Tag: spin

This week’s cycle class with VIDEO, playlist and choreography! (Ride 7)

On By Dani Sanusi FitnessIn cardio, class, cycle, fitness, group fitness, gym, playlist, spin, workoutLeave a comment

Here is a video recording of the ride we did this week, woohoo!  Now you can do this ride anytime, no excuses!  It’s 45 minutes oIMG_4608f fun, and at the end of the ride we do a full cool down and stretch. Muahaha…enjoy!

IMPORTANT: Always remember to warm up and workout within your ability according to your doctor. Listen to your body, and if you need to stop, please do so. I am NOT responsible for any harm you may cause yourself! Please be sure to have the proper safe bike setup.  Now that that’s said and done, lets have some fun!

Watch Dani’s video here: http://youtu.be/oUuahUH0wKA

After a 4 minute flat warm up, we start Track 2 off with sprints; 3 sets during each chorus. You can add a small incline during each sprint if you’re feeling fancy. Yum!

Track 3 is a gradual seated climb, ending with a heavy heavy hill.

Track 4 is 15 second jump intervals, shifting from position 1 to 2 (seated to standing run), holding your small hill and increasing the incliIMG_4712ne each set. You’re welcome 😉

Track 5 is sprints; 3 sets during each chorus. You can add a small incline during each sprint if you’re feeling fancy. Yum again!

Track 6 is a gradual seated climb, ending with a heavy heavy hill.

Track 7 holds the heavy hill and comes out of the saddle at the beat to position 2. Then we have 2 sets shifting from position 2 to 3.

Track 8 drops back to your flat road once again, where we have sprints; 3 sets during each chorus. Last sprint track!

Track 9 starts with a small hill with 8 count jumps during each chorus for 3 sets, going from position 1 to position 2, adding a small gear each set.

Track 10 we have 3 sets shifting from position 2 to 3, each set adding to get to a heavy hill. *This track I had to remove from the video due to copyright claims*

Track 11 is sprints; 3 sets during each chorus. Last sprint track!

That’s it! Whew! If you have any questions about the ride, don’t hesitate to ask! What are your favorite spin songs?

Want your very own playlist choreographed by yours truly? Drop me a line!

Happy sweating!

Warmly,

Dani

What everyone needs to know before their first fitness class

On By Dani Sanusi FitnessIn cardio, class, cycle, fitness, group fitness, gym, motivation, spin, yoga1 Comment

spinSo you’re thinking of trying out a fitness class. That’s great! Group fitness classes can be very motivating and could be just what you need to spice up your workout routine. There’s something magical about working hard with others in a group setting. You’re really all a team working together with the same goal in mind, which makes it that much more fun (if you can’t tell that a group fitness instructor is the author of this article, then you surprise me)!

Are you worried about working out in front of others? Well fear not! Trust me, everyone is only looking either at themselves or at the instructor. It’s just the way we are wired! We are either seeing what the heck we are doing or making sure we are following along correctly. Set aside that worry 🙂

What class should you take? Well, what are your goals? Are you trying to build muscle, increase cardio, increase flexibility? You can ask the gym staff what classes could be a good fit for what you’re interested in. If you want to build those muscles, then check out a weight training class. They’re perfect for any introduction for form for basic weight lifting. Many people find cardio to be boring when done independently, so a cycle class could be the perfect way to make it more fun! Or if you want to try and increase flexibility, balance and strength, then a yoga class could be perfect for you.

Get there early. Introduce yourself to the instructor, let them know you are new to the class. They can help set up your equipment and give you a run down of what to expect. Even better, also introduce yourself to a nearby participant and see if they can give you any tips or suggestions for the class. At the very least you’ll know the person’s name that you’re going to sweat through the class with 🙂

There is no shame in modifying! Absolutely none. Take breaks whenever you need them. If something doesn’t feel right, then don’t do it. The best thing you can do for yourself is listen to your body. Talk to your instructor after class if you have any concerns.

Have FUN! There’s nothing better than trying something new, and letting yourself have fun with it. Don’t take it too seriously, let go of any expectations you may have for the class, and don’t overdo it the first time.

Now, get to it! The only thing to it is to do it! Don’t hesitate if you have any questions 🙂

Happy sweating!

Warmly,

Dani

This week’s cycle ride with VIDEO, playlist and choreography! (Ride 6)

On By Dani Sanusi FitnessIn cardio, class, cycle, fitness, group fitness, gym, high intensity interval training, home workout, motivation, playlist, spin, workoutLeave a comment

Here is a video reIMG_4608cording of the ride we did this week, woohoo!  Now you can do this ride anytime, no excuses!  It’s 45 minutes of fun, and at the end of the ride we do a full cool down and stretch. Muahaha…enjoy!

