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Two years ago, as I was getting ready to go on a run around my neighborhood, one of my good friends dragged me along to one of her group workout classes. She convinced me to try something new and step out of my comfort zone. 

 

So, Allison, if you are reading this post, thank you for encouraging me to push myself, have fun, and feel good. 

 

If you are someone who is looking for inspiration to try something new, like joining a fitness club, or want to know more about group exercise classes, read along as I tell you about some of my favorite places to feel good while working out when I am not at URI of course! 

 

CycleBar

As one of the places I call my happy place, CycleBar has transformed me as an individual, both physically and mentally. Two years ago, I had never taken a group exercise class. Now, at 

almost 150 rides later, CycleBar makes me enjoy working out, makes me meet new people, and makes me feel good in my own skin. 

I remember the day when my friend Allison and I walked into the red, white, and black studio. I was immediately transformed into another world as the music was blasting through closed doors that read “Get ready to rock your ride.” On a locker in the corner of the room, I remember seeing my name written on a locker with a huge welcome sign. 

At this point, I remember thinking to myself, “What have I gotten myself into.” But, when one of the instructors for class, Nikki, opened the doors to the studio, my worries slipped away as the music got even louder and LED lights were flashing. 

I got on my bike for the first time, was encouraged by others around me, pedaled to the music, and found myself in a happy place. 

For those of you who do not know what CycleBar is and have been waiting for me to explain, let me paint you a picture. It is a group spin class that takes place in a dark room, usually with the air conditioner blasting. Sometimes there are thirty people, sometimes there are only ten. Sometimes there are themes to the rides, like 2010’s hits or Rhianna vs Beyonce. As a group, we ride our bikes to the beat of the music and are encouraged by our instructors. 

It is a high-intensity workout where for 45 minutes, you dance on the bike to your favorite songs. One of my favorite parts of the workout is during a “connect” song. This is when the instructor turns the lights off completely and you are left in the dark with your own breath. At this moment, you are welcome to do what is right for you: sit in the saddle, stand up, slow down, speed up. It is a moment to take for yourself, just three minutes out of your day. 

What makes these connect rides and the songs selected for these rides so special are the words the instructors share with the class throughout the song. Through their microphone, they say words and phrases like:  

• “You are worthy, simply because you exist.” 
• “Let’s go, beautiful people!”
• “With every bead of sweat that drops to the floor, with every pedal stroke of the bike that hits the floor, let it drop, let it go, let that be something that is holding you back.” 
• “How many moments do we take care of others and put others first? Take this 45 minutes for yourself. Allow yourself to live for you.” 

These are just some of my favorite quotes that I have heard while riding my bike at CycleBar. I have loved every minute of working out, dancing with friends and instructors, and finding a place where I feel comfortable. 

I highly recommend taking a class at CycleBar. If you are looking for a high-intensity workout, but one that is fun and exciting, try out a class, it’s free! You will not regret it! 

 

Pure Barre 

Like CycleBar, Pure Barre is another group exercise class. Inspired by the movements of ballet, dance, and pilates, this is a full-body workout that focuses on low-impact, high-intensity movements that strengthen and tone your body. There are many class variations to take like classic, define, foundations, align, empower, and reform. 

Last year, I won a free unlimited month at Pure Barre and just last month, I joined Pure Barre. Because I was abroad in the spring, I was finally able to use the certificate this summer. At first, I was nervous to try a class that had less cardio than CycleBar, but I was pleasantly surprised to “lift, tone, and burn” my muscles during the classic classes throughout the month of June. 

For these classic classes, you use a lightweight ball, small hand weights, and a double tube. Doing various exercises to target muscle groups like your hamstrings, triceps, outer quadriceps, and more, you will find your legs shaking with fatigue. 

After just a month of going to classes twice a week, I have adjusted to the style of Pure Barre and feel myself becoming stronger. I have only taken the classic classes, but because I loved them so much, I renewed my membership for another month. 

This July, I hope to try out the other class formats and once again, step out of my comfort zone. Though each class is something new and different, being surrounded by other individuals who thrive in a group workout setting is very encouraging. Together, for 50 minutes, you work in a small studio to allow yourself to move your body and feel good. 

Pure Barre is great for anyone who wants to try something new. It can be intimidating at first and may take a few weeks to get the hang of positions and posture but, the results are worth it. It is a positive environment where instructors and students grow off of each other. If you are looking for a new workout, try out a class at Pure Barre! The first foundation class is free!

Each of these locations, CycleBar and Pure Barre, both have over 500 locations across America. Wherever I go, whether I am on vacation for a week or away for the weekend, I always check if there is a studio nearby because I want to get my body moving. 

 

By working out at both of these places, I have enjoyed cardio as well as strength training. I highly recommend trying these classes. They have helped me grow as an individual and have helped me stay active for the past two years. 

 

When returning to URI in the fall, I will continue to stay active through URI’s gym membership, which is included in your tuition fees. Each day, there are classes offered for you to stay active, refresh, and feel less stressed. I love going to CycleBar and Pure Barre, so I often take spin classes, pilates, barre sculpt, and yoga when I am back at URI. The URI Spotlight exercise classes as similar to the CycleBar theme classes, where instructors highlight an artist in their playlist. Because there are so many classes that are offered at our URI facilities, it makes it more fun to find a workout that you can enjoy! To sign up, head to IMLeaugues and choose a class that is right for you! 

Thank you for reading this week’s blog. Stay tuned for next week when I write a note to my senior self!