Finding ME at Flywheel Fitness

From being pretty much inactive, to training for the marathon. To getting into a car accident that prevented me from walking, let alone running; to working out - religiously - with a trainer; to yet ANOTHER car accident...and then of course, two back-to-back surgeries. Not to mention my many issues with my thyroid.
This, in a nutshell, has been the reason I haven't worked out consistently for the last five years.
To be honest, I like working out. I love the rush. I love the feeling of being able to complete something physical; and, I love how my body-aches turn into muscles.
Unlike most people I know, I also like to try the latest and greatest workouts. Mostly because I don't want to tire of working out. And whats better than to mixing it up a bit?
I have found that being creative with my workouts keeps everything fresh and exciting - and me? Motivated.
So although it had been a while since I had walked more than a couple of blocks, let alone engage in any high energy workout, I was enticed to try Flywheel Spin.
Touted as being more than your average spin class, Flywheel classes mix high-energy music and motivational pep talks between intense cycling routines.
Brett Hoebel, one of the most sought-after weight loss, nutrition and lifestyle coaches in the country, led the class I attended. His credentials include being a trainer on NBC's The Biggest Loser season 11. He was, in other words, a Superstar in the Fitness world.
The Flywheel Spin in Larchmont Village is a bit East of where I live, but has its own parking lot! (Yah for convenience).
However, unlike the modern lobby and general areas of Flywheel Spin, the workout room seems a little staged, very dark, and the trainers are positioned as theater actors.
It was a wee-bit-wierd at first. But honestly? The darkness in the room, the loudness of the music, and Brett's position, made it very easy to stay focused and ignore everything, and everyone, around me, except for Brett.
In typical American fashion, a couple of huge screens highlighted the fastest person in the class. I think you could see how many calories were being burned. Maybe thats motivation for others, but for me? I didn't care. What I did care about, was that I did it. My personal "torque," allowed me to slow-down or up the intensity of my workout.
In the end, I ended-up working-out for half of the class. First time in more than six months; and yes I was dripping in sweat and I felt a bit ridiculous walking out before the class ended.
But I didn't feel judged - not that I care. But my weakly body did. And it felt nice to know that I was in a space where the instructors and the staff were equally understanding and focused more on finding our inner strength than they did on being the fastest, or best, in the class.
The workout was definitely intense - and as much as anyone tells you that you can workout at your own level, the music and the mantra's said in an almost chant-like voice, push you. You can't stop - even when your crotch is aching from jumping up and down.
Too bad my body isn't quite ready for a workout this intense on a frequent basis. Otherwise I would be here every week - at the very list to listen to motivational mantra's that would help me believe in me.

For the rest of ya, if you are close to a Flywheel, do stop by and take at least one of their introductory classes. Trust me, it's all its cracked out to be.