You spin my head right round, right round~
We decided over at Booky that it’s high time to go beyond food and give you more. There’s so much to do and discover and we’re opening up Metro Manila to help you find your flavor starting with fitness and beauty. The new and improved Booky is stronger and cuter than ever.
Spinning or indoor cycling was brought to the forefront of fitness when establishments like Ride Revolution and Electric Studio made it fun with their boppin’ beats and challenging choreography that made exercising feel more like a dance party.
If you’re a fitness noob, it’s easy to get sucked in to trying different activities due to peer pressure. As they say, best to educate yourself before doing anything!
1. It’s best to enroll in a class beforehand
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While some establishments welcome walk-ins, it’s best to reserve your slot a few days in advance. Since indoor cycling is so popular, classes tend to fill up and cancellations are rare. Most indoor cycling establishments have platforms where you can register, so it’s advisable to make use of that.
2. Ask about what the studio is going to provide
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Carrying a heavy bag is bad for your back, so ask in advance about the inclusions for each class. Sometimes, studios have free toiletries you could use so you can opt to leave heavy shampoo and soap bottles at home. Special cycling shoes and towels are sometimes also included in the class fee, saving you from overpacking and buying shoes that might not be compatible with the bike.
3. Don’t eat a heavy meal before class
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If you’re feeling a bit hungry, grab a light snack instead of having a full meal. You might feel sick if you ride with a heavy belly, and you don’t want to be that person who unwillingly shows everyone what they ate.
4. Arrive at least 30 minutes earlier than your scheduled class
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Being early means you get to talk to your instructor and s/he could help you adjust the bike to your height (and you get to choose a bike in front so it’s easier to follow the instructor!). Adjusting your bike makes riding safer (less prone to injuries!) and more comfortable. Being early also means you don’t accidentally give your slot to someone else, because establishments give slots to walk-ins if you aren’t there to confirm your attendance.
5. Wear appropriate clothing
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This ain’t to ride in the park, so put the loose, heavy clothing back and swap it for a stretchable form-fitting and sweat-wicking get up instead. Also, don’t forget to bring your own socks!
6. Bring a towel (if it’s not going to be provided by the establishment)
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You’ll be sweating A LOT, and no one wants sweat in their eyes (Ouch!), so bring a small towel that you could easily grab when you need it. Make sure it’s not too wide or too long, as you’ll drape this over the handlebars.
7. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
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Since you’ll be sweating bullets, do yourself a favor and bring a large enough bottle of water. Staying hydrated helps you keep up with the routine, so don’t be shy and drink that H20!
8. It’s not as easy as it looks
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Sure, Kimmy Schmidt and Ariana Grande made it look easy peasy, but let’s be real: If you aren’t active, this cardio-heavy workout is gonna get you panting like cray. So, listen to your body and don’t push yourself too much. If you feel like you can’t do what the instructor says, dial down your resistance and slow down your RPM. Learn to pace yourself and don’t feel like you have to keep up with the rest of the class when you could barely breathe anymore.
9. Supplement cycling with another form of exercise
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You have to build up endurance if you want to cycle for a long time, so instead of overdoing the cycling, find another activity that will train other parts of your body. A muscle-stretching yoga or pilates session will definitely help you avoid injury from overusing your glutes and quads and recover from the high-intensity stress it experiences during a spinning class.
10. Relax and have fun!
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Don’t squeeze the handlebars too tight—it’s painful and it might cause you to get the form all wrong. Instead, engage your core and don’t rely on the handlebar for support. Lastly, feel the rhythm of the music and enjoy the workout and the endorphin rush it gives!
What are you waiting for? Head down to an indoor cycling studio near you and give it a try!
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