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Spin Geneve – Geneva’s First Spin Studio

This morning it felt more like we were in London or New York than Geneva!

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Bo and I spent the morning doing something we’ve missed since moving abroad – enjoying a workout class followed by brunch. Catching up with friends before and after a sweaty workout class was a regular part of our weekend routine until moving to Geneva full time. While Geneva has many athletic people, very little of the Geneva social scene revolves around group fitness activities.

When I saw on Facebook that Geneva’s first spin studio was opening this week, Bo and I knew we wanted to give it a try. Bo, who is an avid Flywheel fan, has missed spin more than I have since moving abroad. But, as a runner who realizes the importance of cross training, I have missed cycling during these shorter, colder winter months.

Spin Geneve, conveniently located near our transportation hub, Gare Cornavin, enjoyed a soft opening the last few weeks of December before formally opening their doors on Monday.  An experiment of sorts, Spin Geneve is currently in Bike Switzerland, a local bike store which closes each winter during the off-season. This allows the Spin Geneve owners to see if the concept will work here before expanding into a permanent location.

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Based on our first two classes, it is clear that spinning is an unmet demand here, and the studio should do wonderfully! The space features 15 brand new bikes with RPM monitors, a bathroom, changing area and huge fan to keep the room cool. One great aspect of Spin Geneve versus many other spin studios is that their bikes all have interchangeable pedals. This means that regardless your shoe or clip style, they can fix a bike to meet your need!

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The classes are 45 minutes in length and have, thus far, replicated many of the nearby rides and popular cycling routes. The climbs are long and intense, followed by fast sprints to flush out the lactic acid. Doing their best to cater to the local market and demand, they are considering adding a few back to back classes, allowing people who want longer rides to stay for two classes. Their schedule currently includes morning, lunch and evening rides making it a very convenient Geneva workout option.

Cost: 25 CHF though packages can reduce prices to 20 CHF – Address: 22 Rue des Grottes, 1201 Geneva – What to wear: If you have cycling shorts & shoes, make sure to wear them. Otherwise, your favorite workout outfit & shoes will suffice.

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Friday Favorites – Winter Running Gear

As many of you realize by now, the winter weather in Geneva is very different than most people assume. Switzerland is known for snow-capped Swiss Alps and skiing, among other things, but Geneva rarely receives snow. Due to Geneva’s proximity to the lake and low elevation, between a few different mountain ranges, the winter climate is far more temperate. Our typical temperatures, December through February range from a low of 28 to a high of 40, far warmer than New York City. In order to ski, most people drive at least an hour, to nearby ski areas which are at higher elevations and have far colder weather.

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I haven’t invested in winter running gear over the past few years, even though it now doubles as ski base layers. When I cleaned out my closet and dresser back in November, I realized that much of my gear dated back to my first winter in Philadelphia and was starting to show signs of age. After donating many of the items, I couldn’t resist updating my winter running wardrobe with a few new pieces I found on sale over the holidays.

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I’ve had the chance to test out each of these over the past few weeks in Atlanta, Savannah, New York and now Geneva. The verdict is in – each of these pieces was a GREAT investment! They range in price from $12 to $80 so there is something for every price range.  

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Under Armour Printed UA Fly-By Turtleneck – This is an update on their classic turtleneck which I’ve owned for years. The figure flattering cut makes this the perfect running base layer as you can easily wear more layers without bulk. The neck is extra long, so I was able to pull it over my mouth during a cold run this week. The coolest part is that the chest and neck have a mesh panel which allows for more breathability!

Under Armour Brave The Run Running Gloves – These gloves fit very snug, ensuring that no wind or cold will hit your skin. The finger tips work with smart phones while the front of the glove includes wind blocking material and reflective stripes!

Brooks LSD Lite Vest II (older model on sale here, here and here) – While I own plenty of running jackets, this is my first vest. During my two runs this week I realized just how helpful a vest is, regardless how light it is. This light but mighty vest blocks win while also providing pockets, water resistance, pockets and reflective stripes! This will definitely become a running staple almost year round!

Under Armour Heat Gear Tights – I’ve owned these trusted tights for 7 years and they remain my favorite each season! The moisture wicking material keeps me dry even in the midst of a long run or a sweaty, speed session. The wide waist ensures that it stays in place while also providing a flattering fit. Since they are all black these can also double as leggings when we’re up in the mountains or touring a cold city. At $40 it’s hard to find a better deal for winter running tights!

