Inclusive Fitness Denver

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

As an engineer I am always trying to problem solve. So, this week when I found the idea of attending my first fitness class in Denver utterly horrifying, I decided to share my experience. Hopefully it will provide some comfort to people with the same fears!

Background

Just like most people (full-figured or not) I go through fitness phases – some successful, some not so much. I am a very confident full-figured biracial woman and I intend to stay that way! There’s no magic number on the scale or dream pant size. I just want to be healthier – lowering my risk of heart disease and diabetes; feel less short of breath; rid myself of dessert guilt; and, be even more confident! So last week when I decided to get serious about taking care of myself, and this beautiful body I am lucky to inhabit, the same old fears started popping back up. It’s hard to get to the gym. It’s even harder when you know you’re going to be the only plus sized person in the room. How can some of these workouts be modified for my body? Everyone else knows the moves, are they judging me? Will I be too embarrassed to take a break if I need it? Is everyone staring?

Boutique studios are popping up in cities all over the country and Denver seems to be the mecca. Colorado has the lowest adult obesity rate in the nation and culture is almost synonymous with nature. The fitness junkies here are more intimidating than any I have met on the east coast. Everyone hikes, bikes, skis and snowboards. When they’re not drinking beer, Denverites are outside. As an environmentalist, that lifestyle is appealing to me but in my current state there are no 14-ers in my future lol. I’m from the east coast, Dirty Jersey to be exact, about 30 minutes from Atlantic City. Six months ago, with the unwavering support of my amazing boyfriend, we picked up and moved across the country, so I could begin my dream job. We are having a great time exploring our new city/state and I think that would only grow if I felt confident enough in my body to tackle some of the amazing hiking/biking trails Colorado has to offer.

The Lightbulb

So back to the point of this blog (sorry for the tangent). I think there’s a need for city-wide inclusive fitness guides, especially in Colorado. Where can I, as a biracial plus sized woman, feel welcome and be open and honest with my trainers? That’s where I got the idea for this blog! It’s also a great way to keep me accountable. What if the same fitness guides existed specific to minority groups or people with disabilities?

ClassPass

Before beginning my fitness journey, I did a ton of research. I was looking for studios that employed plus sized or people of color as instructors and/or had students of all body types and skin tones. Sadly, I didn’t find many options with desktop research. I followed a bunch of places on Instagram to get a feel for their community. I settled on a yoga studio nearby. Unfortunately, they had been vandalized the night before and the class I was hoping to attend was cancelled (which I found out after my arrival Saturday morning). I was determined to make it to class that day so it was back to the drawing board. ClassPass kept popping up.

ClassPass is in 25 cities nationwide. It gives you access to different studios/classes in your neighborhood and workout videos on their platform all in one membership. They boast themselves as the most flexible fitness membership ever. Think one membership for cycling, strength training, yoga, barre, Pilates – you name it. I love a choose your own adventure, so I was sold. Plus, if I walked into a studio and didn’t find it to be inclusive, I could walk right back out. I signed up for the free 2-week trial (yes, FREE) that allows you to attend up to 5 classes in 2 weeks using their credit system (23 credits). Still in my workout clothes from the failed yoga attempt, it’s nearing 10:15 AM and I really just want to workout (a first). My boyfriend left to play some pick-up basketball and I was feeling fatter than ever panning through the map of studios from my air-conditioned apartment. I texted my BFF group chat to get some opinions. My yoga teacher fit friend who applauds body positivity and creates an inclusive environment in her own classes, suggested spin. She’s all about women supporting women so while she may not have the same personal experiences as me, I knew her suggestion would be thoughtful. So why not? It’s free! I signed up for ClassPass and redeemed my credits for a Functional Indoor Cycling class at Endorphin at noon.

For this blog, I’m going to write about my personal experiences trying out different fitness studios around Denver; noting how diverse, welcoming and inclusive they seemed to me. If you’ve been too scared to check out a studio on your own and would like me to be your guinea pig, shoot me a message!