As you may have gathered I rather like a bike and all that goes with it. Although, this hasn’t always been the case. A few years back I decided to sign myself up for an open challenge cycling across Central America. This prospect both frightened and excited me! I hadn’t ridden since I was a nipper so decided to get my bike out of the shed, dust it down and take it for an outing. Winter had set in so rather than brave the cold for training, I scoured the internet for other ways to train without my hands and feet freezing. Then I came across spinning (cycling indoors on a static bike). I know this is not everyone’s cup of tea but from the moment I started I have committed to it and reaped the benefits.
This is mainly down to the studio I use and the instructors. The Pedal Studio, Putney not only offers great bikes and very knowledgeable instructors but this is all done within a relaxed and sociable environment. It’s going from strength to strength and it’s good value for money. It differs slightly from your usual gym spinning class as the music is not so loud and there’s not a flashing disco light in sight!
Spinning has been great for core strength, endurance and interval training purposes. We also work with a heart rate monitor so you can see how hard (or not so hard) you are working. For those interested, I successfully completed my overseas cycling challenge and both laughed and cried at the undulations!
My second newly discovered hobby is bouldering (a form of climbing on a low level wall without ropes). A brand new indoor bouldering centre recently opened in Parsons Green called Urban Ascent and this is where I ventured for my first experience. Admittedly, I was a little anxious as I have little upper body strength so wasn’t quite sure how I was going to scale a wall. As it turned out, I took to it well and couldn’t get over the strength I felt in my arms just after my first session. The staff were incredibly helpful and approachable and for that very reason I am signing up!
Everyone has their ways of keeping fit and mine are geared towards building strength in my legs and upper body. I do enjoy the odd run but if you can find something you enjoy then you’re more likely to stick with it. Happy training!
