Staying Active On Lockdown: How Indoor Cycling Changed These Women's Lives
Get sweaty while vibing to good music!
Throwback to circa 2019, when our Instagram feeds were filled with videos of sweaty riders on stationary bikes, an energetic instructor, and a dark room with neon lights and good music. It seemed more like a party than a group exercise every time, but that is the beauty of indoor cycling – it can definitely get your blood pumping and make you come back for more.
Indoor cycling, sometimes called “spinning”, is a high-intensity full body workout that focuses on improving endurance and strength. It can help you shed fat, boost aerobic capacity, and improve heart health. The usual beginner class lasts for about 45 minutes, while advanced classes can take up to 60 to 90 minutes, depending on which studio and program you have signed up for.
Spinning as a way of life: the benefits
Lucia Pineda, an Indoor Cycling instructor at Perigon, joined her first spin class in 2018 after she was invited by her friends. She started attending classes a couple of times a month, until eventually, she decided to try out for the instructor auditions. “It definitely is fun to work out alongside friends, especially if it’s something new and challenging!”
Previously, Lucia would regularly go to the gym and lift weights, but never really did anything that would test her limits. It was not until she joined the spinning community that she learned the importance of consistency. “Training to become an instructor was rigorous and tiring, but those were the times I truly felt myself get stronger,” she says.
Perigon instructor Misha Bernardino says spinning changed her perception of fitness. “Now I realize it can be challenging but equally fun when you are part of a great and supportive community! My co-instructors and riders are really my source of encouragement. It’s amazing to see everyone support each other.”
Aside from the physical benefits, former Saddle Row instructor Tanya Zialcita shares how the activity had a positive impact on her mental and emotional wellbeing as well. “Giving yourself that unadulterated time for movement not just contributes to an ideal weight or physical appearance, but [also] allows you … time [to] reflect and reset.”
Indeed, indoor cycling can be a bit intimidating at first, but with all its benefits, it’s definitely worth a try!
The Cycling community in the new normal
Before the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) was implemented in the country, indoor cycling classes were booked and thriving. The studios may have been closed since then, but that did not stop the community!
Instead, all in-studio classes were moved online. Riders can rent stationary bikes from the studios and attend classes via Zoom or view pre-recorded sessions via their video-on-demand platforms.
Lucia shares how this affected her as an instructor: “Teaching from home is certainly a big change because I used to get so much energy from seeing my riders ride with me in-studio, hearing the loud music from the studio speakers, as well as just feeling the whole vibe of the studio itself.”
But, adapt or perish, it is said. Instructors now try to recreate the indoor cycling vibe in a studio by fitting their own little spaces at home with neon lights in order to still give off that party feel. “It’s still a great feeling to be able to see our riders on Zoom and still have just as much enthusiasm as they did in-studio. Having the bike with us all the time now also allows us to ride more often and support each other’s classes too!” she adds.
Ready to join the spinning community? Here’s a quick primer.
How it works
To spin, you will need a couple pieces of equipment: a stationary bike, a pair of cycling shoes, and a pair of dumbbells for upper body training. All of these, accompanied by upbeat music and an engaging instructor, will make you give your 100% during the workout!
Stationary bike
There are three types of stationary bikes: upright, recumbent, and dual action. The most similar to indoor cycling bikes is the upright bike; however, an indoor cycling bike has a knob that controls resistance.
Cycling shoes
Most beginners are surprised that they need a special pair of shoes for indoor cycling. These shoes are suggested by instructors because most of them come with cleats, which connect the bottom of the shoe to the pedal of your stationary bike. Wearing clip-in shoes prevents you from slipping on the pedals, thus giving you a more accurate cycling motion.
Free weights
Indoor cycling is a full body workout. Now that the stationary bike has got your lower body burning, you will need free weights or dumbbells to train your upper body too.
The dumbbells don’t necessarily have to be heavy -- you can choose weights that are comfortable for you, especially if you’re a beginner. These are usually provided by your instructor or chosen studio, as they will be incorporated into the choreography during the class.
Book your classes online!
For those who miss the bike room, or those who are ready to try it out, here are Indoor Cycling studios offering online classes to help us stay fit, even at home:
Perigon
Perigon has a rent-to-own Bike Share Program at Php 45,000 for three months. This includes a stationary bike, one pair of cycling shoes, a pair of dumbbells, and unlimited access to their classes and pre-recorded videos. With the program, the bike is yours once you’ve paid a total of Php 90,000!
Sign up with Perigon via Instagram.
Saddle Row
Ride with Saddle Row from your living room, as they offer Ride and Row classes with bike rental for as low as Php 12,000 a month! They have different programs to choose from so make sure to check out their Instagram for more details.
Electric Studio
Bikes are available for 28-day rentals at Php 20,000, inclusive of a pair of biking shoes and a pair of weights. However, if you want to test the waters first, the folks at Electric Studio frequently upload free workouts on their IGTV that you can try!
Visit Electric Studio’s Instagram for more information.
For Lucia, Misha, and Tanya, indoor cycling is a part of self-care. It made them healthier, more confident with themselves, and ultimately changed their lives. Who knows? Maybe it can change yours too.
This article originally appeared on OneLife.PH
