It's A Force Field

Today for the first time I think I got inside the Evil Woman’s head. Well not literally of course but I certainly got a glimpse into how she plans out each 55-minute journey we take. I also know that it’s different each time just like the terrain would be if we changed bike courses each time we rode.  Most often when I start each class I try not to think about what’s in store for the ride I just turn it over to KJ and follow her instruction to the letter if I can.  But today as I clipped in I envisioned myself back in Central Park doing a 20 miller or a 30k race on foot and knew that I had to pace myself else I leave myself virtually Jackson Browne, running on empty. This mindset changed the whole dynamic for me because I was able to “see” myself not only finishing strong but also leaving just a little on the table for the next ride.  I think that was important when I was running competitively because it gave me the impetus to want to run just a little bit faster the next road race on the schedule. This could bear some meditation because I can easily get lost in the physical reality that we are not moving an inch but in this way I ride a 20 miler each time I get on board my Schwinn.  

Today in the front row it felt like spring training because my regular mates outside of David were missing. And as I looked outside at rides end I knew my other “infielders” were in the 915.  And in from the outfield was Don Berman. Normally in dead center in the last row here he was acting if he could play first base with ease.  

It was a great ride and I was extolling the virtues of Kristen’s professionalism to a good friend that rides exclusively with another and she too admitted that KJ has a vision and she delivers it with charm and an adroitness which is unparalleled at least to my way of thinking. And there was David Blatt back among us again. I thoroughly enjoy this man because he is pure in heart and has a dynamism that carries over in his professional life as well as he himself personally. Welcome back David.  He was also talking about a book, which I have to pick up: The Book of Birthdays by Russell Grant. He described a certain someone whose birthday falls on April 3 and he said this Aries was in the perfect job. I tend to agree. Below is the link if you care to take a peek. 

N.B. Darryl Gaines will be in the CS on Thursday for the 9:45 let's show him what we're made of. His friends on FB are raving about this man. 

http://www.amazon.com/Book-Birthdays-Russell-Grant/dp/0440508894/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330192282&sr=1-1

Darryl Gaines

Voila. Remember our new friend that was taller than the average bear? (By the way his name is Mike)  He’s got game that boy because he showed up in KSC and the “fresh meat” the kind that KJ likes was excited.  We talked about it in the locker room and as I chewed his ear off about what I do he told me in no uncertain terms he would be back for more.  

Well another season is nearing its end and with the Vernal Equinox due March 20th maybe just maybe we escaped the wrath of Old Man Winter this year and I for one am looking forward to earlier  sunrises and later  sunsets. Did you know that the word Equinox is Latin and it means equal night? 

  I was thinking about it on these dark winter mornings  and there’s just one thing I do miss about the old CS. The sun would rise on that side and even when the lights were low the natural luminous added a touch of energy that I do miss. What I don’t miss is the long lines for the last ten bikes that was a real PITA. That was a non-sequitur if I ever saw one. 

So just a reminder that Darryl Gaines from NYC will be here next Thursday for the 9:45 and as I was informed by Michelle Koss who has rode with him before his energy is electric. Let’s show this pro the caliber of spin athletes Kristen has trained us to be so that when he goes back to his territory he’ll have plenty to sparkle about for weeks to come.  

Fury

The sheer look of determination on her face made me think about a woman’s fury. And if looks could kill, the Evil Woman would have slain the 7th Army this morning in the 8:30.  I wasn’t sure what had her attention but I knew that whatever it was it was facing incineration in the next hour. Over the last week or two I have gotten used to pounding the pedal stroke more efficiently and my metabolic rate is on fire and today I consumed nearly 700 calories again. However there was one member I truly felt for today and that was Coop because while he was away he was not to be seen in any cardio endeavors by his own account and in the middle of the ride as I looked askance at him in the 2nd row, I could only imagine the devil of a time he was having getting back in sync.  

The last days of empty bikes this winter recess had me picking up a ride just before the half hour deadline and I found myself in Murderer’s Row, which is the front with David, Stacy and “Dirty Rotten” Cindy. Whenever my dexterity permits I always go for that first row for not only expediency in landing a bike but also that row virtually on top of Kristen is just expected to kick their own asses and with this lot I am assured of a great workout every single time.  

