Spin to get thin
Like many other ladies, Morgan Guth was worried about cycling resulting in bulkier legs. However, after four years of high-energy spinning, she’s as lean as ever while fervently leading others to enjoy the ride at TRIBE boutique indoor cycling studio, Bangkok’s latest workout destination.
“Women often ask me about this before they decide on taking up indoor cycling. I had the same concern and would never had done it if it resulted in bigger legs. That’s definitely a myth as my thighs and legs have not bulked up at all,” said the petite fitness trainer.
The adrenaline-charged drill was initially quite challenging for the ballet and yoga instructor, who was more comfortable performing stretching exercises.
“I actually never did cardiovascular workouts before spinning, which was something totally new to me. It made me stronger, fitter and more alert. It opened me to trying a variety of exercises for a balanced fitness programme,” added the Australian, who previously was an instructor at Hong Kong’s first spinning studio.
The entertaining indoor exercise has gained popularity in the US for over a decade while in Asia, the spinning concept is still relatively new.
Located on the ground floor of President Tower, TRIBE features a main cycling studio accommodating 40 riders and a multipurpose studio for barre exercises, yoga and boxing.
Whether a small group of 10 or a full class, Guth pulls participants in for an exhilarating 45-minute session designed with crazy lighting flashing different colours and alternating pitch blackness with the spotlight on the trainer.
“Trainers are performers in front of everyone, inspiring them to push a little more, and become better and stronger,” she said.
A huge part of the job, Guth constantly researches to find remixes for the playlist, featuring 10 songs — typically indie and house music — for each class.
She choreographs the fullbody workout as a combination of different movements such as push-ups, tricep dips, tap backs, hovers and using weights, with riders pedalling from slow pace to full throttle.
“Spinning has remained popular because people see results from the low-impact exercise. Clipped into the bike, you’re not running on a hard surface and there’s no jarring or putting pressure on knees. Constantly in one alignment, you are not going to roll an ankle. Overall, there’s minimal chance for injury,” she said.
Riders can challenge themselves at different paces, and make the workout lighter or heavier by adjusting the resistance and taking it at their own pace without getting left behind since the bike is stationary.
“You kind of get lost in the spinning because it’s really fun,” she said. “The routine and music is different for each class. With different riders, the energy is always different too.”
TRIBE aims to build a community of indoor cycling enthusiasts, who can request online reservations of bicycles and pre-seating arrangements via the studio’s website. Spinning three times a week, results such as tighter arms and legs will show within the first two weeks. The bike’s resistance and the amount of time pedalling are not enough to build muscles and big legs, Guth said, noting each class will burn 500 to 1,000 calories.
“By the end of the session, you will be sweating and out of breath. With surging endorphins, you will feel high in having accomplished something and want to come back. It’s addictive in that way,” she said.
TRIBE indoor cycling studio is located on the ground floor of President Tower, Ploenchit Road. Call 02-656-0203 or visit www.TribeBKK.com.