Fitness From The Field: Slim Cycle

The Rural Intelligence region offers a plethora of fitness and healing modalities, but it can be hard to know which is the one that fits your needs, your body type and your schedule. Enter Paula Boyajian, a yoga instructor certified in Interdisciplinary Yoga and Yoga for the Special Child, who has taken on the role of RI’s fitness contributor to sleuth out the details of the many health and wellness options in our area.

Although we’re only two months into the New Year, some of us may be struggling to keep our New Year’s “Intention" (as I like to say) of getting or staying in shape. I recently visited a “one-stop-shopping" gym that can help us all — from youngsters to seniors — get out and keep fit. With free daycare, several senior fitness classes and an abundance of exciting choices like the “Slim Cycle" class I took, it’s easy to see why IXL in Rhinebeck was chosen Best Fitness Center by Hudson Valley Magazine. What Is It?A 45-minute cycling class conducted by candle light and incorporating weights. The class starts with easy biking to warm up your body and willpower, per instructor Jenna Seeley’s inspiring coaching. As the bike’s tension increases, sprints and jumps are added. Weights — from one to three pounds — are used periodically, and a cool-down and stretching session complete this total-body workout. Activity LevelAll Levels. One of the first things Jenna told me was that this class is different because she guides us through three different degrees: beginner, moderate and advanced (which starts with a choice of 1, 2 or 3 pound dumbbells). Jenna is superb at cuing and offering accessible options for students at each level, such as “Beginners should feel like you’re pedaling through mud; advanced, you’re pedaling through cement." As your ride progresses, she offers varying levels of challenges, including adjusting the resistance of the bike as you desire. BenefitsIf you guessed that you’ll burn calories and tighten thighs, hamstrings and calves, you’re right on the money. But target toning doesn’t stop at your legs; we did oblique work that required a surprising amount of coordination, while biceps, triceps and shoulders get strong and shapely with the dumbbell work. We also “punched" while holding the weights and imagined, as Jenna suggested, we’re punching away negativity.

David Stickle, front desk; Zachary Meyer, personal trainer and Jenna Seeley, Slim Cycle instructor.

The mind-body connection is a strong part of this class, with Jenna continually reminding us “it’s all about you" and encouraging us to ride away from anything we want to let go of. Her music choices match the intensity of the workout at each moment. Instructor InfoJenna, who is certified in Spinning and “Schwinn Cycle," couldn’t be more perfect for this job. She developed “Slim Cycle" after attending a traditional spinning class and likened it to her first date with her now-husband, Justin (“I left thinking that I never want to do that again"). Much like her marriage though, her fitness story has a happy ending. At that point, Jenna carried a 310-pound frame and after a few days thought, “But I finished it!" and began designing a cycling class with friends in mind. First on her plan: candle light — which is very calming — and a manageable 45-minute workout. Most importantly, Jenna wanted to break down walls in the fitness world so people of all sizes could embrace exercise as a positive addition to their lives. Now 120 pounds lighter, Jenna is a constant reminder of what we can strive for — as she says at the end of class — “being beautiful and bold." Facility/AmbienceIXL strikes a balance between the traditional gym environment and earthy style. The lobby’s natural stone floor and desk and the warm greeting from front desk staff sets the tone for the friendly and supportive environment you’re about to enter. Windows face a lovely wooded area that you can enjoy while working out in the impressive cardio training center. Separate classrooms for the vast selection of aerobic, sculpting and yoga classes are large, clean and sunny. The recently renovated locker rooms, with ample lockers, showers and changing areas, has a much-appreciated sauna. CostMonthly memberships start at $25 with a $29 yearly fee and include access to both the Rhinebeck and Saugerties locations. IXL Health and FitnessRoute 9G, Rhinebeck (also Route 9W, Saugerties) (845) 876-4100