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Cycle for a Cure

Last month I took my very first cycling class at Flywheel Sports Atlanta! Flywheel offers indoor cycling classes that are quite challenging for the newbie, but totally doable. The Buckhead studio is a modern, clean space with helpful, friendly staff members.

I've wanted to try a cycling class for years, so when Laura Steel (my work friend) asked me to attend her charity ride I could not refuse. Each year Laura participates in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day 60-mile walk in honor of her mother, a 3 time breast cancer survivor. This was a fun way to raise money for her charity walk that goes toward breast cancer research and local community programs. Her mom even joined us for the class -- she rides at Flywheel regularly. How cool is that?!

A little about my experience at Flywheel...
When you check in you get a pair of special shoes that lock into the bike pedals. A staff member helped me find my assigned bike, adjust the height and get my shoes locked in. I was ready to roll!

We did a 45-minute ride led by Dani Pallo, one of Flywheel Atlanta's expert instructors. She kicked my butt, seriously. When the class started she had the lights turned down really low, so you couldn't see your neighbors. The music starts bumpin' and the trainer's voice guided us through the class. The workout included climbs and descents paced with the music, spurts of fast and slower pedaling while adjusting resistance along the way. About mid-class there's an arm workout with weighted bars you pull out from the front of the bike. It was a killer workout! The only thing I missed while riding was the wind in my face. A fan would be divine in there, as I was literally dripping with sweat.

Some tips:
  • Make sure you have a full bottle of water (you can refill your bottle there with warm or cool water) and grab a towel because you will need one.
  • Ask for a cushion for your bike seat. I didn't and wish I had one about 10 minutes in.
  • If you're registered prior to class you can track your performance metrics and login to check them online later. (I forgot to do that part. Oops!)
  • Push yourself and feel the burn. Make it worth it. Sweat it out!

After the ride Laura did a raffle for awesome prizes from Drybar, Natural Body Spa, La Grotta Buckhead, Sparkly Soul Headbands and more. Most of the guys won - go figure. I wanted that sparkly headband. So fun!

Then we snacked on some yummy eats. Cami Cakes donated mini cupcakes with pink frosting and I could not resist eating one! Too cute.


The Atlanta 3-Day will take place October 19-21, 2012. Last year, the Atlanta 3-Day raised more than $6 million! I just checked again and saw that Laura has exceeded her goal. You go girl! However, if you'd like to support this cause please make a donation at: http://www.the3day.org/goto/laurasteele


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