If you enjoy cycling, but the weather prevents you from getting outdoors and doing it, why not try an indoor cycling or spinning classes? They aren’t as boring as they sound: the instructors are challenging, and the music or the visual imagery provided at some indoor facilities will actually enhance your workout. And since it rains like crazy nine months out of the year in Seattle, this will help keep your biking muscles in shape, so you won’t have to waste the three month outdoor cycling season in constant pain as you try to get back in shape. Many offer daily and weekly classes, and you’ll find yourself in the best shape of your life if you really stick with it. Cycling is one of the best workouts for the body. The following offer indoor facilities and regular classes:
Seattle Athletic Club, 2020 Western Avenue, Seattle, WA, 89121 (206)443-1111 (also a Northgate branch.)
This is a great place to go for all you downtown workers. With super early morning classes and evening classes, you can pick the best time for your workout. Many people use the workday as an excuse not to work out. But this accommodates to your schedule, should you ever decide to quit using that excuse. The classes are challenging and rewarding, and you can adjust the level of resistance on your bike, which you will definitely be doing on your first session.
Anderson’s Nautilus; 7203 Woodlawn Avenue NE, Seattle, WA, 98115 (206)524-7000
This facility welcomes members and nonmembers to sign up for classes (although members do get a discount.) Classes are run by encouraging and enthusiastic instructors, who will inspire you with their energy and their amazing fitness levels. Different levels are available, but no matter what, you will feel pretty exhausted after a class, but in the did-something-good-for-yourself sense. The equipment is state of the art, and many of the classes are small or medium sized. Nautilus classes are truly spinning classes, which means that they offer the brand name equipment.
YMCA Downtown branch 909 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104 Call (206)382-5010
This is one of the most cost effective ways to get involved with indoor cycling. The YMCA has great equipment and good instructors, but at a reduced rate. They offer classes throughout the day, but you will need to check availability, as spaces fill up fast. The convenient downtown location makes it the perfect after work exercise. Classes are typically 45 minutes to an hour long.
Gold’s Gym 9701 Aurora Avenue N, Seattle, WA, 98115 Call (206)524-5543
Gold’s gym is nationally recognized as having one the most varied selection of weight training equipment. However, they also have a great deal; of cardio equipment, including indoor cycling facilities at some, such as this Aurora location. The classes hosted at this Gold’s branch are always a fitness challenge. After a few painfully rewarding sessions, you’ll develop cut muscles you never knew you were capable of having (probably because you have never seen them before.) This is a great place to stay in shape during the rain: when it’s sunny, you can head on down to Green Lake, a few short blocks away.