I am wondering if the bathing suit spin on Saturday is still on and besides being sexy I think Kristen is right on the mark about how we hold our posture when we’re half naked. I know that when I’m on the beach I hold my stomach in more and throw my shoulders back for the best wingspan I can exhibit. We will have to see I am not sure how much mileage this will get because after all someone might take it the wrong way including some of my readers.  

In the news:

 Next Thursday in the Lavender Palace at 9:45 EQ Woodbury will be featuring Daryl Gaines from Manhattan and if KJ is extolling his talent I think that we have to give this man a our attention and saddle up for him. Over the past two years we have been treated to outside talent that has been nothing short of stellar. To wit: Robert Sherman who still resonates with me more than a year later. So Mr. Gaines we look forward to your brand of spin and I am sure we will greet you will a full house.  

Duende

Click Here if you want to hear Jack read this entry to you. You will be redirected to our friends at Vocaroo: Vocaroo Voice Message

No illusion here what you see, hear and feel are the genuine article when you step into Kristen’s Spin Class. It is a rare occasion that a newbie is in our midst and today there was a new man that took on the challenge of KSC. I am sure he wasn’t disappointed however the real question is will he be back? Only he can answer that query it’s not for anyone else to say.

I had the occasion to welcome a new member in the locker room today by telling him that he had exceeded the height restrictions at our club and after a good-natured opening line we began to chat it up by talking about my favorite pastime. He asked me was it Kristen James’s class I just came from? (He noticed my drenched physiology) I said yes and then he exclaimed isn’t that impossible to get into? Difficult I told him but certainly not impossible if you use the right application and your hand to eye coordination is similar to a pinball wizard.

On further discussion he thought he wasn’t up for such a daunting challenge. I told him that the level of difficulty was purely his own determination. The amount of resistance on the pedal stroke was completely in his control and unlike a group class no one will know how much effort you put forth except yourself. I further explained that you wouldn’t be taking the class to lollygag and that simply one’s own integrity would be the measure for how hard you worked. He thanked me and although spin is not for everyone if you want an exercise that has virtually no impact on your body, a great way to incinerate calories and be in a group and not exercise alone this was a great option. For years after I stopped the personal training here at EQ I exercised by myself and I have to tell you it was lonely. Now I don’t have such problems.

Figure out what a duende is? She’s blonde and 5’9’ and if you need more hints drop me a line.

Definition of DUENDE

: the power to attract through personal magnetism and charm

Duende

Click here if you want to hear me read this entry to you. You will be redirected to Vocaroo: Vocaroo Voice Message

No illusion here what you see, hear and feel are the genuine article when you step into Kristen’s Spin Class. It is a rare occasion that a newbie is in our midst and today there was a new man that took on the challenge of KSC. I am sure he wasn’t disappointed however the real question is will he be back? Only he can answer that query it’s not for anyone else to say.

I had the occasion to welcome a new member in the locker room today by telling him that he had exceeded the height restrictions at our club and after a good-natured opening line we began to chat it up by talking about my favorite pastime. He asked me was it Kristen James’s class I just came from? (He noticed my drenched physiology) I said yes and then he exclaimed isn’t that impossible to get into? Difficult I told him but certainly not impossible if you use the right application and your hand to eye coordination is similar to a pinball wizard.

On further discussion he thought he wasn’t up for such a daunting challenge. I told him that the level of difficulty was purely his own determination. The amount of resistance on the pedal stroke was completely in his control and unlike a group class no one will know how much effort you put forth except yourself. I further explained that you wouldn’t be taking the class to lollygag and that simply one’s own integrity would be the measure for how hard you worked. He thanked me and although spin is not for everyone if you want an exercise that has virtually no impact on your body, a great way to incinerate calories and be in a group and not exercise alone this was a great option. For years after I stopped the personal training here at EQ I exercised by myself and I have to tell you it was lonely. Now I don’t have such problems.

Figure out what a duende is? She’s blonde and 5’9’ and if you need more hints drop me a line.