IMPORTANT: Always remember to warm up and workout within your ability according to your doctor. Listen to your body, and if you need to stop, please do so. I am NOT responsible for any harm you may cause yourself! Please be sure to have the proper safe bike setup.  Now that that’s said and done, lets have some fun!

Watch Dani’s video here: http://youtu.be/OH71E2OVvGk

After a 4 minute flat warm up, we start Track 2 with a gradual seated climb, ending with a heavy heavy hill.

Track 3 IMG_4609we recover at a flat road, adding to a small hill and coming up to position 2 and shifting to position 3 for 3 sets. Each set, adding a full gear, ending with the 3rd set at a very heavy hill.

Track 4 drops back to your flat road once again, where we have sprints; 3 sets during each chorus. You can add a small incline during each sprint if you’re feeling fancy. Yum!

Track 5 is a gradual seated climb, starting on a flat road and ending at a very heavy hill.

Track 6 drops back to your flat road once again, where we have sprints; 3 sets during each chorus. You can add a small incline during each sprint if you’re feeling good. Yum again!

Track 7 has 8 count jumps for 3 sets during each chorus, shifting from position 1 to 2 (seated to standing run), holding your small hill and increasing the incline each set. You’re welcome 😉

Track 8 drops back to your flat road once again, where we have sprints; 3 sets during each chorus. Last sprint track!

Track 9 is another seated climb, starting with a flat road and ending at your very heavy hill.

Track 10 drops the gear to a small hill, comes out of the saddle at the beat to position 2. Then we have 3 sets shifting from position 2 to 3, each set adding to get to a heavy hill.

Track 11 is Black Dog by Led Zeppelin, however in the video I had to remove the song due to copyright claims blocking it. The track starts at your small hill, coming up to position 2 and shifting to position 3 for 3 sets, ending at a very heavy hill. Finish strong with a heavy heavy hill!

That’s it! Whew! If you have any questions about the ride, don’t hesitate to ask! What are your favorite spin songs?

Want your very own playlist choreographed by yours truly? Drop me a line!

Happy sweating!

Warmly,

Dani

Foot discomfort in cycling class & cycling shoes

On By Dani Sanusi FitnessIn class, fitness, group fitness, gym, spin, workout, workout attire1 Comment

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about foot discomfort during my cycling class. Do your feet hurt during spin class? Some people are concerned that it is something they are doing wrong with their bike setup or form. Usually, it is due to your shoes. Shoes?! What could be wrong with your shoes?

Well, when it comes to running, you need that flexible sole to transfer the gradual movement of the foot. However, for cycling it is ideal for your shoes to have a very stiff sole. Why? Well, let’s say you use a bike where the pedals have cages into which you place your foot. The pedal is a small surface compared to your shoe’s sole size, so all of your body weight is going into this very small place on the shoe. Your entire body weight lands onto one pedal at a time, really making yourIMG_4630 shoe do a lot of supporting. If you are using those trusty running shoes with that super flexible sole, you’re really going to feel every little bit of discomfort that could potentially surface during a class.

You have two options: Use a shoe with a stiffer sole, or buy cycling shoes. Try out your shoes that you already have, and see if you own a pair that might stand up for the job. If you are really into cycling, it might be time for you to invest in some cycling shoes. I absolutely LOVE mine! Mine are Specialized mountain bike shoes. They have taken quite the beating at least 5 times a week for 2 years now (So, Specialized, where’s my free stuff at?! 😉 Just kidding! I’m not paid for this just to be honest).

Here are some tips when shopping for cycling shoes:

  • If you’re simply using them for spin classes, just get mountain bike shoes. They have a nice grip on the bottom so you can walk around in the gym with them. The racing shoes are slick and you’ll break your neck trying to walk around anywhere!
  • Try on every type of shoe that you can. Don’t just buy online, go to stores and check them out yourself. It is all based on comfort. You’ll know when the shoe is right for you.
  • Make sure you know what kind of clips the bike you use needs. Most seem to be the standard SPD clips (they look like a teardrop)
  • Ask the employees for their advice and reviews on the shoes they sell.
  • Price doesn’t dictate quality. My shoes were some of the least expensive of the ones that were comfortable to me, just by pure luck! But for me, for some reason the more expensive they were, the more uncomfortable they were. Go figure.

Good luck shopping and please don’t hesitate if you have any questions!

