SpinnJumbie: 2007

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Definition of "Bad Mind"

I have not added to the blog for a while and I apologise to the two or three people who actually care to read my thoughts and ramblings.
Anyway, I wanted to write about something called Bad Mind which is what I use in spin class when I come to class tired from work or when my legs start to burn and I feel like I cannot continue to turn the pedal and I want to come off the bike.
According to the Trini Dictionary the term bad mind is "A person who holds grudges and repays them. Evil, cold personality spiteful" and at first I was thinking that is not exactly what I understand by bad mind but then again maybe it is.
The more I think about it... yes it does...
When I leave work tired with no energy after dragging through a tough day and I make the decision to pull up in front of Spinners World and sit on a bike for 45 minutes, I am riding out of spite or is it in spite of what my body is trying to say to me.
The battle is within me. I am holding a grudge...
My grudge is that I am in control of my body and my body is not in control of me and if I set the goal that I will achieve a six pack then I will and I refuse to let a silly thing like the need to sleep or physical exhaustion get in my way.
I dig deep and just as I feel that I cannot make it and I have to stop, I look in the mirror and push harder. Next time you see me in a spin class, just observe my bad mind in action.
Bad Mind is why I sing out loud in the middle of intervals or speed work of high tension. Basically I am saying to the muscles in my body that they need to stop the nonsense and get back to work.
Bad Mind is why I like to spin in the front row. For the most effective Bad Mind I need to look in the mirror... to look myself in the eyes and say "stop that mad talk about coming off the bike and going home".
Bad Mind drives me forward to push my body to its limits.
Bad Mind makes me add more tension and Bad Mind makes me refuse to rest between sets.
With Bad Mind, I am able to continue my weight loss diet. I can look at a huge bowl of lettuce for the third night in a row and dip that fork and stuff my mouth and just chew and chew. With bad mind I can look at that cheesecake (mmmm... cheesecake) and tell myself "no way, that is too many calories...". i can say no to that slice of Meat Lovers pizza (mmmm... Meat Lovers pizza with a stuffed crust). I can dig into that bowl of granola cereal morning after morning and crunch my way through to the end because without Bad Mind, granola is just so boring... And after a weekend of indulgence (like Tobago Jazz Festival), Bad Mind gets me to do two back to back classes.
Bad Mind helps me to take a handful of weight loss and energy supplements and swallow them with one gulp every single day. I have to use Bad Mind or I will throw up those capsules because swallowing a set of tablets is real pressure.
Try to use Bad Mind in your next workout... it continues to work for me.

Thursday, March 8, 2007

More Spinners World on YouTube... Carnival Spin Burnout

Check the great time we have in Spinners World... check it out on Warren Street in Woodbrook.
Carnival 2007 Spin Burnout Part 1

Carnival 2007 Spin Burnout Part 2

Carnival 2007 Spin Burnout Part 3

Carnival 2007 Spin Burnout Part 4

Carnival 2007 Spin Burnout Part 5

Carnival 2007 Spin Burnout Part 6

Carnival 2007 Spin Burnout Part 7

Carnival 2007 Spin Burnout Part 8

Carnival 2007 Spin Burnout Part 9

Carnival 2007 Spin Burnout Part 10

The Right Shoes Makes All The Difference

It took three years but I finally purchased a pair of cycling shoes for spinning.

I was using my old faithful Nike Shox Monster sneakers and they had become worn on the sides and on the soles from all the friction. At one point I was riding seven classes a week and they were taking a beating.

I eventually decided I needed a new pair of shoes and first I bought a newer Nike Shox TL with the full shox (front and back). The old pair just had the shoks to the back and they did an excellent job or so I thought. Therefore in my nieve logic, I thought I would buy the more expensive full shox to get even more performance.

That was a huge mistake because the full shox are designed for running and they provide a soft, cushioned support for minimising the impact when your foot hits the road.
They are definitely NOT for cycling and I quickly realised that when my feet began to hurt during the spin class as the soles of the shoes bent and contorted as I was pedalling. The other thing that happened is that the sole quickly started coming apart.

I put them away after three classes and went back to old faithful.

After a few sessions at Spinners World where "everybody" is wearing cycling shoes, I finally gave in and went to Gene Samuel's place and bought a pair of Shimano SPD mountain bike shoes. Best decision I ever made.

