Recently, my sister reached out to me and asked me to come 'spin' with her.  I didn't know there was a place in Fort Collins that was solely dedicated to the intense bike workout that has become so popular over the years, but I decided to give it a shot. 

I should preface this by saying that I am not super in-shape.  I really enjoy my weekly indulgences of Taco Bell and Diet Coke and make it to the gym probably once or twice a week at the most.

Spinning, therefore, does not seem like it would be for someone like me, but I was willing to give it a shot no matter what.

If you don't understand what spinning is, it's an indoor cycling class focusing on interval training and high-intensity workouts with lights, music, and a pumped-up instructor.  I almost feel like I should say 'theater' setting because that's how it's set up, at least at the Fort Collins CycleBar location-- there's a spotlight on the trainer seat at the front, and the lights pulse during different songs and workouts so you almost feel like you're in an exercise theme park.

'Spinning' has gained a cult following over the past few years, which is most likely why a CycleBar location popped up in the new Foothills Mall in Fort Collins recently. SoulCycle may be the main reason for this popularity, which is a popular spinning company founded in New York that gained traction after it attracted the likes of Kim Kardashian and celebs galore.  It's no wonder the classes have become, what several trainers told me during my class yesterday-- an 'addiction'.

It's incredibly difficult, don't get me wrong-- I was stupid enough to not eat or drink anything before the class and I nearly passed out (they even offer free fruit and waterbottles).  Despite my faux pas though, the trainer was encouraging and made sure everyone knew that we didn't have to do anything we didn't want to-- it was all about 'feeling good'.

Spinning is rough, but if you're up for the challenge, find a location near you and give it a shot.  Let us know your spinning experiences in the comments, and thanks to CycleBar and instructor Boom for a fun class!

(I promise I'll eat a banana before I start my class next week).

Update one week later: I went for my second class and it was easier than the first.  Keep with it and you'll get better and better each time!

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