Yesterday I did spin for the 4th day in a row! Everyone is right — it really is addicting, even though I hate it while I’m there! For some reason I can’t wait to go back and do it all over again. I’m especially glad I did this last night, since it was a teacher I never tried before and it was seriously the best spin class of my life (I have taken spin a bunch of times at a few of the gyms I have belonged to. Last night when my heart rate got to the 190s, it wasn’t because I was pushing myself, it was because I was having fun. It made me think about why this instructor was so much better than the others. In other words, what makes a good spin instructor?
1. Happy to be there – this guy was HAPPY to be teaching this class
2. Cameraderie – he was friendly with the students and knew the regulars well
3. Interaction – throughout the class he was walking around the room interacting with us. He saw my HRM and said “Very good!” This made me happy! Another time he came up to me and told me to relax my shoulders (something I always have a hard time doing). I enjoyed the personal attention.
4. MUSIC – SO important. It was obvious he carefully selected his playlist and each song fit what we were doing at the time. During a particularly fast sprint, the music was a fast drum-beat that made me want to go FAST. During climbs the music became more motivating, and, well, climb-like. Downhill, same thing with the fast beats. I was disappointed on Monday when the playlist was the same as the Sunday one – since they were different teachers! This guy brought a little Macbook with iTunes open and obviously cared.
5. Motivating – he was so motivating in everything he said, he really got the class excited and involved
6. Not boring – Instead of three 6-minute hills, he split it up into hills of varying lenths
7. Pushed us to work harder – Instead of instructing us to lower our resistance after each hill, he instead encouraged us to NOT touch it at all! I didn’t typically follow this, but it was nice that he was pushing
8. Funny – he was a funny guy, using intermittent spanish words
9. Helpful – before class started he asked if anyone needed help with their bikes, pedals, etc. Normally when I approach a teacher before class to ask for help they are less than friendly about it. This guy actually offered help! But now I know to sign up for the bikes with foot saddles on, so I was all set. Good to know for next time though.Â
10. Really seemed to care that we all have the best spin experience possible
Overall, a really great class! And no wonder — look at the instructor’s website!
“Pablo Toribio was featured in New York magazine’s Best of New York issue as the Best Spinning Instructor in NY 2005. He also was featured as a top instructor in Time Out New York magazine and Resident magazine and appeared on NY1 News, ABC Prime Time Live and other features.”
Sara over at EatFabInNYC also had a great spin teacher last night at her gym! The teacher really makes a difference. Now I can’t wait to take his class every Tuesday! I am leaning more and more towards getting spinning shoes.
In other news, I brought the SmartPill monitor to the doctor yesterday. It only takes the doctor a few minutes to upload my results and read them, but I don’t know how busy he is and when he will actually get around to doing it. His office told me a week, but I really hope it’s sooner – I am DYING of curiosity. I do believe this test will provide some insight.
On a brighter note, it is NYC Restaurant Week! Tonight I am going to Japonais and tomorrow to China Grill. Very excited… just hope my tummy is okay… always a worry. But, I will enjoy myself and avoid the foods I know will bother me the most.
I am going to Seattle to visit my brother Matt Matt, his girlfriend Mallory and their puppy Santana in a few weeks! I am very excited about it because ever since my brother moved to Seattle to work for the Man I don’t get to see him much (and by the Man, I mean Bill Gates. Obv.). The last time I was in Seattle, Santana hadn’t moved in yet. She was taking a long holiday at Mallory’s parents, so I am VERY excited to play and cuddle with her! My brother belongs to a really nice gym, but I don’t think I will get to go because of time constraints. Maybe if it isn’t too cold out I will attempt my first outdoor run?
 
