(Click image to hear the song!)

And that’s how it started. With the song from one of the best scenes from my favorite movie, Love Actually. At arrivals gates, at Christmas time, whenever I hear the beach boys, all of these instances immediately send little goose bumps up my arm.  A bit cheesy, yes. But we all have those moments and those memories that light a little spark inside of us. For me the spark happened in the first 3 minutes at Cadence Cycle. The lights went out and “All you need is Love” was playing as the warm up song.

With a new summer goal of trying a different type of workout each week, I started with a cycling class. Not just any cycling class, but one that is set to music and a whole lot of choreography while you are clipped in to the pedals. Let’s just say the humor started when I walked in and they asked if I had my own shoes. “Yes, I have them on already, they’re not muddy so it should be fine right?” “Um, not exactly. You need shoes that clip in to the bike.” “Oh, I see. So yes, I will need some shoes.”

After that I received some extra special attention to get set up on the bike. The instructor helped me adjust the seat height, handle bar distance, clipping in, etc. “Just focus on the cadence,” she says. Don’t worry about anything else but trying to keep the rhythm number I tell you for each song.  OK, no problem I was thinking. I run marathons, I curl 20 pound weights, I’ve given birth, I can definitely handle a 45 minute spin class.

Eeesh there I went again with my ego.  After the goose bumps went down from the “warm up” song, I was already looking at my watch to see how much time was left. I hate when clients look at the clock during a session, and I was doing this to Lauren. Sorry Lauren, but my bum bum is already killing me. Katy Perry’s Roar song starts to play. I start getting into it, “I can do this,” I tell myself.

How are these girls next to me pedalling at 120 and moving their upper body to the beat of the music at the same time? And then they’re letting go of the handle bars and flailing their arms in the air! All while still pedalling! “Focus,” I tell myself, this was your idea to try something new. Focus on the beat.  “Stop looking at your watch, Meryl”. Next time I will not wear my watch. Ok I’m already thinking of the next time. This is a good sign. Lauren says I’m going to hate her now, but love her later when I walk out of there. Sounds familiar.

I did it. I survived. I was dripping in sweat. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to walk tomorrow. It was a love/hate experience indeed. But all you need is love, right?

Have you tried spinning? Do you like it? Have you found your soul mate workout?

Have a great week,
Meryl

Our next online Challenge Group starts Monday, July 13th. This portion controlled meal plan with daily workouts and accountability will definitely boost your weight loss goals for summer. Call or email ASAP for more info.

Featured Recipe

Chocolate-Coconut No-Bake Cookies

Ingredients:
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup oats
3/4 Tbsp chocolate protein powder (I use Vegan Chocolate Shakeology)
1/4 cup unsweeetened shredded coconut
2 Tbsp cocoa powder
3 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp melted coconut oil
1/2 tsp vanilla

Combine everything in a bowl and stir together. Roll into six cookies and place on a cookie sheet to freeze.
You will probably want to go ahead and double the recipe!

Enjoy.