Happy Fourth Of July Weekend! I can’t believe it’s here already! What do you have planned? I’m sure lots of barbeques, drinks, beach, friends and family time. That’s exactly what my weekend looks like.
Let’s rewind to yesterday, I went to the beach for a couple of hours with two of my most favorite people. There’s nothing better than spending time with friends you have known for 15 years, where there is absolutely no pressure, judgement or anything else negative. I love when I go home from a good day and I just feel so relaxed and high on life from spending time with people that make me feel so good. It can be the exact opposite of a very stressful, drama filled workday.
Anyway, after I got home from the beach, I changed and went into the city to go to my first Soul Cycle class on the east side, (83rd and 3rd). I really have no prejudgments about this place, except for the fact I’ve heard it’s an amazing workout. I paid $32.00 for the class, which I was more than willing to pay because I am so tired of the boring spin classes at NYSC. BTW, the shoes were free for the first time and then they are $3.00 to rent from now on. I took the 60 minute soul survivor class, which was basically 50 minutes of spinning with taps back on the seat (think squats on a bike, while spinning), jumps and some form of push ups on the bike. At the end there were 10 minutes of weights work with 1 pound weights, while you are still pedaling. It is more challenging than it sounds, but I think I would have preferred 2 pound weights. The class was pretty young, with mostly the entire class being in their 20s or 30s and all women except 1 guy (and the instructor).
I’m going to break it down into the positives and negatives of the class.
Pros:
- kicked my butt!! I was working hard within the first 5 minutes of class. My heart rate was up and I was SWEATING.
- loved the loud music
- highly motivating instructor (Nick)
- loved the weights at the end (1 lb weights)
- free lockers
- clean bathrooms
- everyone was very nice and helpful (I had never used shoes or bikes with clips before.)
Cons:
- VERY small room to wait to go in and out of the class. You can’t help but basically bump, rub and touch people and you are ALL very sweaty.
- only 2 bathrooms to change in. No locker room and where the lockers are, are VERY small. Only 1 small bench to sit on.
- hot room (which I don’t really see as a con, but I think most would)
- tight on the bikes while doing weight workout
Overall:
I really, really enjoyed the class. There are a couple of different types of classes and I think I would like to try them all. I also want to try out flywheel, which Fit Chick in the City says she likes better. I definitely plan on going back here. It gave me a really good workout and today I am certainly feeling it in my legs. I didn’t take any pictures, but trust me I was very sweaty after! So far I am 1 class into my goal of trying out all different classes this summer. Who else has this goal?
Anyone want to take a class with me now?
On another note…look at what finally ripened!!
I ate these over a salad and they were amazing! They definitely taste better because of the hard work and love I put into these!
And I had to include a recipe, so here’s my new favorite dessert of right now. It’s refreshing and super healthy.
(kind of hard to see, but trust me, it’s amazing!)
Take 1 frozen banana, 1 tbsp protein powder or cocoa and pulse in food processor. Spoon into bowl and take 1 tsp peanut or almond butter and mix around. Top with cacao or dark chocolate chips. ENJOY!
You will think you are eating very rich ice cream!
What’s your favorite workout class to take?
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I have never tried a spin class, but I want to so so badly!! I know I would totally love it. It sounds so intense!!
This class sounds awesome! I've never taken a spin class…I need to try to find one!
Wow, spinning definitely does kick your butt–I haven't done a class in awhile, but you make me want to look into some again! I really got into step classes for awhile–ever try though??
Your tomato plant looks awesome, and don't homegrown tomatoes ALWAYS taste better?? My dad has a huge garden and I LOVE his tomatoes!!
oh i love spinning! have a great holiday weekend.
I'm not a huge fan of spinning. As a runner, anytime I was injured, the prescribed workout was biking on a stationary bike that always dug into my bum!! I associate biking now with my coach or the trainer yelling to bike faster. Yuck. I know so many people who love spinning classes, and I've always wanted to get back into it, but struggle to.
im the same way, when i have a really good day immersed with amazing people, i totally feel a high that lasts for days
btw i dont have a muffin top pan unfortunately. i got that maffin, and almost everyone i feature, from an amazing local vegan restaurant 'Green Cuisine'. im on the lookout tho for a really fantastic muffin pan! i have the recipe book to make some of their muffins which im going to attempt this sumemr, so fingers crossed they'll turn out as good!! <3
xoxo
love the dessert…anything gooey and yummy like that, oh yeah baby!
Let me know when you're heading to Fly, maybe we can go to a class together.
soul cycle sounds like fun – and definitely hard work! glad you liked the switch up from spinning
and what a gorgeous tomato plant! i agree – it's so much more satisfying to eat something you grew or made from scratch.
anddd, i'll take that dessert off your hands for you…
"Like."
Sounds like a great class!!! I would love to try a spin class one day.
Love banana soft serve and peanut butter. Love!!
Jen
http://jenslosinit.blogspot.com/
Things always taste better when freshly picked from the back yard….with love!!! ESPECIALLY after all the hard work!! I took spinning YEARSSSSS ago, and I wasn't a fan…maybe it kicked my butt too much, haha…but thinking of giving it another shot! Oh, and I heart banana softserve…never tried with protein powder, but I will maybe next time!
Happy 4th!! have a great weekend!!!
good review
I love spinning but it has definitely been awhile! I love Body Pump currently!
Check out my blog for my giveaway!
Yayyy for your tomatoes ripening!!
I have never tried spinning, lol, it scares me! Glad you liked it though! And I am so jealous that you lounged in the sun with your close friends. Sounds like you are having a lovely weekend so far!
Are you going to BlogHer in the city in August?
$32 for a cycle class?!?! WOW! Your tomatoes look super good! I'm still waiting on my pepper plant to bloom.
I totally love rocking out classes because the music gets me motivated! This sounds like a hardcore class!
YUM! This looks freaking amazing, yet so simple!
xxoo
Im going to flywheel today! super excited
Yay for tomatoes ripening! And I'm definitely going to have to try that dessert.
Spinning always kicks my butt. But when the music's pumping, it seems less "ugh exercise" and more like a fun, really sweaty party. Not as much of a passion as dance, but definitely good cross training with running.