By Lily Perez |Staff Writer|
The Cycle Fit class, an indoor cycling class at the CSUSB Rec Center, will give students one hell of a ride.
Kinesiology Professor Dr. Michelle Alencar instructs the class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 a.m.
Waking up early to workout is definitely a challenge, but some are up for the task.
If it’s your first time, arriving to class early to warm up and stretch is always a good idea.
Students can set up their bikes in the front row with the pros or ride in the back, climb on and be off to the races.
The class starts off nice and steady, but that doesn’t last long.
Throughout the course of the ride, students are instructed to “add a turn,” which is done by simply turning the knob on the bike to increase the tension in the pedals.
Uphill work can be tough, but feeling the burn is a good reward to the heart-racing struggle.
“It’s fun, it’s motivating and you definitely feel the burn so you get a good workout,” said senior Tabitha Terrell.
Alencar brings things down a notch in the middle of class, but that little break is short-lived.
The workout is escalated once more with tighter routines that fit the playlist that accompanies the workouts.
Songs like “La La La,” the Running Trax edit by Naughty Boy Feat. Sam Smith and Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” play in the background to keep students motivated and pedaling like crazy.
Maintaining the same urgent speed, students add turn after turn, as if they’re riding for dear life, all in the name of building endurance.
The cycle fit class can be ideal for students who want to incorporate some cardio into their workout, get their heart racing and build up some resistance.
Dr. Alencar’s motivational words do not go unnoticed, and with every turn she reminds students that they can do it.
“I remind them about their goals because I think everybody has a specific goal…I know it’s hard to get here in the morning but I feel like it keeps people motivated and keeping them coming because everybody’s got an individual goal if it’s to lose weight, get fit you know get healthy whatever it is I think reminding them that they have a purpose to be here is sort of the whole reason,” said Alencar.
No matter what your reason to work out is, the cycle fit class can help students maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Cycling can be invigorating and some of the routines can be a challenge, but the intensity of the workout wears off as the class nears its end.
The class ends with a cooldown, followed by some relaxing stretches, but the students sweat doesn’t go unnoticed.
The cycling class definitely gives students a good workout and yes, you might experience a bit of pain or soreness from the bike saddle, but as the saying goes, “no pain, no gain.”
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