Fall is the most difficult season to stick to a workout routine. With high chances of rain and plenty of holiday festivities that tempt you to lay down in front of the couch rather than getting active, getting out for a run is often the last thing on your mind.
One of my favorite ways to get active is running. However, running long distance frequently can put strain on your knees even with the best running shoes out there. I began seeking out some kind of alternative to running that will still allow me to work on my cardio while toning my thighs (which is often a problem area for many women). It wasn’t long before I was introduced to spinning and fell in love with it as a go between for my running schedule.
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Spinning has become quite the phenomenon with companies such as Soul Cycle, which offers a kind of upscale spinning in New York to Eastwood cycle right here in the heart of Vancouver. The experience that Eastwood cycle offers certainly surpassed the classes I’ve taken in the past. To start, the ambiance at Eastwood cycle makes the gym feel like an institution. With the feel of an open space and an LA chic vibe running through the facility they deem a cycle sanctuary, it was certainly an all-encompassing experience. I decided to take Eastwood cycle for a spin class and this was what I found:
-The classes are done in the dark. They call it night cycling and it was surprisingly relaxing.
-There’s a towel ready for you with each bike (small pleasures go a long way).
-They use weights during a class so you can work out your arms while you cycle.
-They have a shower facility that’s nicer than my own shower at home.
-Be ready to sweat.
-During the middle of the class, a staff member will enter to fill your water bottle up for you if you need it.
-At the end of each class, there’s a set of moist towels infused with tea tree oil offered.
-The Juice Truck juices are available at Eastwood cycle (for those of you who are juice junkies).
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I also had a chance to ask owner Jillian Sheridan some questions before my spin class at Eastwood cycle and decided to share what I found.
Q: What inspired you to start Eastwood cycle? Tell us the story behind it.
My husband & I discovered a work out we both enjoyed doing together. After doing more research into our area I discovered there was a huge niche to open a studio on the West Coast. I wanted to create a space that went against the studio norm, somewhere that was a constant inspiration to myself and our riders. Somewhere most importantly that embodied what a sanctuary should be.
Q: Night cycle is a new concept around Vancouver. Tell us more and some of the benefits compared to a regular cycle.
With the lights down low and the music turned up it really provides a space that you can truly let yourself go, close your eyes, and feel the music. With a dark atmosphere you slowly forget about the other 30 people in the room and can really just focus on yourself.
Q: Before you started Eastwood cycle, you mentioned that you were in fashion. What were you involved in and how do you think it's helped you with Eastwood cycle.
I took the fashion merchandising program at Blanche Macdonald. Upon graduation I did personal styling, managed a clothing boutique, and lastly worked for a clothing wholesale company. The knowledge gained from working in the fashion industry has been invaluable. Learning how to effectively merchandise, place clothing orders, and even knowledge about how to properly gauge size runs - among a long list of other things has been a huge help. Without that background the retail portion of Eastwood would be incredibly daunting.
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Q: Vancouverites are generally into fitness. How can someone maximize their fitness experience at Eastwood cycle?
We remind each rider to ‘listen to your body’. Our rides are for you! The instructor will provide a great idea of where your tension or RPM’s should be but it’s really your decision to decide where you want your tension. If you want to push yourself harder than where the instructor recommends, great - if you need to work up to where the instructor is saying, even better. We’re big goal setters here and will help you any way we can to maximize or exceed your fitness goals.
Q: What is your health and workout regiment?
Lots of water, a green juice from the Juice Truck every day, lots of veggies, at least 4 spin classes a week, and when possible I try to use organic body products. We just started carrying Vitruvi’s all natural oils and tonics, they’re the best pick-me-ups and refreshers.
Eastwood cycle is located at 154 West Hastings Street, Vancouver BC.
Amy Yew is a contributing columnist at Vancouver Courier and a fashion and style writer. She is also a Lucky Magazine community contributor. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to amyvancouvercourier@gmail.com. You can also tweet your thoughts @AmyYew.
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