Eliza Flynn got up early one morning to test out a 7.30am Edge Cycle Bootcamp session. It was hard, there were sweat, but no tears (not quite). Read more about the fitness session that can burn up to 1000 calories in less than an hour.
Edge Cycle Bootcamp – the spinning class with a nightclub feel.
I must confess, I’m not a fan of spinning to start with so when I stumbled into the Edge Cycle Studio just off Leather Lane after a couple of hours sleep (work-related insomnia rather than a debauched night out – those became extinct when I hit 30), it all felt rather surreal. Even more so when I was hustled onto a bike to join the ready set of 30 or so eager people ready to start their workout.
After an awkward start fiddling with the saddle whereby I realised immediately that my legs were sadly shorter than I’d allowed for, I tuned my woes and worries out and turned my attention instead to Belinda Shipman who was at the front, taking the class.
Now, I’m not a fan of spinning because I’m not that good at it. Wherever I turned, people’s legs seemed to be turning remarkably fast. It was all rather worrying – I thought I was fit. Taking a deep breath and remembering the yoga belief that you do these things for yourself and not for anyone else, I tried not to compare myself to the sleek girl in front whose pedals turned like the wind. This time, I managed it – I focused on me and my legs. With club-like beats and a dark nightclub vibe, it’s a decent place to ‘lose yourself’. I even realised at one point that I hadn’t checked the clock – a first in a spinning class.
With the energetic rallying cries of our instructor ringing in our ears, we climbed hills and raced until I thought my legs were literally going to fall off. I don’t think I’ve ever sweated more in a class and without that bottle of water I don’t think I’d have survived.
The class is 45 minutes long and after 20 minutes or so (I wasn’t watching the clock, remember), we all hopped off our bikes for a 15 minute floor session. I was sadly mistaken that this would prove any easier – Belinda Shipman is a machine! By each of our bikes were a mat and a set of weights. Here we lunged, jumped, planked, stretched and did exercises I’d never done before. It was quite a relief to jump back on the bike…
After a quick bike blast, the session was over and we had a stretch and delicious cooldown.
There’s no rest, even off your bike – get ready for a HIIT session – and best of all, no bootcamps are the same.
Whilst my body hated me, and my mind was still in shock, I actually left feeling energised. You can’t but help feel pleased after such a workout. According to Edge Cycle, you can burn up to 1000 calories in one 45 minute session. This we can truly believe.
As far as spinning goes, if you want a proper full workout (not just legs) that’s going to challenge you and you thrive in nightclubs, get in the saddle, this class was made for you.
Edge Cycle Bootcamp
Who’s it for? Those who want a workout that tests your cardio, stamina, core and strength.
Top tip: Don’t forget your towel.
How much? £15 for one class pass. Discounts for buying in bulk sessions or 10 or more.
Find out more: www.edgecycle.co.uk
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