In my hometown of Kleinburg, summer or winter, I can usually spot a group of 5 to 10 cyclists riding their bikes along the main road. With their colourful windsuits and lights blinking, it’s easy to spot them (as if you could miss 10 tandem cyclists). Each time I drive around them, I feel I must really exaggerate my curve around them, lest one of them fall and form a chain reaction of metal wreckage for me to run over. Maybe this fear is only a result of my own misgivings on 2 wheels (read the full article HERE), as the competitive cyclists always look fresh, gleaming with sweat, and totally in control of their wheels.

Something about this group intrigues me. Why would they want to cycle in the winter wind? Don’t they knock into each other, or want to break free from the pack, like a marathon winner?

Best way to find out is to try it out for myself! But don’t worry- the roads are free from me and my cycling catastrophies yet! This is something to learn in a controlled and safe environment.

I had heard about Spynga, which is indoor cycling plus yoga, from a friend. First you pedal your heart out in a 30 minute cycling class, then you move to the floor of the studio to stretch it out with a choreographed yoga sequence.

I signed up for circuit cycle flow, which even has some resistance training in the mix (why not get your cardio, strength training, and stretching all in one?). Arriving at my class, I walked into the light-filled and serene studio, welcomed by jewellery, books and clothing made by local artists. So far, definitely in my comfort zone. I could do this!

Gorgeous studio, complete with chandelier!

I had a tour and was shown the cycling/yoga combination room, as well as the massage treatment room. A massage sounds like a great way to unravel after an indoor cycling class. The studio room had two gorgeous black chandeliers lighting the room with warm light, bringing a touch of class to the prospect of sweating. I claimed a bike. The instructor, Jessica Tinkler, was hopping around from bike to bike, greeting people and making adjustments. I got a low, low seat and a bum cushion. Looking around, I followed the lead from my future cycling pack and started pedaling moderately to wake up my legs. Determination rising, I leaned forward on the handlebars, only to back off, afraid of falling forward.

The class started with some great tunes and energetic instruction. I went from pedaling awkwardly to getting into a rhythm. My behind caromed on the seat and I felt like I was levitating. Fans blew from many directions, and I imagined I was outdoors and enjoyed the wind. The rest of my pack was giving it their all. We simulated sprints and going up and down hills by adjusting the resistance on the flywheel.

Every time my legs started burning with fatigue I sat up, and Jessica provided another boost of motivation.

Finally we had done more sprints and hills than I had done in my life.

“Stop!” my legs screamed at me. “We’re used to warrior poses, not spinning! Remember your last bike?”

“Yes,” I answered through gritted teeth, “But the instructor’s saying to give it my all.”

This continued a bit, till finally they relented, and once again my I bounced on my seat, pedaling with fury to the finish line.

Instructor Jessica providing inspiration.

Next, we moved to the floor to perform some resistance training exercises. Jessica advised us on the most efficient ways to train our muscles while doing this.

Finally, a couple of stretches and we were on out way, our legs humming with activity.

With all new workouts, you only realized how hard you worked the next day. My butt was sore from pedaling fury and the resistance training took a number on my shoulders. So I had trained new muscle groups, and took one step closer to the open road.

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