I think most women, when faced with an opportunity to spend an overnight in Boston, would schedule a pedicure, relax and maybe sip on something while being pampered. Â Not me and my friend Shannon. Â We prefer to have a psycho scream at us in a dark room, with music blasting, as we spin ourselves into a frenzy of sweat and panic. Â Clearly, we don’t know how to relax!
The thing is, this is how we have fun.  We’re both busy moms of twins (she has two sets!), work and juggle fitness like so many others.  We also are both spin instructors and, when we scheduled our overnight to Boston, I knew she would be on board to check out something new and different for a fitness class.  We country girls never get the opportunity to indulge in the latest fitness trends unless we drive to NYC or Boston.  Barre isn’t setting up shop anywhere near our home towns anytime soon, so we have to take this opportunities when they present themselves.
Don’t worry, we also took plenty of time to shop, eat our faces off, have a few cocktails, and we even stumbled upon this gem:
Why is my namesake a chocolate shop? Shouldn’t this be something healthier?
Now, back to FlyWheel and our first experience in a big city spin class:
LOVED IT:
1. The atmosphere was fantastic and the amenities were great too. Â They actually had two choices of water – “cold” and “room temperature.” Â I mostly prefer room temperature, but when I’m going to sweat as much as I anticipated, I went with freezing cold (and so did Shannon). Â Spoiler alert – we made the right choice!
Choose your water temp wisely.
2. You can reserve a bike, online, anywhere you want in the room. Â They also provide towels, plastic bags for all your sweaty clothes afterward, and spin shoes with socks. Yes, yes they do. Â However, the thought of sweating buckets into used shoes just freaks me out, so I brought my own. Â I do love that they have them though, since not too many people commit to the expense of a clip-in shoe before they know it’s something they’re going to stick with. Â And the experience of a clip-in vs a regular sneaker is vastly different.
Fly board with cubbies for shoes and socks underneath, that coordinate to the bike number you reserved. Fancy.
3. The room was fantastic.  It was dark, the sound system was blaring but crisp and balanced with the microphone, so even though the instructor was reaching Ozzy decibels at some points, it wasn’t unbearable, and when he was talking like a human, you could make out every word.
4. The overall ride was a killer, so I’m going to put it in the LOVE column.  The format is not what I’m used to teaching – carefully constructed and timed intervals that he literally counted down at times – but it was so challenging that I didn’t even really notice, and changing it up was really great.
5. The leaderboard!  Of course I liked this aspect, right?  When you sign-up online, they give you the option of having a username that will appear on a screen in class, to let you know how you’re doing compared to the other participants.  We’re still not clear on exactly how this is calculated.  Does speed count most?  What if I’m riding at level 23 at 90 RPM but someone else is on level 20 at 100?  Does it take everything into account?  Who knows and really, who cares, but it was cool to see the board and what place you were in, plus they only pop it up a few times so you’re not constantly staring and obsessing over it.  Not that I would do that. *HA*
I hung in between third and fourth for the duration and, after class, they email you your “performance stats” so you can have a closer look and then measure your improvement each time you ride, as well as where you hang within your “region.” Â Now that is cool!
This was my report after class. They never asked my height and weight (I don’t think?) so not sure what that “estimated calorie burn” is based on?  I assure you that I ate and drank it all back later that evening…
LIKED IT:
1. The music.  Some of the songs I knew but they we remixed to the max, so it didn’t give me the usual motivating rush I’m used to, and then the rest of the songs I didn’t know at all but, they were motivating and upbeat.  Who am I kidding? By about 10 minutes in, I was delirious so, maybe I was just hearing things, and he played all my favorite songs. We’ll call this a wash.
2. The torque and resistance system. Â It was a little hard to get used to. Â Our instructor was excellent, and gave us the ranges we should be in, which I was pretty much able to keep up with, until he wanted us to hit 100 RPMs. Â Usually this isn’t an issue (like, at all) in my classes I teach, but I was having a hard time getting there. Â Like anything else, I think I would need time to get used to the system and I’m sure my legs and lungs would figure it out.
I was staring at this A LOT during class!