Happy cycling!

Warmly,

Dani

This week’s cycle ride with VIDEO, playlist and choreography! (#5)

On By Dani Sanusi FitnessIn class, cycle, fitness, group fitness, gym, home workout, motivation, playlist, spin1 Comment

Here is a video recording of the ride we did this week, it is killer!  Now you can do this ride anytime, no excuses!  It’s 45 minutes of fun, and at the end of the ride we do a full cool down and stretch. Muahaha…enjoy!

IMPORTANT: Always remember to warm up and workout within your ability according to your doctor. Listen to your body, and if you need to stop, please do so. I am NOT responsible for any harm you may cause yourself! Please be sure to have the proper safe bike setup.  Now that that’s said and done, lets have some fun!

Watch Dani’s video here: http://youtu.be/0Sey4b1s4Bs

After a 4 minute flat warm up, we start Track 2 with a sprint track on a flat road. Use chorus to sprint, adding a very small gear each sprint. Each one is 30 seconds.  You can stick with your base load or add a slight incline throughout the track for added difficulty. Yum!

 Track 3 we recover at a flat road, adding to a small hill at the big beat drop and coming up to position 2 and shifting to position 3 for 3 sets. Each set, adding a full gear, ending with the 3rd set at a very heavy hill.

Track 4 is 8 count jumps for 3 sets during each chorus, shifting from position 1 to 2 (seated to standing run), holding your small hill from track 1. You’re welcome again 😉

Track 5 is a gradual seated climb, starting on a flat road and ending at a very heavy hill.

Track 6 drops back to your small hill, where we have jumps 15 seconds up and 15 seconds down the entire track. Each time we come up, we add a small gear, ending at the end of the track at a heavy hill.

Track 7 drops the gear back to your flat road, where we have a slow gradual seated climb, ending at your super heavy hill.

Track 8 drops back to your flat road once again, where we have sprints; 3 sets during each chorus 1st is 20 seconds, 2nd is 25 seconds, and 3rd is 1 minute. You can add a small incline during each sprint if you’re feeling fancy. Yum!

Track 9 is another seated climb, slow and gradual, ending at your heavy hill.

Track 10 holds the gear from previous track, comes out of the saddle at the beat to position 2 right adding to your small hill. Then we have 3 sets shifting from position 2 to 3, each set adding to get to a super heavy hill. Finishing strong with a heavy heavy hill!

That’s it! Whew! If you have any questions about the ride, don’t hesitate to ask! What are your favorite spin songs?

Want your very own playlist choreographed by yours truly? Drop me a line!

Happy sweating!

Warmly,

Dani

This week’s cycle class playlist and choreography! (Ride #4)

On By Dani Sanusi FitnessIn cardio, class, cycle, fitness, group fitness, gym, health, home workout, motivation, playlist, spin, workoutLeave a comment

Check out this super fun 45 minute ride (not including cool down and stretch). I hope you enjoy it, and go get that workout in! No excuses! 🙂 I always set up the ride so that whenever we’re out of the saddle, you use the beat to guide your pace to keep your RPMs on target.

IMPORTANT: Always remember to warm up and workout within your ability according to your doctor. Listen to your body, and if you need to stop, please do so. I am NOT responsible for any harm you may cause yourself! Please be sure to have the proper safe bike setup.  Now that that’s said and done, lets have some fun!

After a 5 minute fIMG_4432lat warm up, start off Track 2 with a small hill right away for support out of the saddle. Use each chorus to come out of the saddle to position 2. Sit verses. You’ll be quite warmed up after this first track. You’re welcome 😉

Track 3 is 8 count jumps for 4 sets during each chorus, shifting from position 1 to 2 (seated to standing run), holding your small hill from track 1. You’re welcome again 😉

Track 4 is a sprint track, starting with a flat road. Use chorus to sprint, adding a very small gear each sprint. The 1st is 15 seconds, the 2nd is 20 seconds, and the final is 40 seconds.  You can add a slight incline throughout the track for added difficulty. Yum!

Track 5 we recover at a flat road, adding to a small hill at the big beat drop and coming up to position 2 and shifting to position 3 for 3 sets. Each set, adding a full gear, ending with the 3rd set at a very heavy hill.

Track 6 drops back to your flat road for a quick recovery, then adding back the small hill. We have 3 sets going from position 1 up to position 2 during the chorus.

Track 7 drops the gear back to your flat road, where we have a slow gradual seated climb, ending at your super heavy hill.

Track 8 holds the gear from the previous track, walking out and recovering right away. Pick it up, holding the gear in position 2, and shift to position 3 for each chorus for 3 sets.

