(Courtesy of Stefan Funke on Creative Commons.)
With COVID-19, daily life has been affected, especially in terms of physical exertion. Unfortunately, the on-campus workout center is closed. To keep students moving in a creative way, the college offers an outside, socially distanced spin class.
Spin bikes are offered at the stadium for students to use Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are only a limited number of spots, so students need to email gagnier@geneseo.edu to reserve a 45-minute time slot.
There will also be four classes taught by an instructor. Accounting major senior Krissy McCann teaches a spin class on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2-2:45 p.m. from Sept. 25- Oct. 2. McCann was previously a spin instructor and chose to return and help with this new class. She responded to several questions via email correspondence.
“I think people should come by and join because it is a great opportunity to get moving and it’s so much fun,” McCann said. “My classes are 45 minutes each and I keep everyone moving the whole time with great music, fun on the bike ‘choreography,’ an arm series and a cool-down stretch. The resistance ranges from slow, up-hill climbs to sprints. It’s a high-intensity cardio workout, but it’s so much fun.”
The bikes for class will be set up about six feet apart to maintain social distance.
“Along with this, the bikes are all outside and [at a] distance so it’s a very low-risk activity,” McCann said. “It’s important to make sure you stay active during the pandemic and an outdoor distance workout class is a fun and safe way to do it!”
This spin class is challenging but rewarding, and people have a lot of fun while doing it, according to McCann.
“I started teaching spin classes last semester, and what I love about teaching is seeing everyone working so hard to get through a set but with a smile on their face because they’re having so much fun,” McCann said. “It’s really rewarding to hear all the positivity about my spin classes, and I love seeing people come consistently because it feels great to know that there’s a demand for it with so many people coming back.”
McCann also explained another creative way she stays active while the gyms are closed.
“I use an app called “Zombies, Run!” which is a running app that tells a story of a zombie breakout with a bunch of different missions and encourages you to ‘run from the zombies.’ I’m not really a running person so I’ve found this app to be really motivating and fun,” McCann said. “Plus, it tracks your distance and maps it in your run log so you can keep track of how far you’ve gone.”
While in previous classes McCann provided towels to students for arm workouts and other needs, due to COVID-19, students are now encouraged to bring their own towels.
Spin is a great way to stay active, especially during this semester, a time with more stress than usual. Even though the workout center is closed, people still have the opportunity to work-out together in a socially distanced manner.