Hi, my name is Sara, I’m 18, and I’m in a cult. No I’m not in one of those weird religious ones, but the cult I’m in is kind of spiritual, you could say. The kind of cult I’m in is one that tens of thousands of Americans are proud to be a part of…the cult I’m talking about is a spin cult.
In November 2014, I spotted one of my classmates signing up for a spin class. I asked her what she was doing and replied she was signing up for spin. I didn’t think about it again until my good friend said she was taking a class with her mom. I was then intrigued with the idea of indoor cycling. I had no idea what I was signing up for.
I walked into the studio on a Wednesday morning not knowing at all what to expect. I walked into the studio where 40 stationary bikes were set up “stadium seating.” This allows the instructor to see all 40 of her loyal riders from her podium. One of the staff members who worked in the front helped me adjust my bike and gave me the proper weights I needed. Don’t forget water; hydration is key.
As soon as the lights went out, I had no idea what was in store. The only light we had was candlelight from two candles on the instructor’s podium. Even though it is a 45-minute dance party, you are constantly moving and pushing your body to the limit. With that said, you can personalize your class to your needs. A person who has never taken a spin class before can survive the exact same class as a pro.
In a 45-minute period, you will climb, sprint, dance, and yell, asking yourself where the time went. If you’re wondering about an arm workout, don’t worry you’ll get that too. I’d say it’s the most challenging five minutes of the whole class.
All of the instructors have their strengths and they show it in every single ride. Their job is not only to instruct you on your bike but also to get to know you and be your own cheerleader. I cannot tell you how much it means when an instructor calls me out when I’m doing something right or comes up to me before class with a hug. They also act as life motivators. Towards the end of class, after arms, a slow song comes on where the motivating happens. These nuggets of wisdom have strongly contributed to why I keep coming back to class.
In class, we are referred to as a community who is “ride or die.” When you go to a class at any gym, there isn’t the unanimous sense of positivity that is present in these boutique spin studios. These classes try to remove the stresses in your life for at least 45 minutes and strive to make your only focus you. Because you ride in the dark, you aren’t self-conscious and you are free to do you. After class, you walk out with a euphoric feeling dripping with sweat. It’s the best!
If you’re wondering what makes this a “cult," it’s easy. The members are extremely loyal to their studio, take classes religiously, and for my studio at least, we are members of a Facebook group. I love being in this “cult.” I couldn’t imagine what this studio would be like without the sense of community that comes after your first ride.
I have never felt as good after working out as I do after a spin class. The blending of the movement, music and motivation is something so beautiful, it’s humbling. Namaste.
