In Toronto, spin studios are a dime a dozen so when I moved to Vancouver this summer and learned that the city’s first spin-specific space was opening up, I was both shocked (how has this city lived without this for so long?) and relieved (I had after all, just started getting into the activity). Robson’s newest ambassador, Mike Porter and I must have been on the same page. He quit his 9-5 to pursue his passion and opened the doors to his new studio, Cadence, just two months ago.

what is spinning?

It may be just like riding a bike but it certainly isn’t a leisurely jaunt along the seawall. Spinning is typically a 45-minute, high intensity, cardiovascular workout done on a stationary bike. The bikes are equipped with a system that allows you to control the tension on the wheel mimicking hill climbs, flat terrain or sprints. An instructor motivates and guides you through every up-hill battle and if the studio is a good one, the pumping tunes will drive you to the ‘finish line’. The quick in-and-out workout makes it ideal for those who are looking for a good sweat (about 600 calories!) but are also tight on time.

why a specific spin studio?

Many fitness facilities offer spin along with other group exercise classes but no one else in Vancouver offers the true spinning experience. The atmosphere of a studio – everything from the music to the lighting – plays a part in getting the best ride possible. For Mike, creating the right experience was key, so he’s gone as far as to include spin shoe rentals in the cost of the class. While they aren’t mandatory (regular sneakers will do), proper footwear enables you to get a greater workout because being clipped into the pedals allows you to make more powerful strokes.

spinning for cross training

Getting bored of just you, your runners and the open road? As a competitive marathoner, Mike uses both spinning and yoga to complement his training. After running the BMO marathon last spring, he had taken a six-week break and focused just on spin. He was surprised to find that when he went out for a quick 10k after the hiatus, he was able to keep his heart rate and perceived exertion at the same levels as when he was at the height of his training. Spinning is a great way to mix up your training without compromising the plan.

I’ve had both bad experiences (spinning in what felt like a hot yoga class) and amazing experiences (great tunes and motivational instructors) and have come to find that the studio really makes all the difference. Have a favourite spin studio in your community? Share it below so our newbies can discover the best of spin!

want more?
• reserve a bike at Cadence now!
• the ultimate ride: hear from three Gran Fondo riders
• we asked you answered: read more on cycling

Recently there was “Free Day of Yoga.” In dozens of cities across the globe, participating yoga and pilates studios opened up their spaces by offering free classes to the community. Studio owners and teachers offered this gift to students in the spirit of sharing the love and bliss of yoga, not to mention the health benefits of practicing the sport.

lululemon athletica Ala Moana sponsored Hawaii’s Free Day of Yoga. We wanted people to try different styles, instructors and studios (at no cost) in order to stretch their mind, body, and spirit.

Our community came out to enjoy this special event. Almost all of the classes were packed to capacity. One of the local studio owners, Conrad Gacki of Bikram Yoga Nimitz had crammed classes from sun up (5.30 a.m. class) to sundown (7 p.m. class).

Gacki was so inspired by the Free Day of Yoga that he has decided to visit all of the studios that were involved in the community event in order to help strengthen the local yoga community. Educators at lululemon Ala Moana have received nothing but positive feedback for helping to organize this event. We even had a 72-year-old guest mention that she attended five free classes on that day! Nothing could make us smile more. The work we do at lululemon is for the community, it is to share the benefits of yoga and fitness with beginners, elite athletes, and everyone in between.

lululemon athletica stores offer complimentary weekly yoga classes. Visit lululemon.com/stores to find a lululemon store near you.

Meet Haley, the Lake Oswego Showroom manager, in Lake Oswego, Oregon

What is your role at lululemon?

Lake Oswego Showroom Manager

What is the difference between a showroom and a store?

The intention of a showroom is bring the lululemon culture to a community where we do not have a store. Unlike stores, showrooms are not open every day. This gives us time to be active in the community, hold trunk shows, arrange shop nights and kitchen parties, take yoga and fitness classes, meet with the local instructors and gym owners, and get to meet our community. To sum it up, our goal is to spread the lululemon love.

How did you come to lululemon?

I always found myself shopping at lululemon even though I worked at other athletic apparel stores. After reading about the company culture and manifesto, I just had to be a part of lululemon!

What is a typical Wednesday like for you?

It includes hitting up a class, regional manager call, working the floor, getting our new product for the week, sending a product notification, getting the product on the floor, working with the fabulous Lake Oswego guests, possibly taking a studio owner or instructor out to coffee, fit sessions, fun and sometimes class number two after close!!

The inside of our Lake Oswego Showroom!

How do you usually sweat once a day?

I love running or hitting up a class... spin, yoga, anything!

One of the complimentary yoga classes in the showroom.

What’s one activity/fitness trend that you’ve been dying to try?

Kettle balls.

Why do you have the best job in the world?

I am surrounded by the greatest people in the world. Everyone is dedicated to creating new possibilities, setting goals and dreaming BIG! Ever since I joined the company, my personal and career development sky-rocketed! I am absolutely in love with the company, the people, the culture, EVERYTHING!

What piece of advice do you have for future showroom managers?

Talk, talk, talk!! Find out all about events in the community, gyms, studios, and get to know the locals. Hire a rock-star team and travel as a pack.

What's your Big Hairy Audacious Goal!? (one year)

The Lake Oswego Showroom will be the best showroom in the US by May 2010!

Come visit Haley and the team in Oswego!