Soul SatisfactionDecember 19, 2010

I’ve been on a very long yoga kick lately. I’m preparing for an asana competition in New York in January, and for that reason, I’ve been doing more back bends than I care to admit (or count), and have been spending more hours in the hot room than I care to share. For these reasons and more, any time spent doing an athletic activity other than touching my butt to my nose seduces me with its exotic nature.

Last week while visiting friends in NYC, I decided to drop into a SOULBANDS class in TriBeCa. This wasn’t just any class at just any studio. SoulCycle is a super-trendy spin boutique loaded with amazing instructors, seriously good music, and 4 star service. I felt like a guest entering the Ritz Carlton the moment I walked through the doors. Need a water? Check. Spin shoes? Check. Locker? Check. Acoustics worthy of a Jay-Z concert? Chiz-neck. If you’re traveling to New York, or live in the area, I definitely recommend stopping by and satisfying your soul for a spell. Take that one for a spin three times fast.

Sleek and chic. This photo is by SoulCycle

Down the hall and towards the bike. This photo is by SoulCycle.

The room stayed very dimly lit the entire class. A great way to feel like you're shakin' it at a club.

Don't feel shy about asking for help with your bike. My instructor, Anne-Marie, was very good at getting me adjusted and explaining the gist of the class before we began.

Time to get started!

Halfway through the class I was totally wishing I would've bought that cute little number on the left. Sweating up a storm. This photo is by SoulCycle.

You don't want to know what that towel looked like after class was finished.

Hello new best friend!

I drank about two of these after class

Soul officially refreshed.

The spin combined with resistance bands gave me a thorough upper body challenge. It was fun and refreshing pulling on bands dangling from the ceiling while spinning away on the bike.

QUESTION: Do you enjoy trying new gyms or studios when you travel? Do you make an event of it the same way you would a restaurant or a museum?

 
  • Kristina @ spabettie

    I bought memberships for Jason and I for a new gym opening in February… they have all kinds of classes including spin, and I cannot WAIT to take it!! :D

  • http://wheres-the-beach.blogspot.com/ Heather (Where’s the Beach)

    I actually have never tried out a different gym when traveling (other than hotel gym but that doesn’t count).

  • http://www.aliveinthefire.blogspot.com Rachel (Alive in the Fire)

    Cute post. I love how happy you are in all your workout photos :) It’s your bliss!!!

  • http://dutyfreefoodie.com Alina

    I think if it’s an awesome gym like that, it’s definitely an event. However, hotel gyms even at really nice hotels are usually disappointing. Next time I go to New York, I actually want to check out Equinox as I’ve read so much about it.

  • http://twitter.com/missfitbliss Joslyn Chandler

    That sounds great! I love trying out new classes – I have a feeling you’ll adore spin…

  • Befreewithstyle

    I’m afraid to spin. I don’t think I can make it thru a class. How long did it take you to actually build up the strength to finish a class? Or maybe I’m just a wimp.

  • http://wwwgamereviewwiki.com/bikinibirthday Samantha @ Bikini Birthday

    I like spinning but it’s been a while since I’ve gone. I’ve done classes where resistance bands are used but wrapped around the handle bars, not hanging from the ceiling. That’s kinda cool.

  • http://twitter.com/missfitbliss Joslyn Chandler

    That’s a good question B. I personally wouldn’t recommend a rookie do the SoulBands class as an intro to spin. But the great part about any spin class is you can easily just let the instructor know you’re new and nervous about making it through the class. They’ll understand and keep a protective and forgiving eye on you during class.
    Big tip: Whenever the instructor cues everyone to bump up the resistance or to sprint on the bike (the 2 most challenging things to do during a class), just take it easy and don’t go all out. You should totally try it. You can always just stop and take a water break if you need to!

  • http://crispandverdant.wordpress.com/ Danielle

    What a fantastic ambiance to work out in!!

    I enjoy working out in new gyms when I travel – it makes it more fun to be in a new environment, for a change of pace!

  • http://twitter.com/missfitbliss Joslyn Chandler

    I totally agree! It’s so necessary to switch it up once in a while, even if it’s the same workout you’d do back home, a really cool ambiance makes it fresh and fun.

  • http://www.thefitnessdish.com Laury@TheFitnessDish

    You’re a fitness rock star. Soul cycle looks intense!

    I LOVE smart water :-)

    Fact: Giada has the same mixer as us too….just so you know :-)

  • Thehealthyapron

    omg, how awesome! That class looks intense and is seems like you have amazing work outs! I love trying new things and experimenting!

  • Lisa

    Hey Joss.. One of these days I will spin too.. .. FUN.. and FUN to find your Missfitbliss page and site.. Namaste

  • http://twitter.com/agirlandhermutt Erin

    What a cool place! I love it! I have to know though…what is an asana competition? Do you have to create one or how does that work?!

  • http://twitter.com/missfitbliss Joslyn Chandler

    Hey Erin! It’s officially titled the International Yoga Asana Championship. You can go to yogacup.com or go to youtube and see lots of cool vids of past competitions. Pretty awesome fun stuff!

  • http://arsenalfamily.wordpress.com/ La.

    Oh dear, Miss Inspiration! I just love your blog! Or maybe it’s you, either way I always, ALWAYS, feel goo after a visit. I don’t normally try new gyms when I travel, honestly, it never occurred to me. It looks like a lot of fun though!

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