Inspired by recent mayors' campaigns in Metro Vancouver and Toronto to shed the pounds and get fit, I walked into a spin class at the Port Moody recreation complex, set up the saddle, strapped my sneakers into the pedals and prayed I would make it through the next 45 minutes.
It's not the first time I had been to one of these sessions. Earlier this year, while my pre-schooler was in a spring break camp at the rec centre, I dropped in on an indoor cycling class to see what the hype was all about.
A few moms had told me they had lost all their baby fat in three months just spinning two or three times a week. I checked it out online and, indeed, spinning enthusiasts claim you can burn up to 500 calories per session while toning quadriceps and hamstrings.
I was intrigued so, for my third spinning class in Port Moody, I brought two co-workers - both of whom are much healthier than I and more experienced with the exercise.
The Monday 4 p.m. class was relatively busy, with only a few reserved seats available, as is the case on many rainy days.
Even before the instructor walked in and cranked up the '80s and '90s tunes, the weighted flywheels whirled as riders equipped with water bottles and towels warmed up.
As he surveyed the co-ed group before starting, the instructor spoke about the need for proper posture and leg extension (lower back and knee problems are the most common injuries for spinning participants). Often, during the class, he would turn down the music to reinforce his message about good technique.
The warm-up, consisting of constant pedalling but no upper body movement, lasted a few songs before we launched into a timed sprint. Soon, we cranked the resistance (riders control their own intensity level to suit their respective abilities).
And with each song came another turn of the knob, much like riding up a hill.
Soon, we were standing on the pedals, using the handlebars for leverage and pedalling for 60 seconds. I broke a sweat in the third set and glanced at the clock on the wall: Only 20 minutes had passed. No problem, I told myself, as we eased into a slower tempo with a Michael Jackson hit.
At this time, the instructor reminded us to keep our bodies quiet and not to bounce. Then he toured the group to review our body alignments and the heights of our seats, which should be level with the hip when standing next to the cycle.
He returned to his bike and, again, we dialled up the tension, sprinting at a high resistance level. My heart thumped harder with every pedal turn. I closed my eyes and dreamt of having a leaner, meaner body.
Before I knew it, a Moby instrumental was guiding us through the cool-down and we stretched our hamstrings. I felt energized, motivated and proud of myself. I looked at my co-workers, who also looked happy.
On my way out, I checked the schedule. I'll be back, I thought, Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Port Moody is hosting a three-hour power spin session on Saturday, July 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the recreation complex (300 Ioco Rd.), involving six 25-minute classes - each led by a different instructor. Cost is $25. Call 604-469-4556.