Track 9 drops back to your flat road once again, where we have sprints; 15 seconds on and off. You can add a small incline during each sprint if you’re feeling fancy. Yum!

Track 10 has a 1 minute flat recovery in position 1, then you crank on a heavy gear and come up to position 3 for each chorus. Recover in position 1 holding a small hill, and repeat cranking on a heavier gear each time, ending with a very heavy hill for the final 3rd set.

Track 11 (which is cut off in the image: it’s Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga) recovers in position 1 with a flat road to start, then comes out of the saddle at the beat to position 2 right adding to your small hill. Then we have 3 sets shifting from position 2 to 3, each set adding to get to a super heavy hill. Finishing strong with a heavy heavy hill!

That’s it! Whew! If you have any questions about the ride, don’t hesitate to ask! What are your favorite spin songs?

Happy sweating!

Warmly,

Dani

This week’s cycle class playlist and choreography! (Ride #3)

On By Dani Sanusi FitnessIn class, cycle, fitness, group fitness, gym, home workout, motivation, playlist, spin, workout4 Comments

Check out this super fun 45 minute ride (not including cool down and stretch). I hope you enjoy it, and go get that workout in! No excuses! I always set up the ride so that whenever we’re out of the saddle, you use the beat to guide your pace to keep your RPMs on target.

IMPORTANT: Always remember to warm up and workout within your ability according to your doctor. Listen to your body, and if you need to stop, please do so. I am NOT responsible for any harm you may cause yourself! Please be sure to have the proper safe bike setup.  Now that that’s said and done, lets have some fun!

After a 5 minu2015/01/img_4388.pngte flat warm up, start off Track 2 with a small hill right away for support out of the saddle. You’ll be quite warmed up after this first track. You’re welcome 😉

Track 3 is 8 count jumps for 3 sets shifting from position 1 to 2 (seated to standing run), and each set you add a small amount of resistance on, ending at a slightly heavy hill. You’re welcome again 😉

Track 4 drops the gear back to your flat road, where we have a slow gradual seated climb, ending at your super heavy hill.

Track 5 is a mega track, holding your heavy hill from Track 4 out of the saddle to position 2 and shifting to position 3 for 3 sets.

Track 6 drops back to your flat road, where we have 3 sets of sprints; the 1st and 2nd are 30 seconds, and the final minute is a sprint to the end.  You can add a slight incline throughout the track for added difficulty. Yum!

Track 7 has a 1 minute flat recovery, then the work starts once you add to your small hill to come out of the saddle to position 2. Do 3 sets in position 2, recovering in seated position 1 and holding your small hill the whole track.

Track 8 holds the same small hill to start, and every 15 seconds you shift from position 1 to 2 for jumps the entire track. Each time you come to position 2, you add a small gear, ending the track at a heavy hill.

Track 9 drops back to your flat road once again, where we have 3 sets of sprints; the 1st and 2nd are 30 seconds, and the final minute is sprint to the end.  Same as the first sprint track! Yum!

Track 10 comes out of the saddle to position 2 right after adding to your small hill right away, then 3 sets shifting from position 2 to 3, each set adding to get to a super heavy hill. Finishing strong with a heavy heavy hill!

That’s it! Whew! If you have any questions about the ride, don’t hesitate to ask! What are your favorite spin songs?

Happy sweating!

Warmly,

Dani

This week’s awesome new cycle class playlist and choreography (ride #15)

I recently did a lot of music organizing and choreography, creating this brand new 45 minute ride from scratch (not including cool down and stretch). I wanted something fresh to kick 2015 off right! I hope you enjoy it, and go get that workout in! I always set up the ride so that whenever we’re out of the saddle, you use the beat to guide your pace to keep your RPMs on target.

IMPORTANT: Always remember to warm up and workout within your ability according to your doctor. Listen to your body, and if you need to stop, please do so. I am NOT responsible for any harm you may cause yourself! Please be sure to have the proper safe bike setup.  Now that that’s said and done, lets have some fun!

2015/01/img_4196.pngAfter 4 minute flat warm up, start off with a gradual hill for track 2. That classic rock is perfect for that grinding seated climb, ending at a heavy gear. Muahahaa. It’s a short track though. You’re welcome 😉

Track 3 is a mega hard track (yes, that’s a very technical term I use), where you climb out of the saddle using the beat to guide your cadence and simply shift from position 2 to 3 (standing run to standing climb) for 3 sets during the chorus. You’re welcome again 😉

Track 4 drops the gear back to your flat road, where we have 3 sets of sprints during each chorus.

