Before the stroke of midnight the Saturday before last, I’d never taken a spin class in my life. The whole idea of spinning freaked me out: Throbbing techno music, drill-sergeant instructor, uncomfortable bike seats … where’s the appeal?
So how did I end up riding a spin bike in the middle of the night under the massive stone arches of New York City’s most famous (and beautiful) train station?
Well, this blog is all about trying new things. So there I was at the 24-hour Saints & Spinners fundraiser in Grand Central Terminal, which I talked about in my previous blog. Organized to benefit the children’s health and fitness charity HealthCorps, the event’s goal was to fill 100 spin bikes every hour from 7 a.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday.
The group of midnight riders couldn’t have been more diverse, including the friends I dragged with me: Heather had never been on a spin bike, while Tim is a certified spinning teacher with fancy official spinning shoes. But when our instructor perched on a platform above us and began yelling out commands, none of it mattered.
The music’s beat and the energy in the room totally swept me away. Usually I savor solitary runs. But as with a marathon, the 99 other cyclers and spectators in bleachers actually added to the excitement.
Ignoring my burning quads, I cranked the bike’s resistance higher and higher. Soon my heart was racing and muscles were aching in a way that I don’t feel when running.
And then, in one short hour, it was over. At the event’s end, two world records had been set and $250,000 donated to charity. But here’s perhaps the most impressive feat: I can’t wait to take another spin class!
Comments (5)
Amanda, who was the celebrity guest in your session? Did you get to talk to him/her?
wow those are some crazy pictures! The energy in the room must have been off the charts.
Hey Laura, the celeb during my session was Christian Finnegan, a stand-up comedian who does commentary on a bunch of those VH1 shows. He didn’t talk much — I think it was his first time spinning, too, and he was working pretty hard — but made a few jokes toward the end. He asked “Who’s staying for the next session?” And when people raised their hands, he said “Have fun, I’ll be at a bar drinking beer.”
The New York School of Burlesque was the celeb guest from 11 to 12, so I saw a bunch of women dressed in skimpy outfits. I think the funniest part of the night, though, was when the NYSC volunteers brought in a slice of pizza and waved it in front of people while they were spinning.
Hey Amanda, this looks like a really cool event…and good for you guys for raising so much money for a good cause! I don’t do spinning at this point, but your post makes me want to start!
Girl, when are we gonna be makin’ sweet, suh-weet love?