Lululemon Energy Bra – Okay, this technically isn’t winter running gear, but I added it to the list because it’s a new addition, and I love it! In theory, it is far thicker than some of my other bras so I’ve found that it helps keep that area warmer during cold runs. The thick material and removable pads help give shape to those of us who are less endowed while still providing plenty of support during a run, workout class or at home boot camp!

Original Turtle Fur Fleece Gator – The most inexpensive item on this list, this gator can be worn around the neck/chin area for extra warmth OR worn as a headband! This week I’ve worn it twice as a headband, perfect for keeping my hair out of my face and ears warm.

Brooks Heater Hog Long Sleeve Top – I ordered this after seeing in on a few of my favorite blogs. Many of my long sleeve running tops are technical t-shirts, often too light for winter runs. I was hoping to find an in-between layer that would keep me warm, but not as warm as the Under Armour turtleneck. This fitted top has quickly become my go to top for outdoor workouts! Their description doesn’t lie as it truly wicks moisture from the body! I wore it on a walk in Savannah, thinking we’d be taking a gentle stroll only to realize that we were taking a two-hour power walk. My face was dripping in sweat yet my core and underarms stayed comfortable due to the power of this top!

What’s your favorite piece of winter running gear?

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Mile High Run Club

After reading about the forecasted wellness trends for 2015 in Well+Good’s article last month, I knew I had to try a treadmill running class when I was next in New York. Luckily my favorite workout partner and motivator, was willing to meet me bright and early on Friday morning at Mile High Run Club.

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The newest member on the treadmill class scene, Mile High Run Club, brings something different. Mile High, in essence, is an indoor running club. The instructors, or coaches, are all elite runners. Their expertise helps them encourage and motivate each student to reach their own goals during the group treadmill class, whether it is your first day running on a treadmill or you are training to Boston qualify in your next marathon.

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If you’re one of the many New Yorkers who loathes training for that goal half marathon in the bitter cold, this is a great option for you.

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The large studio, located in NOHO, features 30 Woodway treadmills and kettlebell stations which face a gorgeous, lit wall. During class the wall colors changed, mimicking sunrise and sunset colors to brighten the mood. In addition to the large treadmill space, the studio also has a foam rolling area, small shop where runners can buy all the essentials, and a locker room featuring lockers, showers, toiletry items, towels and blow dryers.  (image source)

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Mile High offers two class formats: Dash 28 and The Distance. Dash 28 is a 45 minute class which includes 28 minutes of running followed by 10 minutes of kettlebell strength work and 5 minutes warm-up and cool down. The running portion is filled with constant intervals ranging from long climbs to sprints. Due to the coaches ability to modify and provide different speeds to attendees, this class is recommended for all levels ranging from beginners to elite runners. The Distance is far more intimidating and specifically for the advanced runner or athlete who is looking for a challenge. The 60 minute class isn’t for the feign of heart as it includes 50 minutes of non-stop running including hills and speed work.

Theodora and I experienced the Dash 28 workout on Friday. It was everything I hoped for and more. I was drenched in sweat by the end but smiling ear to ear! In the 45 minute class I squeezed in 3 miles of running, including a long climb and a few sprints. Each treadmill features a pace card for reference. This card gives you suggested speeds based on your ability and the level. (image source)

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During the class the coach led us through each of the four levels: jog, tempo, 85% effort, and full out. I really enjoyed our coach, Andia W, as she was a perfect mix of motivating and supportive. She didn’t scream or yell, which is common at other boot camp like classes. Instead, she constantly reminded us of how long we had in each set so we could push ourselves just a little bit harder.  She also made every part of the workout, from warm-up to kettlebells clear and easy to understand.

I finished the class feeling challenged not only from a running standpoint but also from the short kettlebell session! In fact, if they’d asked me right then to buy a package, I would on the spot. If only I lived in NYC! The workout is not easy but dang is it fun and I bet that going on a monthly basis, just to see how many miles you can finish in the amount of time, would be a great way to build it into your routine. I also love classes like this because they help inspire me to change things up when I’m on solo on the treadmill.

Cost: $34 though packages can reduce prices – Address: 28 East 4th Street, New York City – What to wear: Your favorite running gear is perfect for this class.

Thank you Mile High Run Club for the opportunity to sweat with you guys when I was in NYC!

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