Most gyms across the world now offer spinning classes and my temporary Tokyo gym is no exception to the trend. I must admit to being a bit intimidated by the classes I've watched from afar--there's a lot of movement on these stationary bikes and everyone seems to sweat a lot. I'd say spinning is actually part rave, part Marine boot camp, part guided meditation, with the wild electronic music, variable lights, zealous instructor and focused breathing exercises.
I showed up to the spinning room a little before start of the class, told the instructor in my best Japanese that this was my first spinning class ("Sumi masen, this is my first time") and managed to stretch a little bit. I staked out a bike next to a pretty serious fellow that looked like he knew what was going on and behind an attractive girl, and made the necessary adjustments to accomodate gaijin height. The room quickly filled with people dressed to race the Tour de France.
A spinning bike isn't like any other stationary bike--the wheel is actually weighted like a fly whell and takes a little getting used to. There are adjustments for increasing and decreasing the resistance on the wheel as well, to simulate an uphill battle with the elements if you so desire.
Being that I know enough Japanese to say hello, thank you, and excuse me, most of the instructions were lost on me, but my spandex-clad compatriots offered enough guidance in their activity that I was able to pretty much fake it. The only times I truly felt cheated were when you were supposed to turn the resistance down--an event I managed to miss every single time. I predict my elevation by the end was about 5 miles above sea level.
All in all, it was challenging, particularly the points punctuated by bursts of speed and lots of standing and sitting to really work those quads and hamstrings. But I survived my first spinning class, in Japanese no less, but was quite relieved to join the class in giving my instructor high-fives 45 minutes later. Sadly, the cute girl escaped without engaging me in the witty conversation that I was sure would follow, which is probably for the best since I did, in fact, sweat a lot.
"Spinning" in Japanese...are you crazy?
Posted by: JB on February 25, 2002 06:14 AMso jim, what we all want to know is whether or not you have romanced any japanese women yet?
Posted by: natedawg on February 25, 2002 02:28 PMAdmit it Jim, everything you have done in Japan has been, in fact, an effort to meet cute Japanese girls.
Posted by: Dan on February 26, 2002 05:10 AMAtta boy!!!
Posted by: Mom on February 26, 2002 12:51 PMCan you recommend some gyms that offer Spinning in Tokyo? I am new to town, and am addicted to that group exercise. Thanks!
Posted by: Spinning Fanatic on May 1, 2002 02:48 AM