Cycling: Is it Right for You? – Podcast Ep. 2
On this episode of the LHP, Andrew and I compete in our first ever LAF Group Fitness Cycle class. We give you an insiders view so you know what to expect!
Welcome to the 2nd episode of the Living Healthy Podcast, presented by LA Fitness!
On this episode of Living Healthy, Andrew completes his first ever Cycle class. We also speak with LA Fitness Cycle instructor, Valerie W., and we fight through the sweat to help you better understand what you can expect when taking a seat in the saddle.
Cycling isn’t just for the experienced, all fitness levels are welcome, and we plan on bringing you the tips and tricks you’ll need before taking your next ride.
Listen to our latest episode now and let us know what you think!
How Are We Doing?
Introduction:
Podcast Begins at 0:48
Check out what it’s like to be in a Cycle class
Halfway through Cycle class – Interlude
Begins at 2:40
Last 30 minutes of class.
Begins at 3:14
Cycle class ends.
Begins at 3:58
LA Fitness Cycle Instructor, Valerie joins the program.
Begins at 4:20
Cycle Overview – What can people expect?
Begins at 4:45
What’s ‘in the saddle’?
Begins at 5:13
How can people get comfortable going into their first Cycle class?
Begins at 5:39
Cycle Basics
Begins at 6:05
Group Cycle Energy
Begins at 7:57
Benefits of Indoor Cycling
Begins at 8:24
Cycle Variety
Begins at 8:44
What experienced cyclists should know
Begins at 9:35
Reserve a bike
Begins at 11:54
How to read your bike monitor
Begins at 12:36
Cycle Necessities
Begins at 15:28
Ending of episode
Begins at 17:59
This podcast should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.
On this episode of the LHP, Andrew and I compete in our first ever LAF Group Fitness Cycle class. We give you an insiders view so you know what to expect!
Julie W., of Phoenix, AZ, shared that in her “former” life she was a juvenile detention officer, PE teacher, and trainer/fitness instructor. Self-described as “being stronger than the average ‘joe’-sephine”, an aggressive Breast Cancer diagnosis threw this typically tough power woman into a spiral of depression and despair. Julie’s diagnosis couldn’t have come at a worse time, as she was already struggling with the recent loss of her two sisters, and now she was struggling for her own life.
Thankfully, the combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation worked. Unfortunately, it also resulted in a blood clot in Julie’s jugular, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and Neuropathy. Separately, Julie was also struggling with Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), arthritic joints, and anxiety and depression. Still, Julie was determined to not give up. In her words, “death is an obvious eventuality, but healthily growing older is a better prognosis.”
Before Julie’s diagnosis she was a heavy lifter who spent most of her spare time in the gym, staying active. Since then she has turned into a different type of gym-goer, knowing that movement and exercise are now mandatory for healthy living, and not just a fun pastime. Julie was almost forced into changing her fitness routine once she started undergoing treatments. While she was no longer able to focus on heavy weights, she turned her attention to enhanced cardio and increasing her flexibility.
LA Fitness group fitness classes became the perfect fit for what Julie needed. She shared that the classes offered her “cardio-vascular improvement, coordination and control, brain and muscle memory, musicality and performance artistry, emotional outlet, camaraderie and so much more.” She enjoys classes like Body Works classes and Yoga, but one class stood apart from the rest – Zumba®. Julie shared that Zumba® is one of the primary reasons why she’s made LA Fitness her second home.
In fact, Julie enjoys the classes so much that she travels to various LA Fitness clubs within the Phoenix area to follow some of her favorite instructors! She’s even enjoyed participating in LA Fitness Zumba® classes while on vacation in other states! Julie shared that trainers like Justin, Natalie, Briana and Treena, should be applauded for their personable demeanors, motivating attitudes and caring mindsets. Each of the Zumba® instructors she admires has their own unique flavor and talent that they bring to their classes.
“Come dance with me, what do you have to lose besides the weight?”
“Zumba® allows me to bring a little bit of joy into someone’s life, one dance step, one song, one class at a time.”
“Don’t work out to escape your life, work out to embrace your life.”
“Music is the heartbeat to the soul.”
Julie found strength and fun in Zumba® group fitness classes. She found friends in some of the talented Zumba® instructors she’s met along the way, and she encourages everyone to try out a class near them. If Zumba® isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other group fitness options to keep you active and feeling motivated. It’s a great way to keep in shape, have fun, and be encouraged from group fitness instructors. Find a class near you by clicking here!
Group fitness class schedules and offerings vary by location.
In a world of uncertainty, struggle & hardship it can be tough to keep a strong body, mind & soul. LA Fitness member Julie W., shares her story.
It is almost time to TAKE ACTION FOR ALS with our annual fundraising event fast approaching! On Saturday, February 27 all LA Fitness Group Fitness classes will join the effort in ACTION FOR ALS! Donate $20 to support Augie’s Quest and help find a cure for ALS....
Debbie J., MS, RD contributed this article –
In the Living Healthy blog, we’re often sharing nutrition advice to help you achieve better physical performance. In this article, we’re promoting certain exercise to improve your nutrition status. What a twist! Yes, pun intended.
Many digestive ills are relieved by yoga including gas, bloating and constipation. The practice of ayurvedic medicine promotes yoga for digestion. In fact, yoga is used to treat abdominal pain for several digestive disorders. Improving digestive health means better nutrition since nutrient absorption and waste elimination are enhanced.
How does yoga achieve this? Primarily by utilizing the poses that stimulate nerves, enhance the flow of blood and digestive juices, promote the travel of food in the GI tract and proper elimination. Alternate tension in your abdominal muscles with deep breathing (Pranayama), abdominal stretches and massaging twists, and you’ve got a perfect combination of yoga to help relieve your belly woes.
Primary yoga poses that are believed to aid digestion:
The underlying tenet of Ayrurveda is that health begins in the digestive system.
LA Fitness yoga classes flow through a series of dynamic movements that help to increase your flexibility, restore balance, and strengthen core muscles of the lower back and abdominals. The class is great for improving focus and self-awareness.
Should you wish to modify your diet to compliment your yoga, consider that most traditional practitioners eat a diet comprised mainly of vegetable proteins, rich in cereals, vitamin- and mineral-rich fruits, and which is low in salt content. Promoting a healthy balance of bacteria is indispensable to gut function. A high fiber diet combined with probiotic sources such as active culture yogurt, kefir and kimchi helps achieve this balance.
This information is not meant to replace medical advice. See your healthcare practitioner for any digestive concerns as there may be a more serious underlying condition.
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