There is no comparison to the ride from these shoes. From the very first class, I realised I was riding with a higher cadence with less effort. They allow me to concentrate on my pedalling action without worrying about straps coming loose or worst yet - bursting just as I am at 100% performance.

I should have read this guide a long time ago:

http://media.godashboard.com/spinning/Picking_a_cycling_shoe.pdf

When shopping for a good cycling shoe for your Spinning class, whether it’s a road or mountain shoe, you should always look for a stiff sole, good retaining system (how the shoes hold your foot in place) and stable, breathable, durable construction.
Stiff soles boost your leverage on the pedal and decrease foot fatigue.
Laces, Velcro straps or other retaining systems hold your feet securely in place, which aids the upward movement of your pedal stroke.
They also lend stability, reducing movement keeping your feet and body aligned correctly on the pedals.
Shoe breathability is also very important for all types of cycling, especially indoors. Riding indoors enerates considerable body heat and sweat, so make sure the shoe features mesh or another breathable fabric that circulates air to your feet.
Last, but certainly not least is safety. Gym flooring is often a hard surface and can become slippery from sweat after class. Most road cleat systems have large protruding cleats that can make walking difficult and even hazardous in a gym environment. Even the most experienced riders can experience loss of traction and balance.
For Spinning class, your best bet is a shoe with a recessed cleat or SPD® (Shimano Pedal Design) system and a rubberized sole for safety.

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Spinners World on YouTube

Part 1 of Spinners World on the Brian Lara Promenade with Rachel Price for Trinidad Carnival 2007.

Part 2

Part 3

Friday, February 16, 2007

Trying to get a big belly... unbelievable

In my research into BDD, I found this amazing link to people who are trying hell hard to get a bigger belly

http://www.43things.com/things/entries/23102

Check these posts from wannabe fat belly people on that website:
Thefatbillywilly:
"I think that i don’t really know why I want to have a big belly: I think that I want this for having a very big and soft belly to touch and play and, I think, for having a sense of fullness and thoroughness"
GlitteryButterfly:
"I can’t wait until my little belly turns into a big belly! Big bellies are so cute and nice. Plus, they look so hot in tight dresses! I bought a dress from Torrid the other day, and it is still really loose in the belly area, I hope I can grow into it soon! "

And check out this guy jiggling his fat... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WsJSJuACTw --> you have to sign up (free) and login but it is a treat as is the Belly giggle.

I was amazed at first but then in thinking about it I realised that not everybody is embarrassed to be toting a big belly.
Some people have reverse BDD... they look in the mirror and think they looking real good with their big self.
In fact, Carnival Monday and Tuesday will be testament to the fact that in Trinidad we have several people who don't give a damn that their stomach is hanging out and over.

In many ways I have to admire people who can wear the bikini mas and jump up all over the streets of POS with everything hanging out. I especially have to admire Denise Belfon with her big saucy self just doing her thing on stage... bicycle wine, tricycle wine.... all kinda wine. And she could go down lower than a lot of small, slim, supposedly fit people.

Anybody saw the "washing machine" performance on Synergy Soca Star? Spin cycle, spin cycle, spin cycle... If you didn't see it you miss out half yuh life. That is self-confidence.

The other reality is that there is a different flavor of kool aid for different people. Some like grape, some like cherry and some like lemonade. By that statement I am referring to the fact that some guys just love a "fat thing".
"Dem small girls too bony, nothing to hold on to..." For them there is nothing better than holding onto a big girl... more to love as they say. Sometimes it is funny to see a thin "magga" guy with an enormous woman and you could see the love in his eyes. There are several online websites that target those who love fat women and the forums discuss how much folds of hanging skin and dimples there are on their favorite model. Cellulite is a bonus.
Some women have also admitted to falling for a guy with a big "buddah" pot belly. I wonder if they like to rub it for good luck. And they find you fast and out of place to ask if they have to lift the belly to find "it".
Different strokes for different folks I suppose.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

I have diagnosed myself as having a condition called BDD - Body Dysmorphic Disorder. BDD is a mental disorder, which involves a disturbed body image.

It is generally diagnosed of those who are extremely critical of their physique or self image, despite the fact there may be no noticeable disfigurement or defect.

