Spynergy Blog

Songs From Movies

2011-02-27T23:13:00.000-06:00

Looking for today's playlist featuring songs from movies? Click here.

An Extra Video of the Week

2011-02-26T10:05:00.001-06:00

With the Academy Awards this weekend, one can't help but think about songs from movies. Oh, there are so many to choose from, but this has to be one of the most memorable, cementing the Toga Party as a college ritual, and spawning copy-cat dances at weddings all across the country, even decades later.

Our Customers Are the Best

2011-02-25T21:27:00.000-06:00

Yes, it was a little crazy at the studio this week. Lots of subs, but thanks to everyone for their patience and understanding. And a million thanks to everyone who helped us out. It's so great to know that when we are short-handed, so many people are happy to pitch in. Our customers are the best!

We should (hopefully) be back to a regular schedule this weekend. Click here to see any last-minute substitutions, but Tory and Jen should both be back in the saddle on Saturday and Sunday morning. On Sunday at 4, Sue will be playing songs from movies in honor of the Academy Awards. No word yet on whether the Red Carpet preview will be shown during class... And be sure to sign up for Tory's class on Monday where there will be lots of post-Oscar talk!

And the award for the greatest group of people on the North Shore goes to...all our clients at Spynergy!

Video of the Week

2011-02-24T21:23:00.000-06:00

In honor of the Academy Awards on Sunday, here is Bruce Springsteen singing Philadelphia at the Oscars back in 1994. Yes, he won that year for best song.

Video of the Week

2011-02-19T20:16:00.000-06:00

Rufus Wainwright's version of Hallelujah. One of the backup singers even has a tear rolling down her cheek.

Video of the Week

2011-02-15T08:16:00.000-06:00

Arcade Fire picked up the Album of the Year honors at the Grammy Awards. You know them from their fast, flat song Keep the Car Running, or maybe you've climbed to Intervention. Here is the song they performed as an encore on Sunday's Grammy broadcast. Listen for it at Spynergy.

Playlist from Grammy Spin

2011-02-13T21:18:00.000-06:00

Looking for the playlist from today's pre-Grammy spin? It's right here. Rooting for Train (for Soul Sister live), Mumford and Sons (nominated for Best New Artist) and Kings of Leon (who released Radioactive just in time for it to get a Best Rock Song nomination). And can't wait to see Cee Lo's performance!

Grammy Awards Tonight!

2011-02-13T10:51:00.001-06:00

If you come to Spynergy regularly, you know it's all about the music. Instructors are always turning to new songs and new artists to keep things interesting. Which means we look forward to the Grammy Awards tonight! Diverse artists such as Ray LaMontagne and Cee Lo Green will be duking it out for song of the year, while current Spynergy favorites Mumford and Sons and Florence and the Machine are up for Best New Artist. Train, Katy Perry, Arcade Fire, John Mayer and Maroon 5 are all up for awards. Even Elton John and Leon Russell are nominated - the list goes on and on. Supposedly Bob Dylan will be performing with Eminem. Now that should be...interesting. Tune in tonight and talk about it tomorrow in Tory's class. Sign up here.

And we know Florence and the Machine will have one hard-core fan rooting for them tonight, up way past his bedtime. Have you seen this one yet? Not to be missed:

Spin and Strength

2011-02-11T18:02:00.000-06:00

Check out Sue's column The Workout on Patch.com. This week, she writes about how she became a spin & strength convert. Have you tried it? It's 45 minutes of cycling combined with light weightlifting. Bring your own 1 or 2 pound weights, or borrow some at the studio. You can catch the new spin and strength combo class Mondays at 9:35, Tuesdays at 1:15, Wednesdays at 9:35 and Fridays at 1:15.

You can read Sue's column here. Maybe you'll decide to try something new!

Video of the Week

2011-02-09T10:46:00.000-06:00

Arguably one of the greatest voices of the decade. Feel free to sing along in class - unless you are the one wearing the microphone.

