I need to preface by saying that for 32 years, I have loathed the idea of rigorous exercise. I'm…read morelucky to have merciful genetics, I guess. I have tried different things throughout the years in a futile attempt to find "THE THING" that was going to make me want to exercise. Well, everything except zumba, because I just couldn't get down like that.
On Tuesday, my sister texted me that she bought a Groupon for Ride+Reflect, and asked if I wanted to go. Then we could go for sushi after. I said yes almost entirely for the sushi, and thought of 50 different ways I could feign illness or injury to get out of the first part of the night.
Cut to this very moment. It's Thursday night, and not only did I make it through the Wednesday night class, I WENT BACK AGAIN TONIGHT. You read that correctly: I participated a vigorous physical activity for a prolonged period of time two calendar days in a row. UNHEARD OF.
This place is rad. The people are so nice, and NOT what I expected them to be. They are welcoming, chill, not intimidating and genuinely seem happy you're there. They don't make you feel like an idiot, even if you are one.
The cycling room itself is set up in tiers, so everyone is a little bit staggered and can see the instructor, who is illuminated by a heavenly spotlight in the front center of the room. There is a mirror, but the lights are dim so you don't have to stare at your purple, sweaty face the whole time. I don't know that I could do what I did in a fully lit room, to be honest.
It's all about the music and the instructor, really. And both nights were superb on both counts.
It was the first time in my very spotty athletic history that I actually gave 100%, not because I felt like someone was watching or forcing me to, but because I WAS MOTIVATED TO! However, you can take the entire thing at your own pace. When I felt like I was going to puke, I just toned it down for a few minutes and then challenged myself again.
I have one more class left on my Groupon, and then I'm going to have to figure out a way to get back here regularly -- even if it means saying goodbye to a kidney. Just kidding.
Joking aside, thank you, Ride+Reflect, for opening my eyes to a form of exercise that I don't have to pretend to like and suffer through. Truly, thank you.