Cycle Cinema a nice way to ease the workout pain

“What is pain? French bread!”

This was the mantra I kept repeating to myself throughout the hour and a half of my first cycle class ever. Sweat was dripping down my face, my thigh muscles were burning and I could not feel my butt, but Remember the Titans gave me the inspiration to survive the workout.

I attended “Cycle Cinema”, a brand new workout class that lets you watch movies while you exercise. Emily Braley, one of the leaders of the class, said that the new cycle studio was equipped with a projector and software with ride simulator capabilities. “We wanted to create a new experience for cycling,” she said.

I walked into the class a complete beginner. I had never taken a cycling class in my life, and I certainly didn’t have the fancy biking shoes that several other members of the class were wearing.

But my lack of experience didn’t matter, because second-year graduate student Liz Blayney was there to save the day. She helped me adjust the height of my seat and my handle bars, and gave me some pointers about pedaling. Then she put on the movie, and we began our 90 minute cinematic adventure.

The biggest problem I encounter while working out at the gym is the boredom that sets in. I can’t stand getting on the treadmill or the elliptical because then I have to spend at least 30 minutes staring at the wall, focusing all of my attention on the fact that I am ridiculously out of shape and gasping for breath.

That’s where Cycle Cinema comes in — you are constantly entertained during your workout, so you can stay focused for longer, and you are distracted from the pain that comes with an intense workout.

Remember the Titans was the perfect movie for the class, because as soon as I felt like I had to stop Coach Boone asked: “Will you ever quit?” Of course the only answer to that is “No! We want some more, we want some more, we want some more!” My butt was sufficiently whipped into shape.

For movie listings in the near future, click here.