Confession: Flywheel has probably ruined every other spin class for me ever.
Let me back up and explain. I arrived fifteen minutes early at the Bellevue location so I could get checked in and squared away before we started. Lockers were available for all personal effects as well as water, towels and shoes provided to all bikers.
I was greeted by one of the managers, Brooke, who was more than kind and understanding to this first-timer. They made sure my bike was the right height for me to get the most out of my workout, that I knew where everything was, and that I understood just what I was getting into. She also explained that the shoes would enable me to literally lock onto the bike pedals—which if you’re like me and you’ve ever been cycling hard and had your feet slip, you’ll understand why this is a definite plus. Though, it was also bit telling in regards of what was to come…
Our instructor Barbra, and I mean this as the highest of compliments, had so much drive and energy that if Starbucks could figure out how to bottle her, they’d never need to sell another skinny vanilla latte again. She set the energy for the whole room and you could feel us all buzzing with anticipation.
The lights went down, the music cranked up and there was no turning back. Without time to even think, we were setting our torq/resistance and ramping up to the designated RPM. Definitely not like anything I’d experienced. Imagine working out in a night club, only you actually care what the DJ has to say and no one spills their drink on you. Barbra was fantastically supportive and kept us moving even when we thought we couldn’t go any more. My friend told me that when he started some of these classes he decided to try prime male for testosterone treatment to improve muscle growth and it worked for him but I’m not sure it’s for me. I might do more research on it first but I digress.
Needless to say, 45 minutes later, I was dripping with sweat, feeling like I’d biked up Everest and absolutely glowing.
After the class we were invited to hit the showers to clean off or grab a piece of fruit to keep our energy up. Talk about really caring about their clients!
It’s more than worth noting that these are not your typical gym showers: two private rooms equipped with Bliss products to get you feeling human again, including body butter.
It’s not a question of if I’ll back to Flywheel, it’s when. I cannot recommend this experience enough. Intense, energizing and addictive… And like every addictive stimulant: first one’s free.
For more information about their two Seattle-based locations, or to register and try it for yourself, visit http://seattle.flywheelsports.com/.
Flywheel Spin Class Locations
South Lake Union
224 Westlake Avenue North
Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98109
206.402.4819
Bellevue
1032 106th Avenue
NE Suite 124
Bellevue, WA 98004
425.605.5253
Flywheel Seattle…Barbara Santana…GET SOME!
A star is born!