Activity: Spinning
KJ BURNT:
2,100
Carla Calitz –
Features editor
"I'm
training for my first Old Mutual Two Ocean's Half-marathon, so my cycling's
taken a backseat. But I still ensure I turn my legs by attending a spinning
class once a week.
"Thankfully
the Virgin Active Cape Town is just a five-minute dash from the office, so I
race out the building at 12.50pm for the 1.05pm session.
"While
I walk, I snack on an energy bar. ! also
book a bike online the week before. It takes six minutes to kit up, after which
I skid into the spinning studio where I quickly adjust my bike's set-up.
"Then it's 45 tough minutes of interval training on varying
resistance levels with both hills and flat stretches. Thank goodness for the
instructor's five-minute cool down.
"Now
it's time to get rid of the sweatiness in the showers. I'm back at my desk at
2.10pm, furiously lunching on a tuna, feta and avocado salad I prepared the
night before, as well as two glasses of water.
"I'm
one of those annoyingly energetic and sunny people for the rest of the
afternoon, thanks to the endorphin rush.
"I
think my editor prefers me this way she also knows I'm good for the extra
lunch time, as I start at 7.30am on my spinning days instead of 8.30am to make
up for the lost time."
The expert
says
According
to Donovan van Gelder, a former international
triathlete, one of the first spinning instructors in SA and owner of online
coaching website cybercoach.co.za:
"An intense lunch-hour spinning session will increase your metabolic rate.
This'll result in your body burning more fat stores — even when you're resting.
"It's
also a great way to exercise your cardiovascular system and strengthen your
calves, thighs and Glutes with little to no impact on
the joints, like your knees."
Top tips
1.
Do a spinning class 2-3
times a week at most, and incorporate some weight-bearing exercises, like
running, walking or an aerobics class.
2.
If you’re using
spinning to supplement your cycling training, you’ll also need to get out for
longer periods on the road. A 45-minute class won’t develop the kind of
endurance you’ll need for events, such as the Cope Argus Pick n Pay
Cycle Tour.
Activity: Vinyasa Yoga
KJ BURNT:
735
Ashlin Simpson – Online Editor
"It's
12.50pm and I send off a last-minute email before I dash to Jai Yoga studio —
which, lucky for me, is a stone's throw away from our office. It's a 5-7 minute
brisk walk. I change in record time. By 1pm I'm on my mat, flat on my back, my
mind racing. I try to focus on the moment by closing my eyes and focusing on my
breath.
"My
yoga instructor often reminds us that the hardest part of yoga is just getting
to your class. But after you manage to get there, the next challenge is keeping
your mind in the room.
"The
hour-long class is done in a heated room. After 10 minutes my mind is clear; my
body responds gratefully to the flowing movements and a downward-facing dog has
never felt so good.
"When
the class nears the end, I feel a little disappointed. The cool air is soothing
on my skin as I leave the hot room, and then it's a quick shower and dress
before I trek back to reality. At 2:10pm, I'm back at my desk feeling happy and
rejuvenated."
The
expert says
Yoga
instructor Brian Bergman says: "Because most jobs involve sitting for long
periods and doing mostly mental activity, yoga during your lunch hour is like
first aid for your spine.
"It
gets the body's energy flowing again and helps you become more focused, alive
and vital. Over time it unleashes your full creative potential. While most
people will be passing the afternoon growing more and more unproductive, you
may become super-productive and enjoy the work you're doing.
"Yoga
is a discipline that works not only on the physical body but the mind, emotions
and spirit as well. The physical benefits are considered beneficial side
effects to its main aim, which is to bring you into an experience of your own
true nature."
Top tips
1.
You can do as many yoga
sessions as you like (practise daily for optimal
results).
2.
Include yoga breath
work to balance and boost energy and yogic meditation to unleash your creative
potential.
3.
Not many people who are
new to yoga can keep their minds focused in the prat
tice. But practising this awareness — and coming back
when the mind wanders gradually puts you back in charge. It takes time, but
it's really worth it.