An Italian doctor, Morselli, first coined the term dysmorphophobia in 1886 from "dysmorph" a Greek word meaning misshapen.

It was subsequently renamed Body Dysmorphic Disorder by the American psychiatric classification. Freud described a patient whom he called the "Wolf man" who had classical symptoms of BDD. The patient believed that his nose was so ugly that he avoided all public life and work.

In other words, even though other people might think that I have achieved a great looking body, I am just not seeing it.

I get up everyday and swallow supplement capsules for energy, appetite suppressant, fat burning, increased metabolism and diuretics to expel excess water.
I remember a guy in spin class in Starlite asking me questions about my diet and training because in his opinion, I looking like I have "close to zero body fat".

I just not seeing that when I look in the mirror... and I am always looking in the mirror. Its like I cannot pass a mirror without looking and steupsing in disgust at the slow progress I am making.

I do spin class almost everyday because I love it and because I feel that if I miss even one day, I will immediately start gaining weight again and I am just not going back there.

In research carried out by Dr Katharine Philips, involving over 500 patients, the percentage of patients concerned with the most common locations were as follows:
skin (73%)
hair (56%)
nose (37%)
weight (22%)
stomach (22%)
breasts/chest/nipples (21%)
eyes (20%)
thighs (20%)
teeth (20%)
legs (overall) (18%)
body build / bone structure (16%)
ugly face (general) (14%)
lips (12%)
buttocks (12%)
chin (11%)
eyebrows (11%)
source: The Broken Mirror, Katharine A Philips, Oxford University Press, 2005 ed, p56

Check these links for more BDD info:

Body dysmorphic disorder - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

FAQ-Body Dysmorphic Disorder

AboutOurKids.org About Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Monday, February 12, 2007

Must read Spin and Gym-related articles

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Dickie Hart - Spin Ambassador Plenipotentiary

I have been spinning for the last 3 years and I have been to most of the gyms that offer Spin or Rev Classes. I have done spin classes all over South, Central, East and West Trinidad.
Check this list:
South -
Fitness Zone, Gulf City
Central -
Xtreme Fitness, Chaguanas
East Trinidad -
Milleneum Fitness Centre, Centre of Excellence, Tunapuna
Fitness Center, Arima
West Trinidad -
Fitness Center, Ellerslie Plaza, Maraval
Bio-Fitness Club, West Mall
Fitness Center, Starlite Plaza, Diego Martin
Long Circular Club, Long Circular Mall, St James
Spinners World, Woodbrook

I must however give a big up to Richard "Dickie" Hart at Spinners World for being the best Spin Ambassador I have met so far. Dickie, his wife Rachel and the rest of the staff at Spinners World have really been promoting spinning as one of the best forms of cardio exercise for all fitness levels. For those who do not know our local sporting heroes, Dickie was a former national cyclist with the likes of Gene Samuel, Ian Atherly and Robert Farrell.

Once you meet Dickie you can tell that this man loves cycling. Every conversation is about form and technique.

Before he opened Spinners World, he was an instructor at many of the gyms I attended. In fact many of the Spin instructors at the leading gyms have been trained by Dickie Hart.

I was therefore pleased to help Dickie promote spin classes on Carnival on d Promenade with Rachel Price on Friday morning. Gene Samuel also came out to give his support for the great things happening at Spinners World.

They have hosted spin burnouts every weekend for the past few weeks with prizes donated by great sponsors like Gatorade and Digicel. In fact I was happy to see someone win a Motorola Pebl on Saturday. You come to get a nice sweat and you go back home with a real nice cell phone... life nice. And after a Saturday spin we have a tradition of the best cowheel, oxtail or split peas soup courtesy my pardner Ainsley right outside Spinners World.

