Life’s Like a Spinning Class (part one)

I finally took a spinning class! I’ve wanted to take one for a very long time.

I loved the idea of the intense workout -- the big time perspiration, toning and building muscle on my legs, and of course, resistance.

I looked into the spinning class studio week after week but wouldn't go in. I was too afraid. I didn’t think I’d have the stamina or strength for it. I was simply too intimidated by this thing.

Maybe if I came up with a plan. But nothing came to mind. I mean really, what plan could get me over the fear!

Until a week ago. I left home for the gym thinking I would “just do it.”

There was a line of people ready to go in. Classes fill up quickly.
I had butterflies in my stomach.

I approached two women in line and pretended to be curious.
I asked them a few questions about the class. When I observed their ease in talking with me, I shared with them how intimidated I felt.

Well, you know how it is when you show vulnerability to people. The reactions are random. Each woman had a different opinion. One was optimistic and encouraging. The other was cautious and warned it would be terribly challenging.

I decided to listen to the “good angel”. I wasn’t going to let a spinning class terrify me anymore!

I adjusted the bike, got on it and began to warm up. The instructor gave me some pointers before starting the class.

I’m not going to lie… the first fifteen minutes were extremely difficult. My legs were shaking. My knees hurt. I couldn’t pedal standing very long. Never mind trying to increase the tension or pedal to the music rhythm.

The instructor came over and spoke in my ear. She told me to relax -- to let the bike do the work for me. Whatever that meant, I didn’t understand how to do it.

A battle ensued in my mind.
Do I quit? How much longer should I go? Will I be able to come back to the class if I quit? Will it always be this painful? I don’t want these people to think I’m a wimp! Man, I wasn’t going to make it!

I kept looking at the clock.
Maybe twenty minutes was a decent amount of time for a beginner.
I would push another five minutes.

Fifteen minutes went by.
I rose to first position and all of a sudden… the pain on my knees was gone! The discomfort on my back disappeared. And it felt good! Yeah!

My mental conversation changed to: I’m doing it! I can really do this! Man, there’s no stopping me now. What a thrill! What a great feeling! Woohoo!!

I spinned the whole hour.
A couple of the people in the class and the instructor commented how great I’d done.
This was a major accomplishment! I felt really proud of myself.

The fear was gone!

Well, I’m not going to tell you how sore my legs were for four days after the class.
I am however going to share with you on my next post how this experience taught me a great big lesson about life’s challenges, fears of the unknown and self-imposed limitations in our journey to attract wealth and success.

How are you spinning in your journey to wealth and success?