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VHALKYRIE
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Day 2: February Personal Challenge

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

Sparkfriend DASHAKAY posted new goals for herself yesterday as well. One of the things she listed was wanting to join a group class at the gym, like Pilates. It just so happens that I have a similar goal! I've been meaning to join two classes at the gym: pilates and spinning.

I keep telling myself that I should be in better shape before I sign up. It sounds suspiciously like an excuse! Yesterday while I was out, I bought a Pilates workout video. I hope it will ease some of my tension of the unknown, and give me more confidence to do it in a group setting.

Spinning. I LOVE riding my bike. Cycling is my favorite exercise. I love the feeling of the breeze and sun as I zoom past scenery on a bike trail. I lost 30lbs because I loved getting on my bike everyday after work. It wasn't a chore. I thought about it all day at work. I couldn't wait to get on my bike.

Unfortunately, now that I live in the south, bike trails aren't so easy to come by. I can't just hop on one after work and go as far as I can and back in 60 minutes. The lack of bike trails is a major bummer. On the other hand, I absolutely love the hard sand beaches around here. Riding my bike on the beach on the weekend - there's no place I'd rather be!

As much as I love riding my bike, I hate the cycling machine at the gym. I find them awkward compared to a real bike. It's one of the things that's holding me back from a spinning class, if those bike machines are as clumsy as the ones on the gym floor. Anyone with input here? ARCHIMEDESII?

Game plan for today:

Breakfast (veg): Greek yogurt, blueberries, and kashi cereal.
Lunch (veg): Black beans, rice, and salsa.
Dinner (flex): Grilled marinated chuck roast, garlic mashed potatoes, and blanched shredded collard greens.
Snack: Apple with almond butter, and a banana.

Exercise: 30 minutes on elliptical, and 30 minutes Pilates DVD with Denise Austin

Prep ahead: Soak red kidney beans for a vegetarian version of New Orleans classic, red beans and rice.
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Member Comments About This Blog Post
  • ARCHIMEDESII
    Here I am !!! LOL !!!

    Spinning is LOADS of fun !! I loved spinning so much, I became an instructor.

    You don't have to be fit to take the class. Everyone is welcome. One thing I would recommend is that when you do take a class, get to class at least 10 minutes before and let the instructor know that you are new. Don't just hop on a bike. There are settings that need to be adjusted and if one of those settings are wrong, you'll be very uncomfortable during class. an improper setting could also cause an injury. So, let the instructor help you to set up the bike.

    Bring a bottle of water, you'll need to stay hydrated during class. You'll sweat a lot. thus the need for plenty of water. bring a towel to wipe off the sweat. Mostly, just enjoy yourself. Don't feel that you have to do what everyone else is doing. some of those people may have been taking class for years. You work at your own level. oh, and check to see if there is a sign up sheet. Spinning is extremely popular. as a result, class fills up fast because there are only so many bikes. So, if there is a sign up sheet, make sure you sign up. Otherwise, the instructor has to kick you out and give your bike to someone who did sign up.

    The same is true for pilates. When you take class, let the instructor know that you are new and they will show you pose modifications where you need them. There are different levels of difficulty for each pose.

    Now, one more thing, don't feel you have to like a particular instructor. An instructor makes or breaks a class. So, if you don't like one class, try another. Some instructors are better than others.

    I definitely think you should take a class ! You'll enjoy yourself !!!


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    3641 days ago

    Comment edited on: 2/2/2011 1:11:41 PM
  • VHALKYRIE
    I didn't know they made spinning workout videos! I tried a bike trainer at one time. It was so noisy, but maybe it's because I bought a cheap one. Unfortunately, living room space in my current apartment is an issue. I'll definitely keep it in mind for later!
    3641 days ago
  • TINASWEEP
    As your goal is to exercise at the gym, this isn't the input you're looking for but it's at least one consideration: a bike trainer. Depending on the quality of the mag or fluid trainer, they present the best road surface simulation at home on your existing bike and there are spinning DVDs available like Spinervals to workout with. You can check into testing a bike trainer out at your local bike shop usually.

    Good luck on finding the right fit!
    3641 days ago

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