Tag Archives: SoulCycle

Feeling Like I’m Home (or My Return To Spinning)

Posted on February 19, 2013 | Comments Off on Feeling Like I’m Home (or My Return To Spinning)

On Saturday, I finally got to take another spin class at SoulCycle. I had missed going for a while because I was feeling under the weather, then had my audition and music video shoot, and then had family in town.

I ended up also having Saturday off of work (my boss wanted a 3 day weekend like “normal” people), and I noticed that my favorite instructor, Sal, had a 1pm class that day!

So that’s the class I went to.

It was a bit more full than I’m used to seeing it, but I did reserve a bike in the first row in the corner where I like (so I don’t feel claustrophobic). It’s still a little scary riding in the first row because I still can’t do all the standing up work on the bike yet.

I was also a little scared because this was my first spin class without my friend coming with me.

But all my fears disappeared as soon as I got inside. Sal was at the front desk area and as soon as he saw me, he had a huge smile on his face and said hello. He asked me about my friend and commented that I wasn’t on my usual bike for his class.

Just knowing that I’ve made that sort of impression on a spin instructor is so amazing to me. I love that I’m starting to get excited to see the people there and not being nervous for a tough workout.

This spin class was pretty tough for me. I had lost some momentum from not being there for about 2 weeks plus my back and butt are still bruised from falling down the stairs.

But I did manage to convince Sal to be in my post class picture this time!
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I’m planning on going back again this weekend on Saturday in case any of you readers want to check out the workout!

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Another Busy Day Off (or Getting Everything Done and Nothing Done At The Same Time)

Posted on January 29, 2013 | Comments Off on Another Busy Day Off (or Getting Everything Done and Nothing Done At The Same Time)

Yesterday was my day off for the week. But that’s hopefully about to change! As of right now, starting February 4th I will be back to my old work schedule. I will still be working 6 days a week, but 2 of those days will be half days that end no later than 2pm (so I can still get things done during the day).

And this week will be a short work week for me since Saturday I will be doing my first 5K for the year, the Color Run! I’ve decided that I really want to protect my hair (I think my hairstylist friend, Erin, will appreciate that), so I made a stop today to Party City to pick up some supplies.

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I’ve decided to go pink for the 5K. So I have a pink wig, pink gloves, possibly pink shorts (I ordered them online and waiting for them to arrive before I decide), and I wanted to find some pink sunglasses but instead found some blue and silver Elvis style ones. I will totally be looking awesome.

And I’m excited because 2 of the 3 people on my team have said that they are thinking of walking with me! I had been preparing myself to walk solo again, but now I’m looking forward to maybe having some buddies with me to enjoy getting covered in colored cornstarch!

I also spent my morning on Monday at my usual spin class at SoulCycle with Sal. I’m sad because I’ll have to find a different class when my schedule goes back to normal, but fortunately Sal also teaches a Sunday evening class and I should be able to attend that one (any readers want to come with me sometime?). I really love Sal’s class. He is so motivating and never points out that I’m not doing all the jumps and standing up moves in class.

I left class sweaty like I like it.

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(I’m wearing one of the new tamis I ordered when I wrote this post)

And I spent my evening catching up on some TV and just enjoying the calm of my house. It’s exactly what I needed to get me ready for 4 days of work leading up to my 5K!

BTW, the podcast I work for is doing a fitness challenge. It’s a 90 day challenge and most people are going to be doing P90X. I won’t since I have to be careful with high impact activities, but I’m still participating. If you are interested in joining us, here’s the link for the FB group.

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Default ThumbnailBusy Busy Weekend (or Another Catchup Post) Default ThumbnailMaintenance Time (or Busy Busy Weekend) Default ThumbnailBack To Busy (or It Comes Back So Easily) Default ThumbnailBusy Unemployment (or Maybe I Over Scheduled) Default ThumbnailFitting It All In (or Getting Better At Time Management) Default ThumbnailFirst Week of Workouts After The Challenge (or Weird Workout Times)

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Posted in Fitness, Fun Stuff, Work

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Doing As Much As I Can In One Day (or How I Spent My Day Off This Week)

Posted on January 23, 2013 | 2 comments

When you only have one day off a week, you really have to maximize that time!

So this week, for my one day off, I started out with going to another spin class at SoulCycle. I had Sal again as the instructor, and I really like his classes. He gives a lot of motivation throughout the class, and he has a way of correcting you without singling you out. The class was pretty packed this time. I had forgotten that Monday was a holiday for many people. I just thought of it as my one day off.

Class was good and tough. I’m thinking of getting some cycling shoes soon so I don’t have to pay the $3 rental every time I go. Maybe I can go shopping for them on my next day off in a week.

I left class nice and sweaty.

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At home, I got some errands done and did some cleaning at my house (boring, I know, but it’s the only time I have to get it done).

And on Monday evening, a friend and I went to Luna Park to enjoy Restaurant Week!

I love Restaurant Week! It’s a great time to go try some wonderful restaurants without spending a ton of money. The 3 course dinner at Luna Park was only $25!

I’ve been to Luna Park a couple of times, so I do have some favorites on their menu.

I started with the goat cheese fondue (which I absolutely love). The fondue comes with bread and apple slices, but I prefer the apples.