Superbowl Sunday!

2011-02-03T13:26:00.000-06:00

Well, the beloved Bears aren't playing, but it's still Superbowl weekend! Did you know the average American consumes 1200 calories during the Superbowl? Guess the pretzels, potato chips, pigs in a blanket, cheese dip, taco dip, etc., all add up pretty quickly. So, be sure to jump start your metabolism with a high-intensity indoor cycling session before you park your butt on the couch.

On Sunday, Feb. 6th, class schedule will be:

John Raith: 7:15

Jen: 8:30

Tory: 10:30

Sue: 3:00 (note the early start time!) with a 90 minute option available for those who need a little extra exercise on such a big food day.

Click here to make a reservation. See you at the studio!

Cycle for Survival in the News

2011-02-02T18:46:00.001-06:00

If you are participated in our Cycle for Survival fundraiser a few weeks ago, be sure to check out this article in today's Chicago Tribune. It highlights the Cycle for Survival fundraising effort and Spynergy rider Kristen Novelline. A nice write up on a great cause.

The SnowMonster

2011-02-01T11:36:00.001-06:00

Yes, apparently a snow storm is on its way. Generally speaking, we hold classes regardless of the weather. If we are unable to snowshoe over to the studio, class cancellations will be posted on the website. Check here for updates.

The New Dietary Guidelines

2011-01-31T14:34:00.000-06:00

The USDA just released new dietary guidelines to help Americans eat healthier. What do the guidelines suggest? Stuff you, our health-savvy customers, already know.

- Enjoy your food, but eat less.

- Avoid oversized portions.

- Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.

- Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.

- Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals – and choose the foods with

lower numbers.

- Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

That last point is true even when spinning. For most of us, a one hour exercise class might deplete our electrolytes a little bit, but not enough to warrant all the extra calories in Gatorade. A better choice for a recovery drink would be a smoothie made with lowfat or nonfat plain yogurt (for protein), a banana (for potassium) and some fresh berries (for flavor and maybe a little vitamin C kick).

Oh, and guess what? The USDA recommends regular exercise, like the kind you get at Spynergy. You can read more about the new guidelines here, and sign up for classes here. See you at the studio!

Video of the Week

2011-01-29T18:38:00.000-06:00

Yes, you love U2, and maybe you even love Mick Jagger, but the true star of this video is Fergie. Mick looks like he doesn't know what hit him. This video is an instant classic, not to be missed.

NEW Spin/Strength Class Tuesdays 1:15

2011-01-24T22:26:00.000-06:00

Starting this week, there will be 1:15 spin and strength class on Tuesdays with Sue! This class is perfect for people who want a quick all-over workout. It incorporates periods of light upper body weightlifting while you pedal. Brand new to spinning? It is a great class for beginners because the cycling is slightly less intense, and the weightlifting portion is totally optional. Bring your own weights (1-2 pounds max) or borrow a pair at the studio. This class will be offered every Tuesday afternoon until spring break....which is only 9 weeks away. So now is the time to start toning up those arms! Click here to sign up. See you at the studio!

Bonus Video of the Week

2011-01-22T08:24:00.000-06:00

Go Bears! (And don't worry, Packers fans are still welcome at Spynergy. All are welcome, even those who cheer for the wrong team.)

Also check out the video John played this morning by clicking here (the tribute video with the Goo Goo Dolls soundtrack).

Cycle for Survival Fundraiser on Saturday!

2011-01-21T15:23:00.000-06:00

Reminder: the Cycle for Survival fundraiser is this Saturday (tomorrow!) at 2PM. We are so thrilled that there has been so much interest in the cause! Click here to sign up now - there are still a few bikes open! It is a free sign up - no rides will be taken off your card. You can bring your donations to Spynergy the day of the ride. Checks can be made out to: Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center. We will have donation forms for tax purposes. If you can't donate at the studio, donating online is very very easy and here are some options:

1) Go to Kristine Novelline's Cycle for Survival home page and donate to support the ride and team "Wheelin' for Heelin'" on February 5th: http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1422&px=1796832
2) Go to www.cycleforsurvival.org and click "Donate Now". People can enter a person or a team to support. You can support Kristen Novelline if you don't have a friend riding.