3. There was a weighted, upper body portion of the class.  I don’t know about you, but I like to just spin when I’m spinning.  Why muddle things?  We literally took out these weighted bars, in the middle of class, and did shoulder, bicep and tricep exercises for about 5 minutes.  It was fine but really not necessary. I noticed that a lot of people in class skipped it, so obviously it’s optional but really, what’s the point?
These belong in a functional strength class.
HATED IT: Â
1. Our instructor didn’t ride the whole time.  Not even close.  Again, he was a fantastic, motivating and extremely fit instructor.  In fact, there was freakin’ steam rising off of him for most of the class, which leads me to believe there was some very cold air blowing directly on him, so what gives, Colin?  He would ride like a bat out of hell (and scream like one at times!) and then just hit the brakes and sit on the saddle in a dead stop and cue us.  I’m not a fan of any instructor doing this ever.  Unless they’re injured.  There’s noting less motivating then the instructor not doing the workout.
2. The cool down. Â We basically just came to a dead stop with our legs after an hour of beating them into submission! Â My body actually started shaking so I kept my legs moving a little bit, even though we were instructed to stop and start our calf stretch in the saddle. Â We did stretch all our major muscle groups that we worked, but the abrupt stop of the legs was ugly.
3. Not having a class near me.  It was so, so great to just show up and do what I was told.  It was a grueling workout, all encompassing, and an escape and departure from what I’m used to.  Afterward I felt completely refreshed, even though I was thoroughly spent!  Nirvana.
After burn! Shannon and I were definitely not this smiley during class!
Afterward, we dragged ourselves through the Prudential Center (another perk!) and made have had a pitstop at White House Black Market before walking back to the hotel to get ready for a big girl steak dinner.  Obviously, we earned it!  We also may or may not have gone back to Burdick chocolates, because if it has my name on it, it has to be somewhat good for you, right?  Right!
How was your weekend?
Have you ever taken a FlyWheel class? Â Would you?
How would you spend a girls weekend in the city?
This is totally how I am on vacation too! I want to try all the new fun fitness things, check out the local trails, etc. My friends and family think I’m nuts.
Clearly we should vacation together!
If I took a spin class (which I think I have only ever done twice), I would like it if I could clip in. I have the shoes because I used to ride a fair amount with my husband (although not in years). You’re right, it is a very different experience!
I also forgot to mention they offer a cushioned seat cover! They really make it almost impossible not to at least try. It was a great class!
I heard of FlyWheel spin classes but we are also in an area that isn’t super up on the latest and greatest workout classes. I love spin and would love to try this. So cool that you got to do it!
You would LOVE this Kris! I know you were going to spin once a week, and you would definitely be ready to tackle this 🙂
So fun!! Glad you had an awesome weekend and got to try FlyWheel. I get so annoyed when spin classes incorporate upper body work into the routine. It doesn’t belong.
It was just odd. It kind kills the mojo and, because everyone needs different weight, it did almost nothing for me as far as biceps or triceps. #weird
not going to lie, my ideal would be spending the weekend shopping, but that is just me, because I do love to get my shopping on, but getting to go to Boston in itself for me would be awesome to me and haven’t gone in quite a few years, so hoping to get to go someday in the not too far off future. But loved hearing you whole experience (the good and the bad). Thank you for sharing here today 🙂
Thanks Janine!! I’m laughing because I totally get it. Trust me, it was so great to walk around, take our time and shop!
Wow, great info on the class, I felt like I actually did it myself! But without the sweating, cursing, and sore legs.
And that chocolate actually looks pretty darn awesome, I’m sure it’s FULL of antioxidants so enjoy!
All the benefits, none of the pain! Ha ha ha – I’m going to indulge in the chocolate tonight, so I’ll have to let you know if those antioxidants work their magic 🙂
I would *love* to discover my namesake is a chocolate shop!! If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be! You HAD to go!
FlyWheel sounds SO COOL!! (But yes, I would have picked the pedi in a heartbeat. That’s why my thighs look like my thighs, and your thighs look like your thighs.
