Friday, September 30, 2011

Canadian Cycle Class: It's American-like but with different-coloured bikes.

When I was back in Canada last month, my sister, known to all just you guys as GymSis, could not wait to take me to her gym.  And since I had inspired her with the posts here, here, here and here, she felt compelled to drag her younger sister to her spin class. Oh joy.

People say we look like twins, but I don't see it.

She was kind enough to bring me a water bottle (courtesy of ChatterNephew). Oh hey, can we talk about this water bottle for a minute?  I struggle with these in general.  I avoid wide-mouth bottles when I can because I end up looking like I have a drinking problem.


No, like a physical problem.


I tend to do best with the adult sippy cup, a.k.a. the CamelBak water bottle.  You just bite... and sip! (Anyone else hearing the "Bend and Snap"?)  

I think we could all agree that I would be Paulette in this scenario.

Don't get me wrong, the *bite and sip* is awesome.  But it did not prepare me for the fancy Contigo bottle.  You have to push a button under the lip of the bottle that retracts the top so you can drink.  There is a timing issue that GymSis had to explain to me after I may or may not have spilled everywhere:  you let go of the button before you take it away from your mouth.

Well when you explain it that way...


Ok, back to the class. We chose our bikes and hopped on; GymSis found one with a fancy, sparkly red seat.


The bikes were on the older side, so the tension knobs were a little off.  I would turn and turn and turn, spinning tension-free.  Then suddenly I would just jerk to a halt.


Once the class started, the teacher (her name was Natalie) always had lovely motivational phrases, such as:


And:


Start??  Really, Natalie?  I think that happened when I sat on the bike.  I was definitely a level beyond 'slightly breathless'.


I got to try something new in this class:  jumps.  Natalie was once again very um, uh, motivating.


Side note:  While talking about this later with my mom, she couldn't understand how we performed that maneuvre without hurting ourselves.


After surviving the ride, GymSis took me downstairs to meet our mom for a nice, relaxing BodyFlow class.


Imagine my surprise when I saw the instructor.

(That white scarf did not fool me.)

The class involved some tai chi,


some pilates,


and some yoga.


GymSis' bendiness is so impressive!

Hmm? What's that?  Where's *my* yoga pose, you ask?

Ta-da!


NEXT POST: A NEW WAY TO RUN


DON'T FORGET, you can go to my Zazzle store to buy your favourite TRI-ING TO BE ATHLETIC picture on a shirt, tote, mug, bumper sticker, or tech decal! There are lots of shirt styles and colours so look around.  Let me know if you have any questions or requests :D

38 comments:

  1. oh my gosh, I laughed so much at the "attack" picture... Love it!!

    Great post!

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  2. I love jumps! My favourite part of spin class, although I haven't done it for awhile. I've never done BodyFlow, but I probably should. My muscles are all tense from the other classes.

    I can't drink out of all those fancy water bottles either. I've given up and just carry plastic water bottles around with me like Goldilocks - the top of the bottle is just right. Not too big, not too small. And they have never leaked all over the inside of my bag, which is more than I can say for the official water bottles.

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  3. That was great! Very funny. Never tried a spin class, and thanks to your viking instructor, I don't know if I need to. But you have motivated me to master the intricacies of the water bottle.

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  4. WOW! Your family sounds fun! My family could never go to the gym with me.. they would hate it!

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  5. Mrs. Q: Thanks! That image popped into my head immediately during the class :)

    Ixy: Who needs fancy when you have practical, right? You love jumps? You must have legs of steel!

    Pickleope: Thanks :) Keep me posted on the water bottle and let me know if you come up with some good tips! Maybe you could post a tutorial ;)

    Meghan: Yes they are :) Now I want to know what you do at the gym!!

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  6. "People say we look like twins, but I don't see it."
    Had me cracking up! :)
    Water bottles can me very tricky. You almost need some kind of degree to utilize them properly! :)

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  7. Too funny! I think we are both equally skilled in yoga& water bottles!!

    You'll have to do a guest post on my blog at some point ..you crack me up!

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  8. From GymSis:

    You are so accurate :0)

    As of last week, we got new fancy shmancy NEW bikes! The tension dial is a wee bit more sensitive than the old ones!

    It was fun taking classes with you :o)

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  9. KSK: Yeah, who knew such a simple thing like a water bottle could be so complicated!

    Yvonne: Let's talk :)

    GymSis: New bikes! So sad I missed that! Yes, I try to be accurate...we'll have to take more classes together next time :D

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  10. You do realize that your 9 year old "chatter nephew" uses that water bottle every day right????

    As for being accurate, I am flattered that you pictured me standing upright after spin class, but my memory "pictures" it a bit differently :p It seems to me, I look quite a lot like you pictured yourself! :)

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  11. i died at your depiction of Paulette. Dead on. Uhh I've never "jumped" in spin class. That sounds like a good way to break something. I'm the same way with yoga poses. I tried one class and went RUNNING for the hills. I want to love it, but my body tells me, "you are not flexible and you are a spazz. Just embrace that". I think we both know that I have issues with water bottles as well. I've choked too many times on water.

