Spin Class, What Fresh Hell Is This

Today was open day at the Y. The kids were super excited because they were giving out free tee shirts! Since the hubs had a rare day off he went with us. The Y was hosting sample classes and I was hoping to sample Zuma or yoga. Instead my daughter and I stumbled into Spin 101! My husband, you ask? Yeah, he got the hell out of dodge and left me with a lady from work who loves spin class and my daughter who was actually enthusiastic about moving. I knew there was no way I was getting out of this, so I signed in and away we ventured into hell.

The spin room is an old racquetball court that has been converted to a spin room. The room is painted red, black with orange highlights. The lights stay off. Rope lighting and a spotlight over an orange painted YMCA logo provide the only lights in the room. The ambiance is very soothing, which we learned was to help the spinners get into the "zone" and focus on your ride. Very Zen!

There are about 25 spin bikes. We were informed that these bikes were different than other stationary bikes because the wheel is weighted 40 pounds. This was the first sign I was entering hell! Who wants to peddle the weight of a small child? The instructor was very sweet and set my bike up for me. It required a lot of adjustments and the only thing I remember is my seat goes all the way up and it sits at a 4!

The next warning/instructions given were the use of the emergency brake, which is a big red lever on the front of the bike. Apparently,  if your foot comes out of the straps you have to hit the emergency break so the bike doesn't take your legs off. Oh happy day, sign two I have entered hell!

The music started and the instructor started talking my daughter and I through our first spin class. Not one minute after starting, the instructor informed us that we could ignore her instructions and do our own thing because spin is all about enjoying the ride. WHAT?! Sign three I have entered hell, no clear instructions on how to get through this and it started to get hot.

Thirty minutes of attempting to stand, sit, and adjust the weight on the wheel had me sweating, I mean pouring sweat. I knew we had arrived into the depths of hell when Satan, oops the friendly instructor, came over to tell me I wasn't standing right and added more weight to the wheel. What the hell happened to doing your own thing?

The liar, liar pants on fire saying came to my head. This was not fun like my work friend said. I was not getting to do my own zen thing. Oh, and my pants were literally on fire. I never have had my butt hurt so much on a bike as it did in the thirty minute ride. The happy club music ended and so did hell, or at least I thought until people wanted to talk to my daughter.

My daughter that thinks getting up to change the channel is exercise?  She wasn't sweating and having a blast! She even asked if we could make going to spin class a weekly thing. I suggested we take up running together,  but Satan, I mean the instructor, told us spinning is so much better for your joints. The "be a good example" mom in me said sure before the "crazy says what" mom could say hell no! So, once a week I guess I'll be battling Satan in hell, opps I mean getting in shape at spin class!

Where Can I Find a Snowflake Like You

Today was my second day working out at the Y. I specifically picked the Y to workout in because of its family orientation and its rowers.  Since I knew that I would be by myself most of the time, I figured I wouldn't have to deal with agressive men hitting on me. To be honest, with my recent weight gain I can't imagine anyone voluntary hitting on me, especially in my spandex.  I mean look at the picture. That's how I went to the gym! Rolled out of bed, put on my clothes and headband. My daughter even asked if I was going out like this. My response: Yes, I'm going to workout, not participate in a fashion show!

I arrived at the Y around 9am. There were several seniors taking classes and working out. There were also a few stay at home moms and two teens. I proceeded to the rower, took off my sweatshirt and commenced rowing. I row in five minute sets with increasing pull. I also row/workout with my headphones in. I'm really not there to socialize,  I'm there to workout. I'll take out my headphones to say hi, or answer a question, but I like to keep things moving.

The rowers aren't used much. A grey haired man in his late 70's informed me of this as I was setting the timer and tension. He also informed me I might get some questions because of this. He welcomed me to the Y and thanked me for brighting up the place. Very nice and appropriate! I made it to the second set before a middle aged African American man started to ask if the rower gives you a good workout. I explained how it worked and major muscle groups worked. Said happy new year and have a nice day. I figured that would be the end of it and he was just being friendly.

When I finished my third set the man came back and started with the following:

Guy: You from around here?

Me: Not originally. I'm from New England.

Guy: What brings a pretty thing like you all the way down here.

Me: I'm the new assistant principal at Mitchell County High.

Its at this point I realize this man was being a little bit more than friendly and attempting to hit on me. I started to walk away, but he followed me to the weight machines.

Guy: You married?

Me: Yes, happily for ten years and five kids.

Now, the fact that I have my wedding band on should of been his first clue I'm not available. Telling him I was an assistant principal should of been his second clue I was not available. I'm busy with work. When told that I'm happily married with five kids, that's strike three. Dude,  I'm not interested and you're out. Take it to the house and go away! No such luck!

I went to the weight machines and put my headphones back in. I hoped that was the end of it, but when I was done with the stomach machines he was back.

Guy: So, let me ask you something personal.

Before I could say no he continued,

Guy: Where can I find a snowflake like you? I've been looking for a long time for a woman like you!"

What the hell?! I was thinking is this guy serious? Who does this? Is this normal?  Can I cuss him out at the Y? Instead I responded the best I could under the circumstances. 

Me: You could try church or I hear there are plenty of single moms out at the kiddie fields. Gotta go!

Guy: I'm sure going to like watching you leave.

Ohhh Yuck! I assure you I haven't moved that fast in a long time! The next time I go I'm taking one of the kids, preferably a rather loud, obnoxious one. If that doesn't work, I'm going to suggest to my husband getting me a bigger wedding ring to ward off such foolishness! I attached a second picture of my child who has volunteered to be my main man at the Y!