Archive for the ‘Fitness’ Category

Never be late for spin class!

Wednesday, December 15th, 2010

Well, I may know what comfort items to bring to the Spinning class now, but that is only half the preparation necessary. I learned the hard way that there are many equipment-related things that determine my ability to spin aggressively.

Spin Class Essentials

Friday, November 26th, 2010

Cycling gel seatAfter making it through three classes total so far, here is the list of stuff I have to bring:

  • Gel seat
  • Towel to wipe streams of sweat
  • Ear plugs
  • Sweat band
  • Water bottle
  • Heart rate monitor
  • Training zones chart
  • Cycling shoes with clips (don’t own yet, but maybe after birthday or Christmas)

Spin Impressions – Take 2

Friday, November 19th, 2010

By the time I hit the shower after my second spin class, my legs were burning — but not so much as the first time! — and my mind was burning too, with conjectures and questions. Fortunately I have two experts to consult: Dan, my resident Tour de Danville expert, and Erin, our helpful Spin leader.

My Head is Spinning!

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010

I joined my first-ever Spin class today. I knew what I was getting into because I’d received good advice from the girls at the gym and by researching it on the Internet. But still!

My tendency is to avoid bicycles and let Dan be the hardcore biker of the family. But although I have resisted group classes for years, I decided a morning Spin class was worth doing because it’s a great fall activity to get in shape for ski season and I have not been keeping up on my interval training. I also like the fact that it is possible to work very hard doing this (read: burn more calories!) and make great improvements in both muscular and cardiovascular endurance. I have to say, though, that if this class wasn’t convenient and free, I never would have considered joining, despite the fact my fellow gym mates were always convinced I’d love it and wondered why I’ve held out for so long.

Support Your / Our Trails!

Monday, June 21st, 2010

In northern California where I live, the East Bay Regional Park District maintains miles and miles of multi-use trails that residents use for recreation, commuting and exercise. When I relocated from Alameda County to Contra Costa county, I was sad to leave the Alameda Creek Trail behind but ecstatic to find the Iron Horse Trail, a converted rail trail that Dan and I use on a weekly basis. We are so devoted to persuading others to come out and play on skates that we maintain a website called CASkating.com with these trails plus over 300 other routes in our home state.