Jumping on the spinning class train

I thought it would be fun to try something new at the gym. Trying new things at the gym can go a few different ways. You may master the new machine on the first try. You can maneuver the machine in a manner never before seen, but instead of admitting defeat you commit to the entire set leading others to believe that they are the ones doing it wrong. The last outcome I'll mention is that of complete failure and embarrassment.

I wouldn't limit gym experiences to just these three categories. My most recent adventure was to try out the early morning spinning class. The dark room echoing with Sarah McLachlan seemed like a good way to start the morning. The class had already started so I walked in and adjusted the seat and handle bar, not that I knew where they were supposed to be (please refer to the commitment technique). As soon as I started pedaling I realized, I hadn't really ridden a bike since middle school. Well, there was that one experience with the road-bike, where I forgot to locate the brakes on those curvy handles before heading downhill and instead of plummeting down said hill I thought it best to jump the curb, not that I know how to jump a bike. It ended badly. Back to the dark room. After a few minutes of zenlike McLachlan, the music changes into a pounding bass techno. The teacher wants us to crank it up, or at least what I deduce from her jihad shouts into the microphone. The rest of the class went on as I expected. Fast, slow, repeat, stretch. A good workout, a good start to the day. I made it through without embarrassment. A successful new exercise. 

To get to the parking lot from the gym there are two flights of stairs. Having just seen Run Fatboy Run, I knew to hold on to the rails (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyvcCdiFnYI). I'm glad I did because my legs were complete jelly. Other than that, I had no complaints about my first day. It was on my second spinning session that I discovered the surprise rite of passage for all new bikers. Your crotch is going to hurt! I was excited to get started with the session, until I sat down. Wow, that is not a pain I've had before. Instantly I realized that no human has ever naturally incurred this feeling. Only a bike seat, a rigid piece of leather with nil padding measuring 2X6 inches, can deliver this sensation. I had a newfound respect for world class bikers. I couldn't help but think of this picture of Lance Armstrong. If I only had one testicle left, I wouldn't ride naked on the most painful seat in the world.

So yeah, spinning, biking, good workouts.