If you have time, check him on a Saturday at 2:00pm for a free spin class. He will be happy to get you started.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Benefits of Spinning...why I just can't stop

I usually consider myself lazy when it comes to physical work. I can spend hours on the internet or watching TV but even the thought of getting up to do something sweaty makes me feel tired.
I am not exactly sure when I became lazy because I was very active in sports when I was going to school. I remember playing small goal in the street for hours. We played half court basketball from morning until we couldn't see the ball in our hands. I even used to breakdance and every party was the opportunity to start a burnout. I used to sweat and enjoy it.
I can remember a sports day in secondary school when I took part in the 100, 200, 400 and 800 and I came home afterwards and catch cramp in my whole body. I couldn't stand up...I couldn't lie down... cramp in my legs, cramp in my belly, cramp in my arms... I had to drink a whole glass of salt water and wait for it to pass.
Fast forward some years later, I graduate from UWI, get married, have a child, building my career and suddenly I become a fat boy.
I even start to think a big belly good for my career. It make me look older and more like a manager because I in charge of people older than me and they resent the fact that a young boy in a more senior position. Working Point Lisas at the time didn't help because after 6 or 7 in the evening all it have is KFC and every day I working late and eating dinner special.
I realise I getting real bad and I need to exercise but is how to start. One day I say I going to treat myself and I buy a real nice mountain bike because as a youth, I used to ride all over the place and I used to enjoy it. Well boy I waste that money because after a short while, bike park up against the side of the house and even start to get rusty. Meanwhile belly getting bigger and my face getting more and more round. I eating late in the night cause my wife cooking big meals and I can't stand the thought of throwing away food... after all people starving in Africa and India. Every now and then I getting a reminder of how bad it getting.
I remember a company sports day where I line up with the other men. I remembering how I used to win race in school so I feeling hopeful that I will smoke them fellas even with a big belly. Well imagine my suprise and embarrasment to pull in dead last. Another clear sign of a spiralling situation was that I constantly had to buy bigger and bigger clothes. At my worst I was at a waist 46 pants with 48 right around the corner. The final straw was bending over to tie my shoelace and having to raise back up because I get out of breath and I was only 30 years old.
Nah boy, something had to be done but what to do...
Then one day my saviour say to me that he pay for a session for me in a spin class and I better don't make him waste his money. He start to talk about how nice this spinning thing is and how I will enjoy it. I reluctantly agree and I went to the gym in Gulf City not knowing what to expect. They show me how to set up the bike and I start. Well boy that first class was pressure and I feel to done after about 10 minutes. I riding out of time and I feeling like I cannot continue this thing. I want to come off the bike and walk out. The only reason I finish the class is male ego because it have a woman with gray hair and if she eh stopping, I eh stopping. The next few days my legs hurting like mad. Pressure to walk up stairs, pressure to walk down stairs.
Anyway, I decide to go back because, other than the pain, the class was nice. Besides, the pain pass after about 3 days so I sign up again for the next class. That went a little better and I decide I will go at least once a week. After the first month, I feeling more fit and being an ambitious guy, I say I going twice a week. One month later I was going three times a week and I was feeling really good about myself.
I start to weigh myself everyday and I was losing 2 to 3lbs every week. I make up a diet I call my cucumber diet. I started to eat cucumber instead of rice and I eating any amount of cucumber and lettuce and plenty meat. I was eating a half a chicken at times but I cut out the carbs. No more macaroni pie, no more huge butter bread sandwiches, no more pot spoons of rice ...even pelau cut out.
I began my research into supplements and I bought every weight loss supplement I saw on TV. I would go into the drugstore and ask them to show me each bottle so I could read about it. I went on the internet and read all the reviews. Eventually I was bringing in the supplements myself because the drugstores did not have what I wanted.
Between the spin classes, the diet and the supplements, I lost about 42 lbs and I am now at waist 34 pants and size smedium shirts. My endurance is amazing and my abdominals are somewher around a four pack and looking better every week.
My life has changed forever and I cannot and will not stop spinning.

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

What is a SpinnJumbie?

Spinning or Indoor cycling is a form of high-intensity exercise that involves using a stationary exercise bicycle in a classroom setting. A jumbie is a ghost, or spirit of the dead said to possess humans during ceremonies called jumbie dances.

A SpinnJumbie by my definition is therefore that spirit that takes over your body during a spin class.

Note that not everyone can be possessed by the spirit.

Those who are strong enough to resist the jumbie spirit tend to be found in the back row hiding from the instructor and pretending to have tension on while they slowly pedal with no effort at all.

Those people in the front row are unable to defy the spin jumbie and at full spirit possession, they are able to ignore the pain in their legs as they pedal with ridiculous speed.

Some possessed people may even smile and look like they are enjoying the music while the sadistic instructor at the front is torturing the class by inhumanely prolonging every exercise. Some crazy fanatics have even been known to do back to back classes.

SpinnJumbie