What I Discovered at Spin Class.
What I Discovered at Spin Class.
By Lisa Mason
The first thing I learned was how to decipher this board, now I know exactly what I’m in for when I show up. Photo Credit: Lisa Mason
Recently I decided to try spin class to see if it would up my game at the local downhill races known as Phat Wednesday. Hearing the ads for Tag Cycling on the Whistler radio made me think I should give it a try. With so many epic rides around the Sea to Sky country it’s time I upped my game.
Why spin class? Well, I am a mountain biker who is used to always be at the back of the pack when we climbed stuff. After a few years of fitness classes and the occasional cut back on cookies, I noticed that I was mid-pack now. That got me hungry, no not for more cookies, but to see if I could be a the the front of the pack!! Although cookies are often my motivation. ;)
Owner of Tag Cycling, Chrissy de Vall talking about the numbers for class. It’s cool to see the numbers becoming easier to attain. Photo credit: Tag Cycling
I was super nervous to show up to my first spin class and had visions of Strava keeners, roadies, and World Cup athletes, all jostling to get in there and get going. But to my surprise it was a super chill, and supportive environment. Everyone has their own goals so the air of competition is non-existent, but the challenge of pushing your own limits is.
I had the fitness test during my second class and my friend had warned me about it. It was a test to set your baseline for the season, by seeing what your current max output is. Chrissy de Vall got me going and when I thought I had hit my max, she called out and encouraged me to try a little longer. I made it another 30 seconds and promptly vomited in my mouth a little. I definitely tried my hardest! She smiled and handed me a towel and said ‘Don’t worry about that it happens all the time’. Later I learned that I am one of two that has ever vomited in the class. Lol! At least I am in the top two at something, right?
Some of the next world champs right here, Christina Chapetta’s leading the youth spin class. Photo credit: Chrissy de Vall
Spinning for an hour takes a lot more than I expected and believe it or not it’s mostly a mental challenge. The way you talk to yourself while spinning greatly affects your success. ‘I can’t do it’ and you surely won’t, and the ‘I can do’ attitude always blows me away. I never think I will be able to do the workout but I always do. The mind is the most powerful tool out there!
After some unreal expectations for myself, I learned to not let my ego get in the way of performance and to stop hammering out of the gate or I’ll never make to the finish line an hour later. I have to gradually increased my max watts and cadence ability over a few classes, instead of thinking I can do it all in one.
Chrissy de Vall’s happy face!! It’s easier to pedal more with this face encouraging me!! Photo credit Ronia Nash
In the first few classes I wore shorts over my lycra to hide them; not being a lycra wearing gal this made me nervous. But being a sweaty human being and seeing everyone else in their tights/shammies, the extra shorts soon disappeared. Now I show up in my shammie aka lycra bike shorts with padded bootie for comfort, not sex appeal, without a worry in the world.
Tools of the trade: clipless shoes and some electrolyte water! Add a shammie in there and your good to go. Photo credit: Lisa Mason
Another thing I learned right away is the power of the circle and that I need to use its efficiency to enable me to last longer. When mountain biking you don't think about this skill much, but you will notice an obvious difference in your endurance and ability to breathe during bigger climbs with smooth full pedal strokes.
The third thing I discovered about spin class is the camaraderie; everyone is really friendly and there is always a bit of banter before and after class. The faces become more familiar, and I notice the regulars about town now. Spin classes attendees are very chill, everyone has their own goals and nobody is competing with you; they’re cheering for you. Factors can affect your riding and you should capitalize on your energy or relax when needed. Just showing up is half the battle, so everyone is stoked to see you made it. What you do in that hour is your choice but your pedal-mates will be there to support you.
Winning first place in the ‘A-Line’ Phat Wednesday race here in Whistler helped me earn a second place overall. To say spin class helped with my racing is an understatement, I wasn’t out of breath at the end of my runs as usual. Photo credit Clint Trahan
So, to wrap it up because I like to ramble.
The mind is stronger than you think. Be prepared to learn your limits and how to push them appropriately.
The power of the circle: it’s smoother and more efficient than clunking through a pedal stroke.
It’s one big family at spin class, so come play bikes with us.
Winter is here and it’s time to think about your training plan for summer. Check out Tag Cycling locations in Vancouver, Whistler, and now in Squamish at CORSA Cycles. Your first spin class is free. To find out more click here. Tag Cycle. Or if you already go, bring a friend; you might have a training buddy down the road.