If you or any of your friends or family are interested in creating a team to ride on February 5th at Equinox in downtown Chicago, you can also register easily on the website and people can donate to support YOUR team. It's a 4-hour ride, usually 4 people per bike in 1 hour riding shifts, and $500 minimum fundraising per bike. It feels like we've laid the groundwork to start a Spynergy team for next year's ride, at the very least!

Where & When

Spynergy Cycling Studio
813 Oak Street

Winnetka, Illinois 60093

January 22, 2011

2:00pm-3:00pm
www.spynergywinnetka.com

Video of the week

2011-01-20T21:22:00.000-06:00

How lucky is this guy? Imagine going to a concert and getting called up onstage. Audience member Ross Viner got called up to sing with the one and only Sting. He certainly made the most of it. He even gave Sting a run for his money. Check it out.

Cycle for Survival Fundraiser on Saturday!

2011-01-17T00:01:00.000-06:00

Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Cycle for Survival, an indoor team cycling fundraiser, raises crucial funds for research on rare cancers. Spynergy is hosting a donation ride on Januray 22nd at 2:00pm to raise awareness of Cycle for Survival. Any donation amount is welcome. Click on the link below to hear the story of Jennifer Goodman Finn who suffers from a rare form of cancer. Jennifer and her husband are good friends with Spynergy rider - Kristen Novelline. This short clip will not only inspire you to ride, but it will give you a clear understanding of what this effort is all about.

http://mskcc.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=cfs_stories_jen

Katie Seigenthaler, a Spynergy instructor, will lead the ride. Katie's daughter, Mary Catherine has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. This fund raiser is very close to her heart and ours.

Click here to sign up now! It is a free sign up - no rides will be taken off your card. You can bring your donations to Spynergy the day of the ride. Checks can be made out to: Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center. We will have donation forms for tax purposes. You can also donate on-line as well as learn more about Cycle for Survival at:

www.cycleforsurvival.org.

Where & When

Spynergy Cycling Studio
813 Oak Street

Winnetka, Illinois 60093

January 22, 2011

2:00pm-3:00pm

Video of the Week

2011-01-14T14:18:00.000-06:00

If you haven't had a chance to see Pink's performance from last year's Grammy awards, you can check it out here.

What's new for 2011?

2011-01-11T12:31:00.000-06:00

So what is new at Spynergy? First of all, we are making use of the big, lovely TV hanging over the instructor bike! Tory has become the video guru, often adding music videos to her playlists. On Sunday afternoons, we've got football on the TV during the 4PM class (without the sound, but it's not like you need sound to understand football, right?) or cycling videos when there is no game. So now you can no longer use the Bears game as an excuse to skip your workout, sorry!

What's more, we have the new spin/strength class. If you haven't tried it, you should check it out. It is a 45 minute cycling class that also incorporates segments of light weightlifting while you are in the saddle. Bring your own weights if you have them (one or two pounds, max); we also have some at the studio you can borrow. It's a great way to tone your arms. Believe it or not, bathing suit season will be here before you know it. Currently spin/strength is offered Monday and Wednesday mornings at 9:30 and Friday afternoon at 1:15. You can check out the full schedule and make a reservation by clicking here.

Other things you'd like to see at Spynergy? Let us know! Post a comment here or email us anytime at info@spynergywinnetka.com.

Video of the week

2011-01-07T14:19:00.000-06:00

Now that Tory has gone all high-tech and started showing videos during her spin class (making the rest of us feel so last-decade) we've decided to add a video-of-the-week link on the blog. Sometimes it will be music videos, sometimes it will be just funny stuff we have come across. Our inaugural Video of the Week is the one of the baby rocking out to Florence and the Machine. I guarantee you, the next time you hear the song, you will think of this little cutie.