Definition of DUENDE

: the power to attract through personal magnetism and charm

Double Take

As I write this maybe it was just a little too far I went today. Having broken through to a new HR (160) and caloric count burn this week in KSC I was up for another shot to eclipse it right away. Cutting to the chase I did by a modest amount but along about 50 minutes in to the 8 AM soiree I had the nascent thought that I might do a double take of KSC. Normally it’s not possible to secure a bike for the second class as it’s hard enough to book the first one but on a holiday week such as this a few odd bikes were open and at it I went. Let’s just say I don’t recommend this practice because if you really go all out there’s not much left in reservoir after the first hour.  

Kristen had a seamless mix just like a DJ today because for most of the first class there was no iPod three-second break between each music selection and the collage was fabulous on all counts. And except for the new Madonna song there were no repeats in the two classes, which shows you just how much prep the Evil Woman does for each class. There were intervals two in fact where I thought I could make it to the end of the set but I started to break down in my pedal stroke and had to back off just a bit and I was close to reverse peristalsis at least once too.  Not a pretty thought but no one can say I don’t go animal.  I might be stupid but I don’t do as Kristen says “mediocre”.  

And I have to tell you from the 4th row it’s a different ride as I feel much more intensity in the 1st and 2nd row than from the bleachers but that might just be what I am used to. I love being close as it has me All Fired Up when I’m front and center.  I joked with Don that the Queen is really coming along and she is starting to get the hang of how to teach this class. In all seriousness though KJ has taken her charisma and spiked it to another level and there’s no telling how high and how hard we can go in the days, weeks and months ahead.  

I had a dream about a year and a half ago and that was to take off my shirt in class in February of 2012 and today my friends I did. I told my friend Michele to close her eyes as I switched jerseys for the second ride and more important than strutting my stuff was that I am feeling comfortable in my own skin again and not being afraid to be half naked.  

Double Take, not for the faint of heart and mind.  

Ever hear this artist? She made on album in 1980. You might remember this song at least some of you might. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbK0wUFzBMI

Relentless

Although persistent is a synonym of relentless if we believe Merriam-Webster, the former hardly qualifies for the intensity that permeates us when we speak the word relentless. Relentless means you never give up just like persistence does but when you are relentless you don’t take no for an answer. Persistent only goes so far as when we’re told to stop. Relentless has no stop sign. Now that we’ve cleared that up how was spin class today Jack?

It was AWESOME!  Is that word used to excess? Well I never use it so I am excused. That was the brief version of how great this class was today. I hit a HR of 160 and burned a stunning 668 calories. Now that might not be high for some of you but the highest I have ever fired was 575 and my HR never went past 140. So for this physiology to display those numbers I knew two things. One I was putting forth a great effort and I think I can venture to say I am in shape. Doesn’t mean I can’t get better? No,  because I know I am only touching the tip of the iceberg.  

And for the first time in a long time I can say that KJ’s choreography was splendid. (At least for me it was) Okay, okay she did play the long version of Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order but that new song by Madonna was HOT as well.  Whatever it was I was like Pat Benatar: All Fired Up!  What about the energy in the Lavender Palace? If energy is measured in joules then it was just like a visible photon. What does that mean? I mean you could cut it with a knife.  I was so amped up and apologies to anyone’s ear drums. And most of you know I only act out in Tripper’s class but today, well I just couldn’t help myself.  

 Madonna: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cItHOl5LRWg

Jack Returns Home

It occurs to me that my flagship blog KSC has not had an entry in over a week. If memory serves me I have never let that much time elapse between postings and even though I will be attending the Queen of Spin’s class tomorrow morning I thought it best to scribe just a few extemporaneous thoughts while I will no doubt be inspired by the Evil Woman and her new trademarked CYCLEology. 

In my time away from KSC I must confess that in truth there are only reasonable facsimiles to her brand of spin. I know that there’s only one Queen for my money and it’s Kristen James. She has had more of her share of life on life’s terms recently and when I saw her today in her office she seemed as resolute as ever about the world she inhabits.  Never getting too down or too exuberant lest she lose her perspective and have her listing starboard.  A mission, a purpose and most of all love drive this woman. Saddle up Jack!   

