This Bike Workout No Easy Rider
As most stationary bike riders prepare to go on yet another boring journey, they may bring along a book or newspaper to help time pass.
Watching the clock is common during lonely exercise sessions that can be very monotonous.
Well, stop the pedals!
Now there’s an exciting new way to burn calories and get fit by pedaling. It’s called studio cycling and it combines the cardio-pumping energy of a bike race and the Zen philosophy of meditation.
“This will exercise your mind, but it will also kick your butt,” said Peter Fair, an instructor at the Mid Valley Athletic Club in Reseda.
The Mid Valley Athletic Club launched a program this week that offers a revolutionary spin on indoor cycling and features a new high-tech bike manufactured by Reebok.
The sleek, black body weighs 115 pounds and has a belt-driven, precision balanced weighted flywheel that makes it feel like a top-of-the-line road bike.
The 18 1/2-inch wide racing handlebars are texture-coated so sweaty arms don’t slip. The pedals have cycling clips on one side and toe clips on the other. The gearshift is like that of a road bike.
Probably most important is the comfortable and heavily padded saddle.
“The seats really save your buns,” Ralph Deri said after a long ride. “That makes a huge difference.”
The studio cycling class is offered in the club’s recently remodeled, state-of-the art gym.
It has 30 bikes, a special rubber floor that’s moisture-proof, a sophisticated climate control and lighting system and high-powered stereo equipment.
Before the pedaling begins, the white fluorescent lights are replaced with softer amber and blue lights that put the mind in a more-relaxed state, according to instructors.
The class is conducted from a bike on a platform at the front of the 160-square-foot gym. Mirrors surround the area and a glass wall divides it from the rest of the facility.
For 45 minutes riders pedal away to loud music and motivational yells from the instructor.
“The idea is to take the boredom out of riding a bike,” Fair said. “No book-reading on these bikes. We’re going to push you.”
Fair, 40, likes to use rock-and-roll music from the 1960s, 70s and 80s in his classes and jazz for the cool-down. He says the average age of his students is 35.
Other instructors use 90s techno or 70s disco to pump up the energy level in their classes. The music, Fair says, may attract folks who grew up in that era.
Umbert Ciccolella, who helped design the bike, which costs $695, says a smooth and stable ride make it unique among most traditional stationary bicycles.
The sophisticated machines were developed after 30 years of cycling research by experts in physiology, biomechanics and sports psychology.
“We designed it to make it feel like you’re actually on the road,” Ciccolella said. “It’s also specially engineered to go very fast.”
*
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area summer program began July 2 and includes an array of activities.
On Saturday, a tour of the historic Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills will be offered at 9:30 a.m. and a twilight hike at Charmlee Natural Area in Malibu at 6:30 p.m.
On Sunday at 8 a.m., a three-hour bird walk kicks off at Topanga State Park in Topanga and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the public can take tours of the Rancho Sierra Vista Satwiwa Native American culture center in Newbury Park.
On Wednesday, nursery nature walks for families with children ages 2 months to 8 years, will be offered at Topanga State Park beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Information: 818-597-9192, Ext. 201.
*
Hearts and Horses, a therapeutic riding center for mentally challenged adults and children in Agoura Hills, will host a summer horseback riding program in Idyllwild beginning July 8.
The sessions run July 8-14, July 20-26, Aug. 1-7, Aug. 12-18 and Aug. 24-30.
Information: 818-889-8605.