Puttin’ a SPIN on Fitness

I think it was in the stage show Mame where actress Bea Authur was asked her age, she announced, “Somewhere between 40 and death.” I concur the sentiments when asked about my own age. Except for filling out forms at the DMV, my age is on a need to know basis.

 Nowadays there is so much variety in the world of health and exercise programming. And while I have been an exerciser most my middle -aged life, I must admit there are many fitness venues that I have not yet tried. So, with this in mind, I have decided to embrace my age and engage in what I call “Bucket List Fitness”.

This past week, I decided to try out a Spinning Class. Spin Class is a group exercise session in which participants ride stationary bicycles at varying speeds and resistance settings.

Colleen Greeley Gutowski, local Springfield resident and Health and Fitness Director at the Ridley YMCA invited me to “sit and spin” in on her Monday morning Spin Class. While there, I met 2 women, Maria and Marge who have been “spin-sters” for a while now. Marge uses spin class for weight loss (she has lost 9 lbs so far) and loves how energetic it makes her feel; while Marie says spinning has helped her manage her Fibromyalgia and other physical concerns. Prior to starting they both said, “Get Ready to Sweat!”

And sweat I did. After the dimming of the lights and the music volume turned up, our 45 minutes of rotational agony began (just kidding). I started out at a speedster pace and my feet slipped out of the pedals. After getting over my embarrassment, I torque up the tension and kept my spinning RPMs at a steady 85- 90 rpms.  Within 5 minutes of pedaling, I had took off my long-sleeved t shirt, now down to a tank top and shorts and evolved into a persona of perspiration.

 The “SPIN-TERVALS” consists of:  intense pedaling for 15 seconds at a time ; incremental “hovering” over the bicycle seat; some occasional opportunities to pedal without resistance; and then back “off the saddle” to climb proverbial Mount Everest. (Okay it wasn’t that bad, but for a novice, it was definitely a challenge). You control resistance on your bike to make the pedaling as easy or difficult as you choose. Constant adjustment is normal. I thought I was in better shape but realized I needed to stay middle of the road.

After all was said and done, I was glad I survived my first spin class and I can see how “spinning” could be addicting. With a little soreness, a lot of sweat, I can now check it off the list.  Y member, Nichole Kilroy, said she started 1 time per week and then 3 and now she is going to start teaching classes. (I’m not yet there Nichole) But, with 25 spin classes a week at the Ridley Y to choose from, it looks like the popularity of SPINNING is here to stay. And I think this is something I will definitely do again.