Spin into a New Workout

Everything you need to know before your YYC Cycle class

By Kourtney Meldrum, Staff Writer

Working out should be fun, so if you’re sticking to the same workout routine day-after-day, it might be time to mix things up. Calgary has a bustling fitness scene with studios and classes to fit every interest, level, and location.

YYC Cycle is just one of these studios. Offering indoor biking classes at three different locations throughout the city.

‘Indoor biking classes sound boring,’ you may say, however, at YYC Cycle they are anything but. The music is loud, the lights are flashing, and the sweat is pouring. When you show up, show up ready to work – and work hard.

But what’s a class at YYC Cycle actually like? Let me tell you.

You’ll first show up and sign in, get your bike shoes, and reserve your spot in the room via a whiteboard and marker on the counter. A word of advice, if this is one of your first classes do not sit at the front – mainly because it’s nice to watch everyone else if you’re lost.

Next you’ll drop your belongings in the change room or the lockers and make your way into the bike room. Grab a towel on your way in- I promise that you are absolutely going to need it.

Once you find the bike you picked out at the front you’ll have to adjust it – this can be a serious process but take the time to do it or you’ll be in for a majorly uncomfortable class. When you pick out your weights for the class, go lower than you think you’ll need or, believe me, you will regret it.

I honestly think that clipping your spin shoes onto the bike is possibly the hardest part of the class, but get your instructor to help you out if you can’t get them. Once you’re clipped in get your legs going into a warm up – because you have no idea what’s coming.

The first track of the class will usually start out pretty average, but don’t think that you won’t be working hard. You’ll be up, you’ll be down, you’ll be racing, you’ll be climbing. And if you’re anything like me you’ll probably be wondering why on earth you voluntarily decided to do this.

You get to be in charge of your own resistance throughout the class, and when they tell you to turn it up there are going to be times that you’ll actually turn it down because you just can’t. You’re going to sweat so much that when you leave the class people will ask if you just showered.

Your instructors (or motivators as YYC Cycle calls them) will be what get you through your class. There will be moments when you hate them (when they tell you to turn up. Again.) But, they will also push you to your limit, which is why you’re there. They will continually tell you that you’re strong, and that you can do it – and they’re absolutely right every time.

All of that aside, the music is pumping so loud that you can’t help but get into the class. Fifty minutes will fly by (even though one minute of racing seems like forever when it’s happening). Before you know it, the class will be over and you’ll forget about the moment when you were extremely thankful that they had turned all the lights off because no one could see your tears.

After your spin class you should feel incredibly proud of the last 50 minutes in which you have gone through so many emotions, and also biked your little heart out. Also be prepared for the bones on your butt to be in pain for 24 hours, due to the bike seat.

All in all, spin classes are a fitness journey that you have to fully commit to and if you do you’ll find a strong community of people in the class who are pushing themselves as hard as you are. Spin classes are ridiculously tough and I won’t sugar coat that, so don’t expect to put half of the effort in. But these classes are also a great workout, a good way to switch up your routine, and can be a really fun time.

Difficulty Level: 4/5

The good thing about a spin class is you can pick your own resistance and weights, but the class is still fast paced and will demand a lot out of you.

Price: 4/5

At $20, drop-in prices are pretty standard as compared to most other fitness classes in the city. If you buy packs of classes it can be cheaper, and they offer a student discount of 10% off.

Miscellaneous Factors: 5/5

YYC Cycle is built with a team of motivators that are there to push you, but are also incredibly kind and helpful. If you don’t like a class with one instructor, the great thing is they have so many others that will teach their own class a bit differently.

So get out there and get spinning folks!