I love that they provide the shoes. That’s really cool (even if it does make my inner germaphobe feel antsy. I know that’s my issue). I think the leader board flashing intermittently is also a great idea! They know their clientele! –Lisa PS. What gives, Colin? Next time we’re going to expect you to do the entire class!
Yes they do! They really have a great thing going, but clearly Colin and I have to chat.
The chocolate shop was so very cool and, we actually had lattes there the following day with scoops of white chocolate instead of sugar or cream. Can you say heaven? OMG!
Dude! Love Flywheel. The strength training bar is kind of weird! The class is so intense!! Weird that your instructor didn’t ride with you, maybe he had several classes during the day? When I went my instructor never left her bike, even when I needed help! smh. Glad you had a fun girls weekend, can you believe I have yet to visit boston? Sup with that?
Of course you do – the class is SO intense!! Can’t figure out the non-riding thing but, it happens.
I CANNOT believe you have never been to Boston. We need to makes some plans!!!
You know me. I love to incorporate lots of fitness into any vacation. It’s even better when the whole trip is planned around activity, like a week hiking and backpacking in a National Park. Of course, there’s no White House Black Market in Glacier, and that is one of my all-time favorite places to shop!
It’s a give and take, isn’t it? Ha ha ha!!! Yes, I would absolutely take a week of hiking almost anywhere – wow! Hope you post about it 🙂
ha! I was going to ask if you sampled your own chocolates.
If it actually happened, I hope they were fantastic.
What a fun trip! I love the idea of how you can choose water temp. I like ice cold water because I heard once that your body works harder when you drink it, but sometimes it hurts my teeth. Choices are great!
Yes, choices!! There were LOTS of choices at L.A. Burdicks! We actually got lattes and coffee cakes there the following morning, and I took home a travel mug and sample of caramels. So far, they are amazing. I would expect nothing less of course 🙂
I had the chance to try a Flywheel class and chickened out. I’m a casual spinner, at best and would have had to make the trip in just for the class (I wasn’t already planning to be in Boston that weekend). I really like their boutique concept, even if the instructor was lame!
I love that you had your own chocolate, it looks amazing!
It’s pretty intense but, yes they really know their clientele and the “regulars” seemed to be loving it. I’m glad we had the opportunity to go. Thanks NJ!
First – 2 sets of twins?! Wow!!!!
Glad you had a girls weekend – so fun!
I think I would like FlyWheel – I love brutal things like that!!!
Yes, two sets. That’s why we’re friends.
You would LOVE this Kim. So intense and very suitable for working through the stress of the day 🙂
Wait, two sets of twins?? Sorry, I was a bit sidetracked by that! Love that you got to check out a Flywheel class in Boston and glad that you had fun. I have been to SoulCycle and Flybarre but not a Flywheel class. I feel a bit mixed about them, mostly because of the price. So glad that you had a great weekend!
I know! That’s actually why we met. When we get ALL the twins together – it’s insane.
I would also like to try the FlyBarre class but, we needed something intense this weekend. Yes, the price! How could I not mention that? It WAS expensive – $25 for a single class! That’s when I know I’m not at the Y anymore 🙂
I would love t try a Flywheel class!! I also prefer the instructor to ride with me at least most of the time. I would also prefer the dark room and spinning over pampered. Sounds crazy when you put it that way 🙂
It does but, there have been a lot more people who actually DON’T think I’m crazy…at least out here in the fitness blog-o-sphere 🙂 The dark room was great and I actually did the same for my class this morning.
YOU WENT TO LA BURDICK- you were 3.5 blocks away from my apt!!! omg i totally could have seen you but not even known. crazytown. amazingly, i have not tried flywheel (despite trying every other workout studio from back bay to beacon hill)- so now i need to!!
WHAT?????? How could we let this happen? This is a huge failure and must be reconciled. First off – you live in a GREAT part of the city (but you already knew that) and FlyWheel is in your backyard. Maybe we can meet there sometime and go get chocolates afterward? 🙂
I love FlyWheel! It makes spinning so much more fun. The same things (legs shaking) happens to me after a class if I stop right away. I have to ease into stopping. lol. Otherwise I feel like I am walking on jelly out of the class.