Touching Kristen

By no stretch of the imagination do I have a lock on who are the best spin instructors outside my universe but today Lisa Sanford was touching Kristen.   I never compare because one it’s not fair and secondly no two-spin instructors are alike. One pro may inspire another   but in the end they develop their own unique style.  

So what was it about Lisa that made me think of Kristen? I think it was Thomas Dolby; she blinded me with science. Kristen gives us charisma and a MS in Exercise Physiology a perfect combination that makes her the draw that she is.  Lisa is obviously well schooled out of Palm Beach State. And what I did glean from my one class with her was a repertoire that was beautifully choreographed with a personality that would charm the oranges off the trees. 

I loved her jumps and they had a unique twist that had us moving fluidly with two speeds within each interval with breaks in between. And then with one selection she had us isolating which I really love because it slows you down and puts all the focus on our legs and it requires a huge amount of concentration and effort. Both elevate my HR about 10 beats higher and leave me breathless.  She’s sharp, charismatic and when she told us to close our eyes because we could imagine something more I felt she must have studied some Zen because it worked.  And just for the record I burned 100 calories more than any other ride down here in Fa-la-la. 

Lisa Sanford: another star in the Southern Sky. 

Jenny Anything But Little

Introducing Jenny Little another diminutive star here in Southern Florida that was personally inspired by Gregg Cook from EQ Manhattan. In fact to hear Jenny tell it he helped shape her craft and I think that Jenny is an explosive talent that has still plenty of room to move up on the exponential curve.  You just know it. Kristen and Tripp both have it that certain savoir-faire, charisma and electric energy that goes far beyond whatever might come from their voice box.  And never did left-right-left-right have more meaning for me than the Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy 8 to the bar.  A syncopated rhythm kept us from losing focus, which had us near maximum effort without staying too long in the anaerobic zone. Jenny Intangible Little is what I would call her.  Sweet with just enough piquant flavor to compliment her distinctive staccato like delivery.

Jenny sells out every class and when those latecomers were turned away it felt just like KSC. People know talent and when you find someone that gives 100% you respond in kind. Jenny Little: Catch this act.  

On a day that Long Island EQ was focused on the all-important Cycle for Survival this Saturday, I was far from the Madding Crowd and although I missed you in physical please know that I felt your energy from a 1,000 miles away.  

I Like How It Feels Part IV

Did I ever tell you about how much I love spin? Maybe I haven’t said enough about it for it to really sink in just yet. Could be I need another 500 vignettes to convince myself that I have found a fitness regimen that keeps my injury risks at virtually nil? A cramped foot at night when I have to jump out of bed might be my only gripe.

I like how it feels when the pedal stroke and my Schwinn are in synchronicity. 

I like how it feels when you can talk to your heart and it responds magnificently. 

I like how it feels when I hit my browser refresh and I secure a bike in KSC. 

I like how it feels when people I have known for years do a double take. 

I like how it feels when I watch the Enrique Iglesias video and am reminded of attacking the hill.

I like how it feels when the Evil Woman says: You can do anything for 30 seconds. 

I like how it feels when my medium shorts are loose.  

I like how it feels when my belt is cinched to the last loop and I can’t tighten it any further. 

I even like how it feels when someone says I am being supercilious writing so many stories about spin class.  

And I like how it feels when someone says: Just how much weight did you lose Jack?

P.S.

When is Pitbull going to sing with Lady Gaga?

The Red Wheel

When I spin in someone else’s room I can take chances.  When I am in KSC the Evil Woman has every one of our moves drawn in blue in a perfect schematic with every inch caliper measured like an engineers blueprint.  This week without the guiding voice of our mercurial master I took the resistance wheel and pretended that it had only one direction: up.  With each passing interval I turned that red knob another ¼ turn to the right.  

My guide was Dr. Lori Podray with a look and physiology that belied her age and provided a perfect backdrop that gave me the leeway somewhat akin to spinning solo.  Her hand characterized by the lightest of touch yet a sweet urging to bring our HR up to 85%. Her instruction was more a function of her polite demeanor versus the stern hand of our beloved EW. However at rides end it was the same pool dipping drenched attire and small lake underneath my Johnny Q. Spinner that gave me some of the same satisfaction of our own Lavender Palace.