Disclaimer: In the following post is a review of a business. This post is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Cyclebar or any of its affiliates. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am not receiving compensation of any kind for this post. Please consult your physician before beginning any exercise regimen. Thanks! -A.G.
Hi friends,
Over the last couple of years, I have (somewhat unsuccessfully) been on a quest to get fit and healthy. After having Trenton in 2013, I tried multiple ways to lose the 20 plus additional pounds of body weight I was carrying around. For years, I have felt sluggish, tired…yet, still beautiful. At a point I realized that the number on the scale wasn’t important, but how I felt was. The things I had been trying would not give me life-long results and were almost impossible to maintain. I developed the mentality that “the gym life wasn’t for me” and that I didn’t like to workout with other people. I wanted to do it alone and in secret and when I didn’t feel motivated, the workouts didn’t get done. So, needless to say, nothing changed…well, nothing positive anyway.
This year in September, I started to realize that my clothes didn’t fit right anymore. I would cringe when Trae couldn’t zip the zipper all the way. My size 10 clothes didn’t fit my now size 12 body. Now let me be very clear here. The size someone is, is not what is important. I know some very unhealthy size 4 individuals and some extremely healthy size 16 queens. I just got to a point where I didn’t feel like my very best self and I was sick of it.
I was also terrified. Terrified that I would, yet again, fail myself. Terrified that I wouldn’t have the will power to change my situation. Terrified that I would feel that ever-so-slight social anxiety that creeps up on me in unfamiliar territory. Terrified that I would have to go to a gym or class and slightly ashamed to admit that working out socially was the only way I was going to get fit. Ashamed to admit that the person who is always encouraging and motivating others to go for their goals, dreams, and aspirations, needed a push.
I had heard about Cyclebar before and many of my friends had already tried it. I was immediately leery. IT’S A CLASS! I could already hear my negative self whispering in my ear…”Now girl, you know you are going to hate this. You know you are completely out of shape. Maybe you should work on that first, then try it.” I. WAS. TIRED. I decided that it was just time to jump in….and I am so glad I did. I have been going to Cyclebar 3 days a week for about 2 months now and here is what I have found….
- It is FUN and a perfect way to relieve stress! I especially love going after a long day at work. The music is playing and the Instructors are energetic. The studio is lit up like a club and you are seriously dancing on a bike. I leave feeling completely spent, but totally energized. My sleep is deep and peaceful and I can not remember the last time I almost fell asleep at my desk!
- It’s your bike, your ride, your hour, and YOU call the shots! I was so afraid that I was going to do this once and never try it again. “You are going to be so embarrassed when you can’t keep up” was what I was thinking to myself. The Instructors are only encouraging and motivational. They clearly let you know, up front, that this is YOUR ride! The goal is just to keep going, but how you get there is up to you. Now, I admit, my first ride looked a bit rough. I couldn’t keep up with the choreography, my legs and rear-end hurt, and I was tired. I was quickly reminded of how out of shape I was. But, I made it! I remember thinking at the end of the ride, I could do this and I will only get better! The staff is extremely helpful and open to questions. This is one of the main reasons I keep going back for more.
- Your body will change…but so will your mind! After a few weeks, I got really down because the scale only said I had lost 3 pounds. 3 pounds for all that work!? You have got to be kidding me!? But, everyone could see the change. My goal is actually happening. Forget the scale and focus on the fitness! While the scale says not much has changed, my clothes tell the tale! I am currently down 2 dress sizes (approx. a size lost a month.) My rear-end and legs have changed the most, followed by my back, arms, and waist. I am replacing fat with muscle and can see the leaning that is happening. The thing I am most excited about is how clear I feel. My thoughts are sharper and I feel like I have a heightened sense of awareness.
- It’s affordable and convenient! Cyclebar runs specials all the time and your first ride is FREE! They offer a “Learn the Basics” class every Saturday or you have the option to just jump straight into it like I did! They have multiple classes offered throughout the day and have something for the “early-birds” and the “night-owls” alike. Like I stated before, I love going after work to clear my mind after a stressful day! I highly encourage everyone, no matter your fitness level, to give Cyclebar a try!
I am extremely grateful to the Instructors, staff, and friends of Cyclebar for introducing me to such a life-changing service! The Hub City is blessed to have you!!
Gratefully,
A.G.
You are awesome, ashley!!
Thank you so much, Sarah!! I appreciate you!