Two words…Soul Cycle. Yep, just two.
A week or two ago I took a little leap of faith and signed myself up for a Soul Cycle class. Let me tell you, I had been really wanting to take a class, but where I lived there aren’t many studios nearby. With taking a trip to Dallas, where I knew they had a few studios close by so I immediately hopped on the site, signed up, and reserved myself a bike.
Studio I went to…Preston Hollow, Dallas
Instructor…Kevin
Before I went I had all those excited, anxious vibes. Excited to see what all the hype was about, ready to get started!
I met up with a friend, which made it a whole lot nicer, so a suggestion would be to find a friend who wants to try out a class or who has done it before.
Funny story, I actually saw one of my favorite bloggers, Kate of Lonestar Southern in the class before mine.
Setting up.
I had another Soul instructor that helped set me up, she readjusted the seat and bike and all this other stuff I wouldn’t have been able to, so make sure someone helps you out.
Note: If you're a newbie like me, getting into the seat is HARD. Not that hard, it’s just high up.
I had a hard time clipping the shoes in and out. At the end a girl next to me unstrapped the shoes and I just left them there. (I'm sure they don't appreciate it, but hey, a girl gotta do what a girl gotta do)
T H E W O R K O U T
Happy to say, it was great.
I am in pretty great shape, but don’t let that fool you. Cycling is a whole other world. (Writing this I realized I actually say “whole nother” when talking...whoops, anyone else do that? Just me?)
My leg were feeling it in the seven minute warmup. But it was a good burn.
Tip: beginners, don’t sit in the front row.
I sat in the second row, which was perfect I had a whole row of expert "soulsters" in front of me decked head to toe in either Lulu Lemon or Soul Cycle gear. They knew what they were doing. (I’m pretty sure that was a run on sentence...) Along with a whole row of experts I had a good view of the instructor and I could occasionally see my face in the mirror.
Here is the fun part. I don’t take a ton of stuff seriously, so I'll just laugh at almost anything. When they started to add the (legendary soul cycle) choreography, and pushups to the beat along with cycling I was dying.
Note: I’m coordinated, so I expected to be at least a little good at the extra movements…nope. Lol. Every pushup thing we did I tried to “stay on beat” but I ended up just laughing my head off when they did all those tap backs, or whatever they’re called and I was really off.
We did some resistance spinning, (3 lb.) hand weights, some sprints, and some spinning while doing the well known movements.
Also remember, most, if not all the time, it's in the dark, so people can't see you!
Afterwards I was drenched, head to toe. Didn’t really believe others until I was soaked 45 minutes later. Although I was drenched, they do make the studios warmer, almost like a boxing gym or something like that.
B E G I N N E R T I P S
Don't be afraid to get that insta-worthy pic for the gram. Like mine above. ^^
Book your class online, and get there 20 minutes earlier to set up and sign in. The front desk will help you out, let you know what to do, and all that jazz.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help with setting up your bike. If you don’t ask it’s not going to be set up for YOU. (Height, arm length, ext.). And don’t be afraid to ask the person next to you, most of them were in the exact same spot.
Have three bucks for your cycling shoes.
Optional: pay two dollars for smart water, or just bring your own water for free.
Know your first class is only $20, but after that it’s $30, not including pricing for shoes.
I had a really great time, and my advice if you're still undecided, GO FOR IT. The worst thing that could happen is you get a kick ass workout in, don't like it, and don't come back. Best thing: fall in love (like I did) and get hyped about the next, upcoming class!
adios, meraki & soul
Comments
Post a Comment