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| Day 16 |
Then I went to a spinning class designed for triathletes. I was the only one who had not completed a triathlon before. So I expected to work really hard and struggle. As always, when I got on the bicycle I cranked up the resistance. More resistance means more work which is good. Lower resistance and easier movement means I'm not working.
To my surprise, the instructor motioned for me to turn down the resistance so I could match the correct pace. It was a revelation to be encouraged to go at a lower resistance. Even though a lower resistance feels like less work, my legs got stronger over time because I was pedaling more. Also sustaining a pace at a lower resistance turned out to be more work than at a higher resistance. Starting fast at a low resistance means it's noticeable when you slow down. Starting slowly at a high resistance, means the resistance can be used as an excuse to remain slow. Once my legs got stronger, then it made sense to increase the resistance. When I pause to think about it, it's odd that I did not realize this before. The same thing happens in running: start with a walk, then a jog, then a run, then slowly add distance.
Not all activities need to be difficult to provide growth. Sometimes, starting easy will take you further than starting hard.
Have you taken a spinning class? Why do you like or dislike it?
I do like spin classes because you get a good variety of standing, sitting, sprinting or chugging up a "hill" to help keep your body guessing. A couple years ago doing it at community college twice a week (awesome deal!) and my legs looked the best they ever have. True we don't always need to push and feel pain to gain! Yoga they tell us find your max and then back it off to 70% so you can keep moving going your whole life and to try to prevent injuries.
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