Spiritual Cardio

I remember the first time I was introduced to “spinning,”  in Pullman, WA.  It was a hot new class at Body Magic, the local Greek Row gym.  The owner of the gym had us in a back room, the lights were low, and candles were burning.  It was the hardest workout I  had ever experienced and yet I could feel my body and mind start to connect.  I was in love.

 Years went by, spin classes came and went and I realized not all classes focused on that mind body connection.  Then I found Traci at Fly Fitness. The magic that I felt back in Pullman reappeared and this time I did not want to let go.  It came in the form of a ride to the music of Prince.  I remember it was a cold winter night, the lights were down low, everyone was wearing purple, and there was instant connection in the room.  The vibe was playful, Traci was hilarious.  I was instantly hooked and wanted more.  The bike can definitely be just a bike but what I felt when I was riding past my edge was the energy in the room.  I could physically feel my body being pushed to its limits and when I thought I could not continue, I would feel the strength of my fellow riders and the power coming from the instructor.

I have since become a Cycling Instructor at Fly and my goal is to help people find that connection.  I have seen many people come into my class saying, “they hate the bike.”  Maybe cycling is their arch nemesis or that they just want to get it over with.  I have also seen those people surprise themselves and realize they are not just riding a bike.  They are taking time to quiet the mind, feel their body and empower themselves.  It truly is a practice similar to yoga, which requires a focus on breath, strength, determination and awareness.  Sure, there are times the vibe doesn’t feel right, it’s a rough ride or the energy isn’t there.  That is why I say it’s a practice.  Each class is an opportunity to learn about your ability to control all of the elements that bring the class to life.  Breathe…………Feel……………Focus………………..Connect. 

The most difficult decision for many people is to give indoor cycling a try.  I love when people decide to try it anyway and realize it actually an invigorating experience, not scary at all.  Sure, it’s a hard workout that burns massive calories, but if you focus on the other things that are going on, it's also some spiritual cardio, baby.

Unlike meditating in yoga, you are meditating with blasting loud music and the motivating guidance from your instructor.  Meditation is clearing your mind of the clutter, being in the present moment, whether you are in lotus position or in the saddle of a bike.  Connecting to your spirit and your higher self and using the music to help your mind let go.

If you have not tried indoor cycling, I challenge you to give it a shot.  You never know, you might just find you have a new addiction.

Written by Fly Instructor, Casey Phillips