“You HAVE to try it! It’s a totally new experience!” My friend’s enthusiasm didn’t move me, even slightly. “Seriously, spinning really doesn’t appeal to me. I just don’t think it’s for me.” After a good ten minutes of persuasion, I decided to register for Flywheel, the latest indoor cycling craze to hit Dubai from New York. I signed on for the 45 minute class and as this was my first time, the class was free.
I didn’t sleep well the night before my class; as though it was the night before an exam. Even though I am by no means a fitness fanatic, I’ve always been active in some way and a regular attendee at my local gym, but the thought of something this intense really made me nervous.
I arrived at Flywheel and signed in at the do it yourself laptops. This ensures that your scores are recorded so you can find out how far you rode and approximately how many calories you’ve burned after the class. Inside the class, the bikes are lined up on different levels so everyone can see the instructor. Each bike is fitted with a “tech-pack” which lets you know the resistance or “torque” as they call it, your cycling speed and your power output. This helps you know how well you’re performing throughout the class. Those with a competitive streak can register their name to be placed up on the big screen to compare their performance to others in the class. There was a real mix of people ranging from beginners to pro-cyclists each riding at a pace that suits them.
The playlist was well chosen to amp up the energy of the class at specific times in the work out. The workout itself varies between fast paced, low resistance intervals to high resistance, slower paced “climbs” to really keep the heart pumping, with three variations to the riding position to keep core muscles working hard throughout. Riding to the beat made me completely lose track of time.
Before I knew it the 45 minutes were up and to my utter shock, I loved it! I was pumped up and ready to go again! I went to the laptops again to check my scores. I was stunned to discover that I had burned between 606-681 calories. A first for me for such a short work out.
Needless to say I have been back twice a week ever since, even taking on the challenge of a 90 minute charity ride; my scores improving steadily with every ride.
They recently introduced Flybarre classes to the mix. Combining the disciplines of yoga, pilates, strength building and circuit training, this full- body workout uses high repetition exercises and low weights, using a wide range of props to add resistance and help tighten and shape muscles. This class is very challenging and really makes you feel the burn but complements the indoor cycling well.
The Verdict: These classes are ideal if you’re in a fitness slump and are looking for something different that will get you back in the class time and time again with gradual yet visible results. The instructors high energy personalities, great taste in music and their ability to keep you going without even breaking a sweat, is truly inspiring.
Click on the gallery to see more pictures from the world of Flywheel.
