Today: Flywheelin’ with ClassPass.

My midwife cleared me for yoga and “brisk walking” (which sounded super fun until I briskly wiped out on my neighbor’s icy sidewalk) two weeks after Grace was born.  When I was still feeling (relatively) great two weeks later, she encouraged me to engage in “moderate exercise.”    My CrossFit Southie membership is on hold for another week or so (and as anxious as I am to be back, I want to be sure I am as careful about returning to CrossFit as I was about CrossFitting while pregnant), and though I love a good workout DVD as much as the next girl, it felt important to get out of the condo.  And see other people.  Like, other than the post office people.  I think they have grown weary of my chatty visits.

One of the upsides to being overtired is that I have much less energy to think rationally and/or talk myself out of things.  When I received an invitation to the ClassPass Boston launch at Flywheel, I probably should have asked myself the following questions:

1. How might sitting on a spinning bike feel mere weeks after giving birth? (Don’t ask, I won’t tell…. Okay, I will.  The first minute or so felt like an atomic wedgie of death… and then I remembered to adjust the seat height on my bike and all was right in the world.  Obviously, the post-partum experience is different for everyone, but I am guessing there are more gentle re-entries into the world of exercise.)
2. Do I have any business whatsoever at a place as cool as Flywheel?
3. Can I ride a stationary bike? (It’s been ages.)
4. What if I fall off?
5. What will my mental state be at 7:30 PM, after being up all night and all day?  Safe for human interaction?  Acceptable for the public domain?
6. Do I own clothes other than these three bathrobes I’ve been rotating and have become weirdly attached to?

Instead, I just RSVP’d Very much yes.

And I’m so glad I did.  In addition to the much needed normal (the others, not me) human  interaction with some of my favorite Boston girls (Caroline, Sarah and Sarah), I got a great workout and maaaaan, did that feel good.  I loved everything about Flywheel, from the friendly staff to the stadium-style set up, and the high-tech TorqBoard to the freedom to control how intense (or un-intense?) my workout would be.  Added bonus: I did not fall off anything.  Our instructor, Ann, had the best energy and chose the perfect soundtrack for our 45 minute ride.  I can’t wait to take another class with her.

Lucky for me, I don’t have to wait long.  Shortly after Tuesday’s event, the lovely Jenna at ClassPass reached out with the generous offer of a complimentary one month membership.  I immediately (after saying thank you, obviously) booked another class with Ann at Flywheel and checked out the other classes available in and around Boston.

ClassPass

For $99/month, members can take up to 10 classes at partnering studios and gyms (up to 3 classes at a given studio per month, for example: 3 of your 10 classes can be at Flywheel).  There is no long-term commitment required.  You can find all the details here, but here’s my take:

• While $99 isn’t chump change, the $10/class you’d pay with ClassPass is often much less than the cost of individual or drop-in classes at the participating gyms and studios (a single ride at Flywheel is $28… a bit rich for my wallet… but to be fair, this includes amenities such as shoes and lockers). #chaching
• The variety of classes available (spinning, yoga, HIIT, etc.) is fantastic, and the participating studios and gyms are some of the city’s most popular venues (I love a good map: Boston studios, New York studios).
• I love that you have to reserve your classes in advance.  I know this will keep me accountable, while ensuring I am carving out time to take care of myself
• ClassPass’ website is very user-friendly.  Members have access to information about each class, studio and instructor, as well as a review system for sharing post-workout tips and experiences.

In addition to scheduling Ann’s class, I took a post-baby fitness class in the Back Bay this morning, and may also fit in a restorative yoga class (which I am hoping amounts to adult nap time… so tired) for later this week.  In the meantime, I’m going to make a list of things normal people talk about (i.e. not diapers) and practice chitchatting with Clark.

Full monty disclosure: I attended a free class at Flywheel and received a complimentary month-long membership to ClassPass.  All opinions and thoughts shared are my own.  Especially the part about the wedgie.

Also On Tap for Today:

• French bulldogs love yoga! via Yoga Dork
• Enjoying this little warm-up (50 degrees! Yeassssssss!)
• 3 easy ways to renew yourself this spring via Whole Foods

Who is your favorite fitness instructor?  Do you have a class to recommend?  What’s your favorite thing to talk about with other grown-ups?