Thursday, April 25, 2013

Music Makes Everything Better!

A few months ago I did my first ever DJ Spin Night at Wholey Fit.  DJ Nick was awesome - so awesome that I've decided to make DJ Spin Night a regular thing!  If you're looking for an awesome DJ you can contact Nick at nickelbe@ohhithere.ca

Nick recently set up a new sound system for me at Wholey Fit and what a difference a nice sound system makes!  It's really not surprising though - music is so powerful.  It has the power to inspire, motivate, energize, change your mood, transport you back to a time and place you had forgotten about...it can even make the most excruciating spin class fun!

I'm about to teach my fourth class of the day and even though I'm tired I know the music will energize me and get me through the tough ride I have planned for tonight.  The next time you're feeling tired and don't really feel like working out turn on your favourite tunes and see what happens ;)

Keep an eye on my schedule for the next DJ Spin Night!  It's planned for Friday, May 24th - times to be announced soon!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Spin Versus Indoor Cycling - What's the Difference?

Since opening Wholey Fit I've had a lot of people tell me they can't find me when they google 'spin classes'.  (If they googled 'indoor cycling in Kits' I'm second on the list).  The word spin, or spinning is a name that's trademarked and can only be used when describing indoor cycling classes that are done on the actual 'Spinner' bike (I have Keiser bikes so I can't advertise my classes as 'spin' classes).

'Spin' classes and indoor cycling classes are basically the same thing: an instructor lead ride on a stationary bike that's specially designed to mimic an outdoor bike feel.  The classes are set to music and your instructor is there to lead you through a safe and challenging cardio workout that hits your legs just right!  

Unfortunately some people think that 'indoor cycling' is only for serious riders who are looking for technical rides that will improve their outdoor rides.  While there definitely are some indoor cycling classes that do just that (such as iRide at Wholey Fit), there are also many indoor cycling classes (such as any of my other Cycle classes at Wholey Fit) that are just fun, high energy, heart pumping workouts.  We do sprint drills, hill climbing drills and everything in between using music and our enthusiasm to motivate you to keep on pushing!

There are 'Spin' courses and 'Indoor Cycling' courses that instructors take (some studios only hire instructors that have done the 'Spin' course), but there are only so many things you can do on a bike, so what you learn in either course is quite similar - though there definitely are some differences.

The main difference between any class is your instructor.  We all have our own unique styles - some of us are super peppy, some a little on the technical side and some of us just love to provide a new and exciting workout each class and watch our participants get a great workout - as an instructor there's nothing more satisfying than knowing that my participants had a great time in my class and can't wait to come back for more!

So the next time you're looking for a spin studio remember to check out indoor cycling studios too.  Ask if they offer a free trial class (Wholey Fit does) so you can try it out and make sure it's the right fit for you. 

Friday, April 12, 2013

Drink!

Don't forget to drink your water!  Water is so important for keep your body operating properly.  Even being just a little dehydrated can affect brain function, workout performance and metabolism!  Most people are chronically dehydrated and don't even know it.  Don't wait until your thirsty to drink - drink now and drink often ;) 

Here are some tips:

* Carry a water bottle with you EVERYWHERE

* Drink one glass of water as soon as you wake up and then one before each meal

* Flavour your water with lemon, lime, grapefruit, cucumber....the possibilities are endless!  Just make sure you're flavouring it with something NATURAL (if you can't find it in nature, it's not natural!)


* Grab your water bottle and come for a workout at Wholey Fit!  The workout will encourage you to drink ;)

So drink up and reap the benefits!