** CuseFIT2013 is a series of posts created to highlight fitness classes and offerings in and around Syracuse, NY. It is designed to give you my impressions and tips as a first timer at various classes. My hope is that by removing the unknowns about new classes you will feel more comfortable and confident moving classes from your “want to try list” to your “completed list”. Get BOLD and try something new! Did you miss Part 1-5? You can catch up here: Hot Yoga, Barre Class, Group Power, TRX, Bootcamp.*
Welcome fitness friends to part SIX of the CuseFIT2013 series! This installment of the series found me at Aspen Athletic Clubs in Fairmount to try my hand at Spin. I love Spin. I’ve always loved spin, low impact intense cardio how could you not love it? But can I admit to you this class made me jealous? No joke.
I arrived a few minutes early and was shocked to see a FULL parking lot and a PACKED club. I have to admit though there is certain level of pump it up excitement when you see lots of people being healthy. After a brief mix up at check it I made my way with Kelly the instructor back to the darkened room where the class was to be held. Kelly who is amazing, is also a blogger you can visit her work here!
There were already some folks warming up. so I picked a bike right in the front and saddled up for fun! Kelly helped me adjust the bike to my settings. Even though I’ve been in a bazzilion spin classes it is always best to get fitted properly to your bike. Protect those knees you’ll want them when you’re 80!
Let’s talk fashion!
I don’t have a great photo of my outfit. But this was the basic number. Black tank, Old Navy Capris (blue not purple) and some Sparkly Soul. I wore my regular old workout sneakers since I don’t have clip ins. I have a crazy fear of clip ins that has kept me from riding bikes seriously. I’m uncoordinated by nature. It’s in my genes and I’m not sure that adding an extra step to exit a bike would ever work for my coordination. I’m not saying never but for right now I’m good in sneakers.
I got comfy and warmed up as the class filled up.
{Can you spot the blogger?}
I met a new best friend in this class! It’s the first time I’ve ever been on a bike with a monitor and I will tell you I’m not sure how I could ever go back.
In my other spin classes the instructor shouts out things like take it to a 6. And like all of us I do the hummmmm what’s a 6 today? I have been on bikes that I’ve maxed out thinking it was a 9, I’ve been on bikes that never have more than a 4 in resistance. And I’ve been on bikes that are broken and no matter how to turn the dial nothing changes.
This little monitor on my bike not only told me my resistance but also kept track of miles and RPM. Granted I’m sure like all measurement tools on equipment is probably off but even still it was so refreshing to be able to see if I was doing the correct workout. When Kelly said to take it up 4 higher than where you were and keep the RPM the same. There was no guessing about what you should be doing, you could see it! I adore this little machine and I have to say it made the class for me!
I also LOVED seeing how many miles I actually completed. I’ve always wondered how many miles you could complete in a spin class and since I’m not an outdoor rider I have no frame of reference to even guess. This was great The class was 45 minutes and I completed 22.3 and I spent about 15 minutes warming up that is also in that number so 60+ minutes and 22.3 miles. That seems insanely high? but that’s what it said so like the treadmill mileage counter I’m going with it 
The instructor Kelly was amazing and I really liked her style. She didn’t shout, she didn’t scream and she didn’t grunt and I loved every minute of it. She was encouraging and kept track of everyone. She had a calm comfortable control that really set her. For me that really set her apart from other spin instructors I’ve had.
It was a tough workout there were lots of hills with some flat roads. She explained that there are two ways to increase resistance one is with gears and the other is with RPM and I liked the way she used both. It was tough but at no point was your cadence ever that out of control fast speed that I see in so many spin classes. It was refreshing. Spin is great workout you don’t have to be going 400 miles per hour to get a great workout.
The music was fun and set the pace for the ride. I really enjoyed this class! There was a segment where you just tap your butt on the seat rather than fully sitting down and even with my limited real bike riding experience it was a much more difficult thing to do than plop back down the on the seat. Plopping is easy but it’s not how you would really ride a bike.
That was my greatest take away from this class was all of the movements and directions were true to form in real cycling. Kelly encouraged engaging the core and light hands on the bike. If you’ve read this blog for any amount of time you know my one true dislike is spin classes where the instructor is gripping the handlebars for life and using it as leverage over their legs.
Outside of the spin class the gym was a bustling place! Hard to believe this location was a grocery store not too long ago!
My takeaways:
Aspen Athletic Clubs Fairmount, NY
- Memberships: They offer monthly memberships. And have trial offers available on their website.
- It was a full house at 5pm on a Tuesday night, it was great to see!
- They offer a variety of group classes at their five area locations.
- They offer on site tanning.
- There is a on site cafe with drinks, food and smoothie options.
What to Bring
- Bottle of water
- Towel
- Sneakers
- And a smile
What to Wear
- I would suggest bike shorts or capris and a comfortable shirt or tank.
- If you don’t have clip ins, bring your sneakers, you’ll need to wear them.
What to expect
- A challenging class taught by instructors who know their stuff.
- Expect to Sweat! A LOT
- If you aren’t familiar with spin classes in general, you will have a sore bottom for a few days after.
So would I suggest this class?
Want to learn more about Spin classes and other offerings from Aspen Athletic Clubs? You can visit their site here or give them a like on facebook.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
YAY!! So glad you liked it!! Thanks for coming out!
Wow.. Great post! Another class that I want to do but I was not sure what to expect. I have a membership to Aspen, so I think I am going to have to try this soon! Thanks for the great info. Can’ t wait to see what you so next.
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