4 Things Spin Class Taught Me About Self-Love

Exercising isn't always the best part of my day. Sure, there are some days where I can't wait to hop on my bike and get going, but there are some days where I'm really just not feeling it.

Maybe I had a crappy day at work, maybe it's that time of the month or maybe it's just not my day and the last thing I want to do is try to hit a new PR at Flywheel. As much as spinning sometimes isn't my number one priority, I love it. But most importantly, I've learned a lot from it.

Yes, I've properly learned how to tap back without breaking my back, and how to hit 105 RPM without looking like a maniac, but I've also learned a lot about myself.

And that's not from sitting on bike for 45 minutes, it's from listening to my instructors.

I've been blessed with some of the best fitness instructors not only in Boston, but also in the country. And after a year of spinning my little tush off, this is what I've learned from them:

1. Love yourself.

This probably seems counterintuitive or super cliché, but it's true. The reason I started spinning is because I couldn't seem to love my body for what it was. And as much as the workouts have changed it, my instructors changed it even more.

Their crazy confidence and love for everything they do is so ridiculously inspirational. Every time I walk to class, I just feel myself strutting down the street because that's what they've taught me to do.

Signing up for class every week, walking through a rainstorm and many other things don't make going to class easy, but we're doing it. So love it, and love yourself because you're beating some serious odds.

Love yourself because you're beating some serious odds.

2. You're not always going to hit a PR.

I'm crazy, crazy competitive. Even as a little kid, I always wanted to be first in line or the fastest at finishing my meal (obviously because PE was my worst subject).

And yes, Flywheel keeps my competitive spirit alive, which I'm totally grateful for. But I'm not going to be at the top of the Torq Board every day, and that's totally OK.

We're all going to have bad days — days where we just can't seem to hit a balance between our torq and RPM — but those are also the days we are still, against all odds, sitting on that damn bike and kicking butt.

We night not always be kicking the best butt, but regardless of your score, you are still KICKING BUTT.

3. EAT.

This might also seem like the most ridiculous tip in the world, but if you don't eat — and if you don't eat healthy, for that matter — you won't be able to work out.

I can't even tell you how many times I didn't snack or lunch before my workout, and I came seriously close to fainting.

Your body needs nutrients so you can work even harder. If you don't eat, you won't have energy. And your body won't have anything to burn.

And then what happens? You'll have serious tummy aches, and you'll crash. Not good.

4. Be patient.

I am one of the least patient people in the world, so this one is a true life lesson. Your body won't change a week into your workout, and you won't be the best in class after a couple of spins.

It takes time to change, and so what? You're still aiming for change and aiming for a better you every time you walk into that studio. Be proud!

I absolutely hated exercising before I discovered spinning. I always, always dreaded it, and now it's something I (mostly) look forward to.

Yes, I feel great after my workouts, but the lessons I've learned from it and my instructors are worth a hell of a lot more than any calorie I've burned.

Give it a try. Who knows, maybe you'll love it as much as I do.