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Spinning isn’t new.  But it sure is effective.  Bob from Biggest Loser often says that it’s a great workout that’s a little easier on the knees while still being really hard on the bootie.  And it makes you sweat.  As I sat on my Spin bike yesterday morning at Equinox, I couldn’t help but wonder who invented this beloved torture?  Who took the simple stationary bike, added a weighted flywheel, hot music and gave it a DJ-esque name?  According to Wikipedia,  ultra-endurance athlete Jonathan Goldberg created the concept of indoor cycling in the 1980s. It was later introduced as a trademarked program (Spinning) by Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc., a company founded by Goldberg and John Baudhuin.

Seat Saver, Spin Enabler

I had tried it a few different times.  I even hired a trainer specifically to get up me up to speed, but I found it way too painful (seatwise) to continue.  Everyone kept telling me I would get used to it and develop a “callous.”  WHAT?  Well, yes I did get used to it.  And no, I didn’t develop a callous.  

I agreed to take a Spin class with my friend MB one day and told her of my dilemna, and she simply handed me her gel seat. “Try this,” she said. It’s a little seat cover that makes everything so much more pleasant. And just like that, I was able to make it through the class, and have had an affair with it ever since.  Having the clip-in shoes also helps a lot because you can work in a complete circular motion, not just the downstroke (I don’t know if that’s what it’s officially called, but you get the picture). Some experts report that Spin can burn upwards of 500+ calories in a class, all I know is I’m drenched when done.  The instructor makes a big difference.  I personally love the classes at Equinox West Hollywood because it looks and feels like a club which I find helps me get up the “hills.”

Where to get your Spin-On in LA:  Equinox, Revolution Fitness, YAS, and for the ultimate Spin experience, Bob’s Harper’s Class at Crunch on Sunset.  

Have you tried it?  Tell us who makes your head Spin.

xo,

Vanity Girl M