Spin, Doctored

By Sarah Bailey

Putting some yoga soul into a cardio-heavy cycling class

A year ago three New York women devised their dream workout combo and created Soul Cycle, intense spin classes that include meditative music and the muscle-toning practices of yoga.  iYogaLife rode in on this hot new class in New York City, and picked up tips from senior instructors Stacey Griffith and Laurie Cole on how you can create the calming—and then energizing—cardio workout in your own gym’s spin studio. And we’ll tell you how you can cycle with soul at home, too.  

What it Is: You can burn 500-1000 calories in a one- hour spin class, making the bike seem like an ice cream lover’s dream machine. But techno music and maniacal instructors scare some back to the yoga mats. Soul Cycle takes a more sane approach to spin with classic rock like "Stairway to Heaven" and yoga breathing exercises that help refuel riders for their sprints. The only drawback: The West 72nd St. studio charges a whopping $27 for 45-minutes of spin.

How it helps you:  Combining yoga and cardio accelerates the weight-loss benefits. “If people do the same workout at the same time, same place, everyday their bodies adapt and they don’t get the results they want” says Kathy Smith, producer of best selling fitness tapes and books such as her 2007 Ultimate Sculpt workout video. “Cross training is perfect for people who have reached plateaus and feel mentally and emotionally stale.”

How do Soul Cyclers cross train? Spinners lift one-pound weights, doing bicep curls and tri exercises, while moving their legs at full speed for one or two songs. You can also throw other resistance training moves into your bike workout: Griffith works pushups on the handlebars into her sprints while amping up the tunes. (For you music buffs Gym Class Heroes’ “Cupid’s Chokehold” is the song of choice). Make sure your whole body’s constantly moving to maximize the workout.

The Right Spin:  Cole says finding the perfect spin instructor is like dating– sample a bunch to see what you like.  If you find yourself in a too-stressful class, try Griffith’s refocusing method: Close your eyes and concentrate on breathing until you forget everything but the workout. You can return to this same centered, calm position at any moment during the routine.

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