A few months ago, I elected to try something that I never really imagined myself doing. At the urging of a close friend, I decided to attend a spin class. Spin class is one of the strangest things I've ever done, but I've found that I actually kind of love it. For those of you who are unfamiliar with what goes on in a spin class, the experience consists of a bunch of people in a dark room pedaling away on their stationary bikes to the beat of blaring music. It's pretty much just a 45 minute rave in a small room led by an instructor. Rather than going to work out, I feel like I'm walking into a big dance party every time I show up to class. Each class always brings something fun and different to the table. However, the atmosphere as a whole always seems to remind me of one particular kind of dance party -- the Coachella Music and Arts Festival.
1. You are in a dark room where the music is so loud that you literally cannot hear yourself think. Are you at SoulCycle or in the Sahara Tent? Probably both.
The part about spinning that is most reminiscent of a live performance to me is the fact that the music is so incredibly loud. The dimmed lights, accompanied by the sounds of the music and the voice of the instructor through the microphone, provide me with the same feeling I get whenever I'm at a concert. Your heart starts thumping and your ears are ringing, but in a good way. Sort of.
2. The music is constantly blasting and, simultaneously, you are constantly sweating. Like always.
Every time I leave my spin class, everyone, including myself, is drenched from head to toe in sweat. Kind of gross, I know, but it's true. Similarly, the heat at Coachella is horrific. The sun, along with the close proximity of thousands of people, makes it nearly impossible to keep your body at a comfortable temperature. Your sweat touches other people's sweat, and it's not a very pleasant experience.
3. The people at both Coachella and spin class can be seriously intimidating.
At any workout class or music festival, it's easy to walk in feeling as if you don't belong. Whether it's the moms at spin class with their incredibly toned arms and expensive workout gear, or the super hipsters at Coachella wearing questionably any clothing at all, the environment can seem sort of exclusive at first. The people are in great shape, well-dressed, and have this air of nonchalance about them that makes you wonder if you're standing out like a sore thumb. Luckily, this is the farthest thing from the truth. In reality, you most likely look no different than they do, while no one is really looking at you anyway. Once you step out of your comfort zone and get used to the atmosphere, you'll find yourself feeling totally at ease.
4. You will almost always reach a breaking point, at which point in time you contemplate either simply walking out and never coming back, or collapsing onto the floor.
There are times at spin class when I truly believe my legs are going to give out. There are also times at Coachella when I have considered crawling back to the hotel at night because my feet are killing me. By the time I arrive back home after a workout or a weekend long festival, the only thing on my mind is sleep, sleep and more sleep.
5. By the end of it, you are exhausted, your body is aching, and you wonder why you would ever put yourself through something like that. But for some reason, you always end up coming back.
In my experience, I've found that spinning and music festivals are two things I will always hate to love. There may be struggles to be had in the moment, but looking back afterwards, I can never find anything bad to say. I'm patiently awaiting the day that they offer spin class at a music festival, thus combining two of the best things ever. I'm looking at you, Coachella 2017.