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  12. ha ha, this is too funny. Whenever I try to do cycling classes, my crotch falls asleep. I really must get better shorts!

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  13. Love it...you were very kind in not showing how coordinated I am...must be genetic...we were hysterical...keep us laughing

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  14. aw - I'm so jealous you got to workout with your sis and your mom - I have 3 sisters and none of them will work out with me! I can totally relate to your water bottle troubles - I always seem to be spilling!

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  15. Spin classes were created by the Devil! And that water bottle sounds ridiculously complicated, haha!

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  16. Hey, I have a drinking problem too! And an eating problem.

    I laughed out loud at the black bandanna being replaced by a white one. She thinks she's so clever, but we are ON to her!

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  17. You may have dribbled all over yourself but at least you didn't bash someone in the nose. Water bottles ARE tricky, switching the color of your head scarf does not a disguise make, and I loved your floating balloon head. I've experienced that feeling many a time while "exercising".
    As always, this was great!

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  18. GymSis: Yes, well he is more coordinated than me, clearly. As for the post-class look, granted you were sweaty. But you weren't begging everyone around you for a dollar to buy some gatorade.

    MegO: Hehe, thanks! I'm afraid for when we finally meet. We'll be 2 sober people choking and tripping over everyone.

    Amanda: Your crotch falls asleep?? Yeah, maybe new diaper shorts are in order :)

    Mom: Thanks! No question as to who I come from :)

    Kathy: It was fun :) I really don't understand why water bottles are made the way they are!

    Dr. Cynicism: I completely agree! And, the bite and sip is the way to go.

    Dwija: We can't all be perfect, right? And yeah, the bandana was not sneaky at all :)

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  19. That jump move looks awfully dangerous! I don't think I'm graceful enough for such a thing.

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  20. Ok, I'm completely sure now why I don't "Spin".

    Allie

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  21. Was there moaning happening...on purpose? Like a Lamaze class? I hate that. Panting, wheezing, hyperventilating..those sounds I understand. No moaning...no no no.

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  22. VV: Yes, you are right about that. I did not bash anyone in the nose :)

    runningonwords: Yes, that would be crazy. Thankfully that was just what my mom imagined :) Jumps just basically mean you stand up quickly (I think--it's all a little blurry).

    Allie: Probably a smart move :)

    Tonya: Oh geez, I really hope I wasn't moaning.

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  23. Spin Instructor NatalieOctober 2, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    Love it! To funny! Who knew I looked so intimidating up there:). Looking forward to having you back in my class.
    Nat ''Vicking'' instructor.

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  24. Well hello, Spin Instructor Natalie :) So glad you liked it! Those times you saw me smiling...I was picturing *this* post :D See you next year!

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  25. I loved your drawings. This was so much fun.

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  26. stressthynameisamber: Thanks so much for coming over--glad you enjoyed it!

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  27. hahaha I always know I'm in for a good laugh when I come by "ATTACK" lol

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  28. This confirms my life rule. Never do excercise with a silly name!! It's worked for me so far - and I bet I'm WAAAAAY older than you!

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  29. Ali Mc: Thanks! I feel like 'attack!' was said many times :D

    Come At Me Bro: thanks :)

    Red: Well, I don't know how many 'A's you need in that 'way', but if it ain't broke...

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  30. Hahaha!! That sounds like quote the gym adventure!!! I've always fancied a spin class but after 'attack?' maybe I will leave it a bit later.

    Stopping by from Weekend Wander!

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  31. too funny! I stil haven't tried a spin class, but when I do, i'll feel better thinking of your experience. :) Such silly/fun illustrations! LOVE!

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  32. Hi, I'm a new follower from the Weekend Wander blog hop. Hop over and say HI if you get a chance.
    Jennifer from Just Wedeminute

    OK, this has to be the funniest blog I've ever seen. You are totally cracking me up! Love all the cartoon pics they are awesome!

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  33. Missy: It's intense, but really a great workout which is why I keep going back :)

    Ajax: Thanks! Glad I could boost your confidence :D

    Jennifer: Thanks so much! Glad you're here :)

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  34. I just came across your blog and must say it is refreshing. Your pictures are great and your story was hilarious.

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  35. I definitely prefer the bite and sip variety of H2O bottle. And what on earth are these death defying kind of spin class jumps? Insanity!

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  36. Samantha: Thank you! Glad you found me :)

    Lindsay: It's the best, isn't it? That depiction of jumps is really just what my mom pictured...they're not actual jumps :D

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  37. Haha! I love this! "You have 4 chances to get this right!"
    Came across your blog today and really enjoyed reading this. Your drawings really bring the story to life!

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