you – okay you lost me. I am still one of those people who can’t take one hand off the handlebars while riding a bike. I get it, I’m on a stationary bike, I’m not going anywhere. Still, I feel like I’m going to fall. The rest of the instructions are to pedal as slow as you can without stopping or bouncing. I wish I had a picture to aid in your visuals, I hope you get it. This was impossible for me. A little disheartening after feeling like I conquered everything else. I stuck it out and kept pedaling, with my hands firmly on the handles. Class ended, and I thanked the instructor. I told him I was most surprised by how distracting the pain was from the seat on my butt. He claims it only lasts two or three classes, time will tell. This butt has served me well and I refuse to do anything that causes her undue pain. I got back to the apartment feeling proud and energized. I was even thinking I could have pushed myself more! 

Overall, I had a great time at my first spin class. It was a great start to my fitness journey with ClassPass.

Recommendations: Functional Indoor Cycling at Endorphin – LoHi

Notes: Maximum User Weight – 350 lb, Height – 6’10”, ClassPass Credits – 6, 45 min

What to Wear/Bring: Sneakers or SPD Clip Cleats