Of course you do!! I thought I would enjoy the class but sometimes, you never know what will happen. I’m so glad it turned out the way it did! Would love to do a class with you sometime and we can hold each other up afterward…
I can’t believe you’re trying to act like you don’t own that chocolate shop. You can’t fool us, Allie. You need to be upfront and keep it real. ((side eye))
Darn it. Why do you have to reveal everything about me? What is this? A personal blog or something. Dang. Cover blown. 🙂
I’d be all over that type of girls getaway! I’m glad you were able to go. And the class sounds awesome, although I too would hate the instructor not doing it all and would definitely want a cool down. We have some sort of new spin classes coming to our gyms that sound pretty cool–I will be checking them out soon, I’m sure!
Of course you would! That’s how you roll 🙂 I hope you have some good ones coming your way. It’s always good to have some change and shake those muscles up a bit!
2 sets of twins…… wow!
That sounds awesome!!! That is totally my kind of girls weekend….I would totally do something like that!!!!
That place looks incredible….a water fountain like that is so cool!!!!
Yes, two sets of twins and yes, the amenities at this place were not something we were used to!!
OMG, that class sounds AWESOME! I wish I had the chance to try it out when I was back there last week!!! I would spend a girls weekend in the city by going to the spa and drinking lots of mimosas and shopping and sleeping in and eating and sleeping and drinking and sleeping…oh.wait….there wouldn’t be much time to do much if I was sleeping all of the time 😉
The only thing I did wish we had gotten more of was sleep, BUT at least we woke-up only taking care of ourselves and no crying or whining kids anywhere. Heaven.
So true! Totally different when you don’t have to wake up to take care of kids!
Flywheel is definitely an experience. For me, if the music isn’t great then the person better be stellar. I personally like the weight “break” and hate the leaderboard.
Overall, Flywheel is fun but let’s just say that in NYC it wasn’t my favorite BUT I surprisingly loved FlyBarre!
You just have too many choices mama!! Ha ha ha! I hear you about the leaderboard – it’s not cool for everyone and even I don’t want to be in “competition” (even with only myself) every single class. That, in and of itself, is exhausting. Obviously I need to come to LA or NYC (when you’re there) and try FlyBarre!
I love Flywheel so much! It is definitely my favorite spin class. I practically die in those classes. I LOVE the leaderboard but I’m so competitive! Haha. One time when I was riding a lot in the summer I actually came in first. One of my proudest moments! Your stats are really good (obviously!).
The torq/speed ratio puts out a current and based on your current you get points for the leaderboard so if you are riding at 90 RPMs at level 23 versus someone riding at 100 RPMS at 20, you are probably creating similar currents and thus have approximately the same points. But someone who is at 110 RPMS at 22 torq could be putting out the same current as someone who can maintain a 35 torq with like an 15 RPM (I’m just making up random numbers). It’s kind of confusing but I think it makes sense?
Also, I find that I can’t always stay exactly on the numbers the instructor cues depending on who is teaching and how hard the class is so I usually pick either the RPM or the torq and then just do my best. Sometimes I think they yell impossible numbers!
I totally agree with you about the “weights” I usually ride through it or just think of it as a different way to increase my resistance and build cardio endurance. It’s not strength training for me. Although I kind of like the break because I’m usually dying by then!
So glad you had such an amazing time!
I can’t thank you enough for breaking this all down! This is exactly what I was looking for, and I assumed it was based on something like that. I agree about the number vs torque as well – I just picked one and went with it.
HUGE congrats on “winning” a class – wow!!! A woman placed first in our class too (which was cool) and you could tell she was a serious cyclist. She was also like 6′ 4″ and rode like the wind 🙂
Thanks again Brittany. This was VERY helpful!!
I have to admit that the competition aspect of Flywheel has prevented me from going. I might have to just bite the bullet and give it a shot though!
You really should!!! It’s a GREAT workout, regardless of the leaderboard, and you don’t have to participate in that. There were plenty of people in my class who were not on the board.