Spinning for Beginners

When I first started teaching, I really wanted to teach a beginner class.  I felt that the gyms should offer an "intro to spinning" class once a month, because as I know better than anyone, Spinning classes look intimidating.

I took my first spin class about 5 or 6 years ago and I was scared.  At that point my mother had been spinning for years and she encouraged me to try it.  So I agreed that I'd try it, but first, I needed to prepare.  I put myself on a training regimen where I'd ride the stationary bike every day, eventually working up to 45 minutes.  Once I got there I told myself I was ready for a spin class.

The day before my first class I called in and reserved a space in the 6:30 class.  Phew.  The next day, on my way to that class, I realized that I hadn't specified AM or PM and sure enough found out I was on the AM list.  Uh oh!  I had a mini freak out thinking that my well laid out plans of starting would be thrown off.  The staff assured me there was room, I hoped they were right.  I showed up at least 15 minutes early so that I'd have plenty of time to talk with the instructor and get the lay of the land.   The class was a success and the rest is so-called history.

The point of my story is that I was freaked out by Spin.  I had been a regular at the gym for years but Spinning intimidated me.

This morning I got a call from the Group Exercise Manager at one of my clubs asking me if I'd like to teach a beginner class next week.  Of course I said YES!!!

So now I'm off to plan out a nice introductory ride.  Any suggestions are welcome.  Were you scared your first time?

Calorie Contents - Chili's

I made plans to meet a friend for dinner.  Since we live in opposite directions, finding a common ground to meet is sometimes a challenge.  This time for the sake of convenience we decided to meet at a chain restaurant in a (somewhat) convenient town.

We're meeting at Chili's.  In anticipation of our dinner I decided to check out the nutrition facts.  Wow.  I'm saying wow not because i'm truly surprised but moreso because I know I have eaten some of those 1000+ calorie meals.  Lovely.

To their credit, they do have a Guiltless Grill section and these choices are by far the way to go.  The most caloric option on this menu clocks in at 610 calories.

Guiltless Grill
Asian Salad - 360 calories
Caribbean Salad - 450 calories
Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Veggies - 610 calories
Santa Fe Chicken Wrap with Veggies - 610 calories
There are two other GG options which both clock in under 550 calories. 

Guilt-ful Grill (that's my name for it) - where to start?
Boneless buffalo wings with Blue Cheese - 1200 calories
Texas Cheese Fries with Jalapeno Ranch - 1930 calories
Yes, those are both appetizers so one person likely wouldn't eat the whole thing, but still.  Now on to the entrees...
Large Asian Salad with Salmon - 1120 calories
Large Caribbean Salad with Shrimp - 920 calories
Pulled Pork Tacos with Flour Tortillas - 920 calories
Oldtimer burger (the best of the worst) - 1260 calories

Fajitas aren't bad if you just get the meat and veggies.  The condiments and tortillas add 610 calories to any meal.  So the 360 calorie chicken fajitas become 970 calories once all is said and done.

Margarita Grilled Chicken - 380 calories (and not on the Guiltless menu)

I think you get the idea here. 

Buyer (or eater) beware!

Spin Odyssey Follow Up

Well, the much anticipated Spin Odyssey 2010 has come and gone.

There is only one word to describe the experience...AMAZING!  Very.  And oh yeah, as of yesterday afternoon we had raised over $380,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you live in the Norwalk, CT area, I would definitely encourage you to consider participating next year.  Email me for details.

Here are some pictures.  Enjoy!

Spin Ride!

I'm in FL visiting my grandparents right now, so I don't have all of my spinning stuff with me, but I do have my ipod and wanted to share my latest ride.

I need to work on new names for my rides.

This one is called November 10 - 3 (very descriptive, right?)
This ride is about 50 minutes including the cooldown.

I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) - Pitbull
Warm up, transition between seated and standing flats

Keep Hope Alive - The Crystal Method
Climb, this is a 6+ minute song, so a mix of seated and standing, ending heavy

Hazy Shade of Winter - the Bangles
Downhill, fast flat, keep the pace slightly uncomfortable

People Everyday - Arrested Development
Seated climb, heading back up our hill

Whatcha Say - Jason Derulo
Seated in to standing climb, keeping the hill at moderate

Enter Sandman - Metallica
Seated/standing mix climb, heavy hill

How Low - Ludacris
Short recovery in to 6 count jumps for two minutes

Hey Soul Sister - Train
Fast flat, once again making sure to feel uncomfortable, breathing should be slightly labored

One - U2 & Mary J. Blige
Climb, start seated add resistance quickly, transition to standing heavy for the second half

Pleasure Love (Cosmack Remix) - DeFunk
Downhill, quick pace with 20 second bursts

Freedom 90 - George Michael
Final climb, starting moderate and ending heavy, varying standing, seated and slow/heavy jumps

Under Pressure - Queen
Spin those legs out on the flat

Nausea?

If you've followed this blog you can guess that I have a few stomach issues.

That said, one of my most frequent symptoms is nausea.  I rarely get sick, I just feel nauseous, which is not a very pleasant feeling.

Every time I complain to a (female) friend about my nausea, they assume I could be pregnant.  Not!  Can't a girl just have a bad stomach in her late 20's/early 30's without being with child? 

So I'm soliciting remedies and suggestions.  I usually go towards peppermint.  I always have peppermint gum on me and recently purchased peppermint tea.  I've also heard that ginger is soothing to the stomach but I don't think I like ginger.  Or rather, I know I don't like the pickled ginger that comes with sushi. :)

What it really comes down to is that I need to be on medication, but while I'm in between doctors i'm looking for homeopathic remedies.  Any suggestions?

Change is Good

I told you the last layout change wouldn't be the last.  After a couple of weeks with the old layout on my widescreen I decided I didn't like it.

So here's the next iteration.  Happy reading!

T - 6 Days Until 6 Hours of Spinning

I've spoken before about Spin Odyssey, a spin-a-thon to benefit breast cancer research, that I will be participating in.

Well now it's hard for me to believe that it's less than one week away!

I figured I'd plug it one last time and see if any of my readers were feeling generous.  I know times are tight but if you can spare $1, $5 or really anything, here's the link to my donation page.

http://www.active.com/donate/SO2010/Bondell

I'm really excited to be involved in such an inspiring event.  The training ride I participated in on Valentine's day was inspiring with only about 30 people, so I can't wait to feel the energy at the actual event.  I definitely plan on bringing my camera and I'll share pictures ASAP.

Let's find a cure!