I am not exactly the type of person you’d describe as “fit” due to my obsession with sweets and my tendency to evade any form of exercise. So when I was given the opportunity to go to a rooftop spin class one weekend, I was hesitant.
I’ve been to a few spin classes years ago and I was terrified of having to feel like a beginner in what could be a rooftop full of advanced riders who already knew what to expect from the session. It didn’t take long for me to realize how dumb of a reason this was not to go. Was I really going to let my self-consciousness win yet again? Though still unsure of myself, I went anyway — and wow, was I glad that I did.
I arrived promptly at local indoor cycling studio Electric Studio’s Rooftop Ride venue at Fairways Tower, Bonifacio Global City feeling completely underdressed. Everyone else was ready with their caps, sunglasses, and sunblocks to prepare for a 45-minute cardio workout underneath the setting sun. Thankfully, the lively beats they blasted on the stereos and the scenic view of Metro Manila from 30 stories high were enough to distract me from my unease.
As soon as the floor filled with Electric Studio’s stationary bikes opened, I headed straight to my bike stationed at the far left. It took a few minutes for everyone to settle down on their saddles and for me to psych myself up. I had to remind myself not to freak out — I’ve been told by Electric Studio’s spinning instructors before to test my limits but to not go overboard, and it gives me comfort to know I won’t be shamed for controlling my pace.
All worries and anxieties instantly disappeared as soon as the first beat drops and the class, led by instructors Jam and Gigo, begins.
(ALSO READ: 22 Female Indoor Cycling Instructors Who Will Empower You to Keep Moving)
To everyone who has yet to try a spin class like this, here are a few things you ought to know:
- It’s a party and a group workout rolled into one. I can’t tell you how much I loved all the music they used throughout the ride! You’ll be tempted to just dance it out or sing at the top of your lungs if you weren’t so focused on the exercise routine. Honestly, the fun and the high energies are what will make you keep coming back to spinning!
- You’ve got to let loose. This is what I learned minutes into the ride. You can’t keep thinking that you can’t do this, that you can’t keep up with the pace, that you can’t move along to the beat as effortlessly as everyone else made it seem. You just gotta do and let your body speak for itself.
- It doesn’t matter if you’re alone and it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner. You’re there for yourself in a room full of people who’re on the same boat as you. Did I feel bad that I couldn’t keep up as well as the others? Yes, a little, but it didn’t matter in the end because it was my journey and my experience.
In the end, I was sweaty and tired, and my legs felt like jelly. But I’ll never forget the sense of achievement, the feeling of fulfillment, and the beautiful view of the sunset that day.
I may be averse to working out, but spinning is one I wouldn’t mind getting into. I’m looking forward to my next ride!
(ALSO READ: 22 Male Indoor Cycling Instructors Who Will Inspire You to Get Fit)
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Electric Studio
Branches in: Salcedo, BGC, Podium, Alabang
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