Spinning yourself into fitness!

I recently taught my first spin class at the YMCA in Portland. Spinning is something I've been interested in teaching since listening to a high-energy spin class while working out at a local personal training studio a couple of years ago, so when the Y asked me to teach a class I jumped at the opportunity. The energy that that class gave off was incredible so I thought it could be a great chance to somehow duplicate that to a wider range of people. Not to mention that the Y offered to certify me, so I couldn't say no!

For those of you who aren't quite sure what a spin class is--let me explain. It's essentially a stationary biking class with attitude. You can do cardio intervals by mixing up some "hill climbs" or "sprints," or play around with the tension or depth in which you ride on the bike. If none of this makes much sense, perhaps you should show up for a class (if you dare). Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:15-7:00 at the Portland YMCA. Do it...show up!

Only one person showed up for the first class. Having only a few people show to a class that is just starting out after summer is pretty common, but it's also a crucial opportunity to leave a good impression on those few people so that they spread the word and bring some of their friends. So I was determined to put my lone participant through a leg-burner that she soon wouldn't forget, but not so much so that she wouldn't be able to walk for days.

In the few weeks since the first class, several more people have shown up.  They all leave with a little wobble to their walk, but content nonetheless. One person actually thanked me for a "beautiful class." So if you want to burn some serious calories, strengthen your glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, triceps, abs and numerous other muscle groups, then show up to a spin class near you!