Last Thursday, I peaked at 6:40 a.m.
No, that is not a euphemism, but a reference to the literal high point of my day—a confluence of exercise-induced euphoria, physical exhaustion, and a pervasive sense of accomplishment that stayed with me long after the first two wore off. The cause of said pre-dawn apex? Knowing (and feeling in my sweat-drenched quads, glutes, and abs) that I gave it my all at spin class.
But this was not just any spin class. I have taken “regular” spin at various gyms over the years to no such effect. This was a 60-minute RevRide, which is how the proprietors/instructors extraordinaire of Revolution Indoor Cycling of Buffalo—Colleen Kirk, Rachel McCrone, and Amanda Moses—have branded their all-spin classes. [Author’s note: Other classes at Revolution incorporate bodyweight exercises and the studio’s TRX Suspension Trainer to ensure clients can get a full-body strength workout in addition to cardio.] Nor was the accomplishment mine alone. It owed as much to Colleen’s prowess as a motivator and DJ, and the high-octane, positive environment they have cultivated at their new studio as it did my own hard work.
Their new studio, by the way, is awesome. When we last wrote about Revolution, they were operating out of a carriage house on Delaware Avenue, but structural issues precipitated a quick move to 1716 Main Street, situated between Lafayette Avenue and Harvard Place. I am a relative newbie to the whole spin scene, so I never attended class at the carriage house, but it is hard to imagine that the previous location was superior. Besides being high-ceilinged and roomy enough not to worry about punching out your neighbor during on-bike arm exercises, it features ample on- and off-street parking, and it’s easily accessed from all points of the city, even the suburbs. Plus, you can’t beat the Buffalo-positive address.*
But perhaps the best part of Revolution is Collen, Rachel, and Amanda’s friendly, inclusive attitude. When I arrived at my first-ever Rev class, I did so with trepidation. I am a solo exerciser by introverted nature, so the idea of group fitness—potentially being judged, on display, and treated like an outsider—intimidated me, to say the least. Without knowing any of that, Amanda recognized in advance that she had a new student (thanks to Revolution’s online reservation system), and made a point of greeting me by name and with a big smile at the door. I was quickly at ease. She then showed me how to adjust my bike and even provided me a water bottle when she realized I came unprepared to hydrate. Throughout the class itself, she made sure to explain for my benefit the various positions and spin jargon the others in class already knew—all without calling undue attention to my novice status.
The warm welcome I received is indicative of the positive, empowering experience the Revolution team’s strives to create for its students every single day. RevClasses are not about punishing yourself for eating one (or three…) slices of pizza the night before. No one at Revolution is asking you to achieve someone else’s standard of beauty or fitness. Revolution is about camaraderie, positive vibes, and pushing yourself to be your personal best. That energy is what makes the experience addictive.
*1716 Main Street is near Barre Centric and not far from the new Ashker’s Juice Bar location, which begs the question: could this section of Main become a health and fitness destination?
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