Changing from the Outside In: Psycle Spinning for Beginners

Apprehensive about spinning, but curious to try, contributor has agreed to write about her attempts to shake up her fitness routine and try something new. Check back for more installments on her series: Changing from the Outside In.

I’ve heard a lot about spinning, through covering The Biggest Loser and other fitness shows, but I didn't try it because I was nervous about it.

I don’t do well on my normal outdoor bike, because I have trouble staying balanced while I pedal. So, a bike that stays put is perfect for me. And I really need to shake up my fitness routine and bust out of this rut.

I was thrilled to discover tucked in behind on Detroit Road. 

I stopped by to talk with Jennifer Sommers, who owns Psycle along with her husband Scott. She said Psycle is all about working on fitness from the inside out, changing your mind and soul along with your body. 

She told me spinning is active meditation ... just like the way I feel when I go dancing.

Jen learned this philosophy from one of the top spinning instructors in the country -- Janet Fitzgerald at Soul Cycle in New York City. She learned from Janet that the key to success is working from your soul and moving outward to your physical self. 

Jen told me that she first discovered spinning she was broken, working her way through a painful divorce and spinning helped her focus on moving forward. 

One day at class she struck up a conversation with a man on the bike next to her and they became fast friends. This man turned out to be Scott, who is now her husband and business partner.

Spinning helped Jen heal from the inside as she became more fit on the outside. She wants to share that with others, like me.

Inspired by her story, I walked through the studio unintimidated by the Spinner Pro bikes with 45-pound flywheels. I wasn't even sweating at the idea that a 45-50 minute class can burn up to 800 calories.

Scott teaches the beginner class, which includes going over bike set up and adjustments. I'm set to take it right after Labor Day.