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For my dessert (which I did share), I tried the peanut butter mousse. I normally get the make-your-own-smores, but my friend got that and I decided to try something new.

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Thank goodness I spent my morning burning off a ton of calories so I could enjoy this meal!

I also got some prosecco since they served these cute tiny bottles!

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All in all, it was a very fun and busy day off. I’m looking forward to my next day off (not exactly sure when it is though), but for now, I’m back to working hard!

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Another SoulCycle Day (or Maybe I Really Have Found My Workout Addiction)

Posted on January 15, 2013 | 6 comments

I seriously had an amazing time when I went to SoulCycle for the first time last week. As soon as I left that class, I wanted to go back for more.

I’ve almost never felt this way about working out before. Maybe at Richard Simmons’ class, but even there I had some hesitation at times because the room was so crowded (and I have a tendency to get a bit claustrophobic).

I’ve been stalking the SoulCycle website for a couple of days now. I’ve also googled a couple of reviews on the place. And surprisingly, many reviews were negative. They complained about the price, crowds, bad customer service, and not feeling like they are getting a good workout.

I have to completely disagree with those reviews. I might not be the best judge of what is a good workout or not, but my friend who goes with me has run marathons and thinks it is, so I trust her.

With all my obsession with SoulCycle, I took the plunge and purchased a 5 class package (I have 45 days to use it). I also signed up for another class yesterday since I had the day off.

This class was very different from the first one, but just as enjoyable. First of all, the other class was full. Not an empty bike in sight. The second class only had 7 students when you include me. We all rode in the first row facing the instructor. I would never want to sit there if there are people behind me, but as long as there isn’t, I’m ok with it.

Also, we had a different instructor this time. His name is Sal, and I think he was a great teacher. Super motivating, always mentioning proper form (very good info for a newbie like me), and he emphasized making sure that you are doing what you can do but still pushing yourself.

I wasn’t able to do many of the standing moves again. When I do, I feel the bones in my right hip grinding and my left hip catching a little (which is a sign that the cartilage has begun to tear and I might need surgery sooner than I’d like). I can stand up for maybe 30-60 seconds at a time, but then I have to ride back in the seat.

After class, I went up to Sal to say thank you and ask him his advice on what I should do so I can do all the moves in class. He reminded me that getting to that point is my journey, and even if it takes me longer than most people to get there, the important thing is to work towards that.

That was exactly what I needed to hear. Even though I know that I should be comparing myself to myself and not to other people, it’s hard to do that when there are only 6 other students in the room.

I left that class wonderfully sweaty again, but I’m seeing that as a badge of honor.

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It proves that I made it through class and I’m getting stronger (and hopefully lighter) every day.

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My First Spin Class (or How HBO Might Have Helped Me Find My Perfect Workout)

Posted on January 10, 2013 | 12 comments

I was pursing twitter the other day when I saw something that a friend of mine retweeted. HBO was giving out free spin classes at SoulCycle to help promote the second season of “Girls”.

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I decided that I should check out the free spin class (I was a little mad when I found out the week prior, HBO was giving out free blow outs at Dry Bar) and found a friend who wanted to come too. I’ve been on the lookout for a form of exercise that I love. Walking is great, but the calorie burn is not what I need and due to my hip issues, I can’t run. The only workout class I’ve loved in the past was Richard Simmons, but due to the schedule I have at work, I can’t attend any classes. I might take a night off so I can go again, but it can’t be a regular workout for me now.

I got to SoulCycle about 20 minutes early. I wanted to have time to get everything settled and fill out any forms that I needed to do. And I have to say that the people who worked at SoulCycle Santa Monica are amazing. Lizzie was the girl who helped me get checked in. After filling out my form, she got me my rental bike shoes (yes Dad, I wore click in bike shoes!), and showed me how to use the passcode on the free locker. Lizzie also took this pretty funny “before” picture of me.

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There are no phones allowed in the spin studio, so I don’t have any photos of the set up inside. But I have to say that I lucked out on the bike that I reserved. There are three long rows facing the instructor’s bike, and on the sides there are 3 short rows on each side facing the side of the instructor’s bike. I was on one of the sides in the back and in the corner. That way, nobody was looking at me unless they turned to look at me. That made me feel way less self-conscious in class.

And what a tough class it was! I wasn’t able to do a lot of the standing up or other movements on the bike, but I never stopped pedaling (except when we did the weights since I’m not that coordinated yet). At first, the time seemed to go by slowly, but after one song, the time flew by. I was dripping sweat, but so was the instructor (whose name is Ben) so I didn’t feel weird about that.

My favorite moment of class was about halfway through when Ben mentioned that 3 people had already left the class, but the rest of us were kicking butt! I couldn’t believe that I outlasted 3 people. I was by far the biggest person there, and I was able to do more than 3 people. That kept me going and I was able to do faster pedaling and some of the standing after that.

And just because I did a “before” picture, here’s my wonderfully sweaty “after” picture.

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I’m still on such a high from that class. It is so high energy and supportive. I will totally be back! My only concern is the cost (it’s $25 a class). But I’m going to figure out a way to pay for them. I’d like to try to go 2-3 times a month to get the boost in my motivation that I’m feeling right now!

Thank you HBO for helping me discover a workout that I think will actually work for me! And SoulCycle, I’ll hopefully be back very very soon!

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