Indoor Cycling Class: SlimCycle class at IXL Health & Fitness in Rhinebeck & Saugerties

I like group fitness classes, but I don’t like a whole lot of jumping around. I was looking for a fun way to get back into an exercise routine. I found out about SlimCycle, a 6-week indoor cycling class at IXL Health and Fitness that is geared towards weight loss. Jenna Seeley, the marketing director at IXL created SlimCycle, and invited me to come check it out.

SlimCycle is 6-week class that includes 2 SlimCycle indoor cycling classes a week. Jenna Seeley, teaches 4 SlimCycle classes weekly, in addition to regular indoor cycling classes at IXL Health and Fitness. You choose which 2 SlimCycle classes work for you on that particular week. After my 1st class, I felt tired, but I knew it was going to be do-able. The class runs 45 minutes, and it is a total body work-out. We do hills, race downhill, race uphill, and uphill sprints. (I’ve learned to enjoy the times Jenna shouts “Your legs should feel like they are peddling through wet cement now!”) Jenna has great playlists. Her songs include a good combination of current hits, 80s music, 90s music, a little Jay-Z, classic rock, and a little Pink Floyd. It keeps things interesting. She also coaches you through the class, motivating you to focus on your goals. By Week 3, I was getting a better handle on the rhythm of the classes, and feeling less winded during the class. I looked forward to getting on the bike. During Week 3 Jenna added arm reps with light weights at the end of class. She also ads push-ups to certain songs. (I hate push-ups, but these exercises have helped me trim my arms). We did about 300 push ups on the bike in our last class!

Getting measured is optional, but I went for it. (You get measured on Week 4 & at the end of Week 6) On Day 1 Jenna measured my neck, thighs, hips, chest, waist, and arms. I was a bit skeptical. Come on, I’m going to lose inches in my neck? Really? She measured me again Week 4. I had lost 2.5 inches in my neck, and 1.5 inches in my right thigh, and 1.5 inches in my chest. At the end of Week 6, my weight has remained the same, but I lost more inches, a total of 10 inches total. I notice it most in my face and top half of my body. My clothes are feeling looser. I didn’t alter my diet too much, and I didn’t do any other form of exercise during the week. The next SlimCycle class starts today, September 23rd. It has has been a fun experience, and I’m looking forward to more indoor cycling with Slimcycle.

Whether you are looking to lose 10-15 pounds or 100 pounds, this class can help you. In my class there were mostly women of all ages and sizes Sara Ramsey has taken 2 sessions of SlimCycle, and has lost a total of 30 pounds so far. “From the start of the first session to the end of the second session, I lost just under 20 inches between my neck, arms, chest, hips, waist and thighs. The combination of Jenna’s positive attitude and energy, the music choices, and the diversity of the workouts are what keep my coming back for more. I can’t say enough how motivating Jenna is. She is always encouraging me to get out of my own way and push through barriers. The one thing I want people to know is that they can do this! The classes will challenge your mind and body in a way you never thought possible. Just when you can’t go on, listen for Jenna’s encouraging words to push you forward. You’re not alone! SlimCycle has an amazing group of women and men that commit themselves to under 2 hours each week of cycling and hard work. Even if you do just 2 classes, you will see results!” says Ramsey. I know have! For more information on SlimCycle, check out their Facebook page or call IXL Health and Fitness directly. Cost is $69 for IXL members and $79 for non-members.

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This article appears in September 2013.