Maybe it’s because I can feel the beat of the music or maybe it’s just a learned response that I know when to put my hand on that red resistance dial. Probably a combination of the two but as I complete my 5th year in spin I ask what have I learned? And more importantly how have I changed?
I came in on a whim and what followed was a journey of the body, mind and ultimately it has been afflatus that engulfed my spirit. A loner most of my life for many psychological reasons I suspect and spin class brought me out of my hermit status that had me believing a social shut-in was the way to go. I started shy as a boy and teen but broke out of my shell on the dance floor, which ultimately had me opening my speech pattern unlike most men. Years later I was to return to the easier softer way of isolation.
As I often digress the question I posed was what have I learned? I think the biggest gift came through my writing. At first it was the recognition (which I craved) then later much later I found friends that would change the course of my life. Those people have shown me who they really are once I allowed them to. I’ve battled self-esteem issues probably stemming from my active alcoholism but group exercise spin class restored me to my real personality. Enigmatic to some and also to myself the joy of waking up motivated to return to my former athleticism, to my long distance runner roots was truly a gift bestowed.
Lately though my exuberance has waned I still want to go but I find myself staying away when my normal ritual was to spin 6 sometimes 7 days a week. As with anything moderation is always advised and it is a watchword I rarely followed. Now in answer to what I’ve learned it’s to listen to my body and now I will gravitate to changing my routine. Not less exercise but just more diversity as the Evil Woman has always extolled. Obsession to spin has left me and it’s okay. And I sometimes find myself daydreaming in class. As long as it continues to be fun I will continue.