Track 5 is the other mega track, but starting off at a small hill out of the saddle in position 2, then shifting to position 3 for 3 sets for each the chorus. Each set, add a gear ending for the final set at a heavy hill.

Track 6 has a 1 minute flat recovery, then the work starts once you add to your small hill. 3 sets of jumps during the chorus, position 1 to 2, for 8 counts. Add a half gear each set, ending at a slightly heavy hill.

Track 7 drops back to your flat road, where we have 3 sets of sprints again during each chorus, same as Track 4.

Track 8 adds to your small hill, then crank it onto a heavy hill for 3 sets in position 3. Shift back to position 1 and drop the gear back to your small hill.

Track 9 drops back to your flat road once again, with a very gradual seated climb, building that very heavy gear to the end and holding into the final track.

Track 10 recovers to walk it out of the saddle right away, then 3 sets shifting to position 3, holding that heavy gear.

That’s it! Whew! If you have any questions about the ride, don’t hesitate to ask! What are your favorite spin songs?

Happy sweating!

Warmly,

Dani

On By Dani Sanusi FitnessIn class, cycle, fitness, group fitness, gym, high intensity interval training, home workout, motivation, playlist, spin, workoutLeave a comment

Spin: a class for all

I can’t even begin to tell you how many people I’ve talked to over the years have told me that spin is an intimidating class, especially for the first time. And I seriously used to be one of those people! My dear friend Erika (shout out!) essentially dragged a grumpy me to a class. I was a runner, a home workout video-er, and I enjoyed working out by myself. I was not a gym person. At. All. Well, right off the bat, my bottom hurt like nothing else from that horrible seat! How on earth could anyone begin to enjoy this class with such an uncomfortable seat?! But as we started to get into it, the music was pretty great, the instructor was fun and motivating, I sweated like a pig, and I was hanging with my friend, so all in all, it was fun. For reasons I still can’t quite explain, and even thought my bottom hurt for a couple days afterwards, I found myself wanting to try it again. My bottom hurt less the second time around, and I started to understand what the heck Tara (shout out!) the instructor was talking about during class. Yep, I was hooked. I didn’t realize what I was missing!

So please, set aside any intimidation you may feel, or expectations you may have. Everyone there has the exact same goal – to workout! And yes, you too, guys! Maybe you had a bad experience one time, and the music or instructor didn’t quite jive well with you. Don’t throw in the towel completely! Try the instructor again, maybe you’ll enjoy the music next time. Or try out a different instructor! The beauty of indoor cycling classes is that truly any fitness level can achieve a safe, great workout. Seriously, the age range as well as fitness level I have in my classes would astound you. The key is to just continuously listen to your body and monitor how you are feeling throughout the class so you don’t overdo it. You don’t have to go super heavy with the resistance, or even get out of the saddle! Trust me, you can just sit there with a low resistance, and that still counts. Get there early, and let your instructor know if it is your first time so they can go over safety, proper setup of the bike and explain the format of their class. That’s their job! Plus, cycling is low impact, so it is fabulous for cross training or as a form of rehabilitation. Trust me, it’s just like riding a bike. Go for it! See you in class 🙂

What was your first spin class like? Or are have you not taken the plunge just yet? Feel free to post your positive thoughts!

Happy sweating!

Warmly,

Dani

On By Dani Sanusi FitnessIn cycle, fitnessLeave a comment

Fit fits!

Hello world! Here I am! I am so excited to share my passion for health and fitness. Just last night, I had finished teaching my one year anniversary class for a cycle & core group fitness class, and I was talking to a member of the gym. He told me that I really should share my classes and love for fitness and bring it to the masses. What a kind and inspirational suggestion! I couldn’t stop think about it, and I was so excited about it that I was up until 2:30am.

‘Fit fits’ has a twofold meaning for this blog – fitness fits, as in rants, about all the things going on (both good and bad) in the industry, which I promise to be light-hearted and funny. Sit down, sit down. I know you’re jumping with excitement. I’m not done yet. ‘Fit fits’ is also to say that, on some level, fitness can fit into anyone’s life, which is so important as a preventative measure to stay happy and healthy. And I’m not just talking exercise, I’m also talking about nutritional aspects of fitness as well. Boom.

I’d love for this blog to be more of a conversation, rather than simply a monologue of my fantastic thoughts and opinions. Please keep it positive, though! I know you will. Rock on!

Warmly,

Dani

On By Dani Sanusi FitnessIn fitness6 Comments