By: Emma Liarikos | Social Media Coordinator
If you’re like me, then you’ve struggled finding a workout routine that works. I have trouble sticking with one specific thing, because I so easily get bored. I’ve tried yoga, pilates, weight lifting, running, walking – I’ve done it ALL! But none of it was anything I particularly enjoyed doing.
However, there was one workout I was completely against trying: spin class. I thought it was terrifying. I didn’t think I would fit in or keep up with the other people who do it all the time. So, when my friends said I should join, I said, “Hard pass, you guys have fun though.”
Still, the idea stuck in my mind. My roommate was going to all these different themed rides like Pitbull and hip-hop, and was telling me how much she loved it. Over the following weeks, I decided I would try it. I signed up for Tuesday’s spin class at 5:45 p.m. with instructor and Salve Regina alum, Eilis O’Neil. And to top it all off, the theme: Justin Bieber vs. Drake.
Leading up to the class, I was nervous since I had never done anything like this and had absolutely no clue what I was doing. But, as soon as I walked in, the vibes were immaculate. Everyone was so kind, helpful and eager to show me the ropes. O’Neil helped me get situated on my bike and encouraged me and all the others to do our best and show up for ourselves.
Her playlist was phenomenal: throwbacks, new songs, as well as some bomb remixes that were played throughout the class. O’Neil was so fun and energetic on the podium, which made me want to keep pushing harder. She continuously inspired all of us to keep moving and reiterated the message of leaving everything that doesn’t serve us at the bottom of the hill, and to keep climbing towards that goal we set at the beginning of class.
Another hesitation I had about spin class was that I get uncomfortable about working out with other people, as I don’t like the thought of anyone watching me. Therefore, I wasn’t too hyped about spin – I thought everyone would be watching and critiquing me. Luckily, I could not have been more wrong. Everyone was there for the same reason: to work out and move their bodies. First, nobody cared what I was doing. Second, there was little to no light in there. It was a dark room with LED lights, everyone just bumping to the music. It eased all of my anxieties and made the workout much more enjoyable.
When the workout got tough, O’Neil motivated us to stay strong. We made it this far, we showed up for ourselves, we got this! And we did. The session ended with a slower pace song which O’Neil had us take the time to reflect on why we were there, and what we wanted for ourselves. We got our stretches on and out the door we went feeling good and hyped on Drake.
Overall, the Wave Cycle experience was so much better than I expected. A majority of the class was made up of fellow Salve students, so it truly felt like a family. The owner, Chloe Finn, checked in with me at the end because she knew how anxious I was about my first class, and the same goes for the other girls I rode with.
I will definitely be going back, and if you’re reading this and feel the same way as I do about working out, I encourage you to give Wave a try — you won’t regret it.
Photos by Eilis O’Neil
