This Rider Made a Commitment to Indoor Cycling and Now She Takes Six Classes Per Week
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Name: Chrystal Ceniza
Age: 35
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Occupation: Accountant
Time Cycling: Consistently for three years
Reason for Cycling: I feed off the energy of those around me—the instructor, the music, the light, the dark. The leaderboard also helped motivate me early on!
I was always overweight growing up. I tried some diets, but I would give up after a couple of weeks. At one time I had a personal trainer, but didn’t feel like I was achieving anything with him. I then realized my body needed something more.
Almost every year I can remember, my New Year’s Resolution was to lose weight. It always went well for a month, maybe two—then I would revert back to my old ways. In January 2019 (when I was 32) I had enough. I weighed myself and was shocked that it was the heaviest I had ever been. I committed to start eating healthy and going to spin no matter what—at least three times a week.
I had sporadically gone to spin classes since I was 22, but never stuck with it. And I knew I needed to do more cardio, but hated running, so I thought cycling would be the next best thing! I first tried it when I was still living in Highland Park, Illinois, 10 years ago. I saw that they had classes at the Recreation Center of Highland Park and spin classes were less than $10 per session, so I decided to try it. I started going once a week.
Then I started trying out other studios. I went from that first one to a small studio in Evanston, Illinois, then to a Flywheel studio in Highland Park, and to another Flywheel in River North in Chicago. Now I go to CycleBar River North.
After the first three months, I had lost 20 pounds and told myself, ‘This isn’t bad. It’s actually working. Let’s keep going to see how far we can go!’
When I really committed to weight loss, I was going to a class three times a week at least. I also used my Apple Watch to keep track of how many calories I was burning and how many steps I was taking. I also used MyFitnessPal to keep track of my calorie intake. The Apple Watch lets you set your daily calorie goal, so I started very low and added 10 calories to my goal every week for the rest of the year. There was rarely a day I missed my daily goal. And any time CycleBar had a studio challenge, I would join and always met that goal too.
I dabbled with intermittent fasting when I first started losing weight, but found it hard to follow. Now I am definitely eating more vegetables and more home-cooked meals than ever before. I used to go out for every single meal; I never cooked. That has definitely changed. Me and my fiancé now try to make meals at home as much as we can and limit ourselves to one extravagant meal per month.
I am now spinning six times per week. I am still looking to build my endurance on the long pushes out of the saddle. I do great on a lighter resistance, but I am trying to keep the heavier resistance on and not dump everything when I sit back down.
I keep going back because not only is cycling something I have gotten good at, but I have also found my kindred spirits within the classes—the other students and even some instructors!
Not only is spinning good for my physical body, it’s also good for my emotional health. I can commiserate or celebrate with those around me. When an instructor asks for a ridiculously high resistance and someone in class yells ‘Holy shit!’ out loud, I’m right there with them. If someone is celebrating their 100th, 250th, 500th ride, I am right here celebrating with them. (I also hit my 250th ride this summer!)
Since January 2019, I have lost 65 pounds and am now maintaining my weight loss. To other cyclists looking to start a similar journey, remember to not compare yourself to others. One way to do that is to take your name off the leaderboard in spin class so you force yourself to stop the comparisons. You do you. Find something that you enjoy and stick to it!
These three tips have made my cycling journey a success:
1. Get up and go
The hardest part is putting your workout clothes on and actually getting to class. But I have never left a class regretting the work I put in that day.
2. Keep going
Some people are discouraged because the first few classes are hard, or they place last on the leaderboard, or their nether-regions get sore—we’ve all been there! This wasn’t meant to be easy, but it does improve over time.
3. Listen to your body
If you need to sit, sit. If you need to slow down, slow down. If you need a lower resistance, lower your resistance.
Chrystal’s Must-Have Gear
→Tiem Slipstream Shoes: I used to just use the studio’s shoes, but I decided to buy a pair for myself so I could just use my shoes and not have to share with everyone else’s sweaty feet. These Slipstream ones are cute and comfortable!
→Apple Watch: I know there are a ton of wearable devices on the market, but my tried and true has always been the Apple Watch. It’s so easy to sync with your iPhone and see how many steps you’ve done or calories you’ve burned throughout the day.
→Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight: As if you need another recommendation for leggings! But I love these because I have short legs and the 25-inch cut is perfect for me.
→MAYOUTH Microfiber Towels: During COVID when we needed to bring our own towels, I got these. They’re the perfect size to drape on the handlebars of the bike and work well to keep hands dry.
We want to hear how cycling changed you! Send your story and submit your photos to us via this web form. We’ll pick one each week to highlight on the site.
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