Top Songs of 2010

2011-01-06T08:17:00.000-06:00

If you are a Spynergy regular, you know a great workout is all about the music. The annual countdown of the Billboard Top 100 is now out. Some of this year's songs made for great spinning, others did not. Spynergy playlist regulars Train, Black Eyed Peas, Owl City, Maroon 5, The Script and Katy Perry all made the list. Hopefully you heard some new stuff in your favorite class. You can check out the 2010 Billboard Hot 100 here. What were your favorite songs this year?

A Spynergy favorite, Train, in concert at Ravinia

Playlists

2011-01-02T19:53:00.000-06:00

As promised, the playlist from this afternoon's 90 minute ride is posted here. Thanks to everyone who came to class, it was fun riding with you!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T11:01:00.000-06:00

It is the time of year when all fitness facilities, including Spynergy, welcome what we call The Resolutionaries - people who have made exercise-related New Years Resolutions. If you are just incorporating exercise into your life, indoor cycling is a great place to start. It's low impact and you can easily modify the workout to meet your own needs. But best of all, Spynergy has a supportive atmosphere to welcome newcomers. You get the camaraderie of group exercise without the pressure of having to "keep up" with anyone else. One of the biggest keys to a successful fitness program is making a schedule and sticking to it. You can use our online sign-up system to plan out your week. Just click here. Spynergy is one New Year's resolution you can keep for the entire year.

For more ideas on how to make your New Years fitness resolutions last, check out this article from Men's Health on About.com.

Holiday Eating

2010-12-22T11:29:00.001-06:00

Having trouble deciding whether or not to eat that holiday cookie? The Foster Fitness blog has developed a handy flow chart to help you decide. Check it out here. Happy Holidays!

Holiday Dessert Tips

2010-11-29T19:40:00.001-06:00

Yes, it is that time of year: holiday desserts tempt you at every social gathering. If you don't have the will-power to avoid your favorite pie, take some hints from this article in Women's Health magazine. Pumpkin pie, it turns out, is one of the best choices you can make, especially if you avoid some of the crust. Even that heavenly delicacy known as pecan pie offers some good news: the healthy fat in the pecans can help you feel full longer. Chocolate mousse pie can give you a calcium boost; skip the whipped topping to trim some calories. And, as always, be mindful of portion control. A half of a slice can be just as satisfying as a whole.

What Cardio Can Do for You

2010-11-14T22:07:00.000-06:00

Experts agree that cardio is the king of exercise. Strength training and flexibility are important, but regular cardiovascular exercise - like indoor cycling - is crucial to your overall health. What kind of benefits does cardio provide? According to WebMD, it can reduce your risk of heart attack, improve your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, help you build muscle mass and may even reduce your risk of osteoporosis. And, we would add, it just plain old makes you feel good. Both The American College of Sports Medicine and the CDC recommend at least 30 minutes of activity on most days of the week. So come grab some cardio with us!

Don't Let the Halloween Candy Get You

2010-10-25T17:01:00.000-05:00

With Halloween right around the corner, take a moment to make sure you have some healthy snacks on hand. Having options will help you make smarter food choices, so you'll be less likely to eat that Butterfinger or Snickers.

Here are the top five foods that FitMomTV suggests having on hand.
1. Fruit
2. Trail Mix
3. Water
4. Protein Bars
5. String cheese
We'd also add the following:
6. Raw veggies (celery, carrots) and hummus
7. Yogurt (unsweetened, nonfat) mixed with granola.
You can read the entire article here.

Make spinning part of your winter cross training

2010-10-19T21:58:00.001-05:00

Attention runners! Guess what is the best cross-training activity for you to do off-season. We'll give you a hint: you can do it at 813 Oak Street in Winnetka. Yes, you guessed it: indoor cycling. As this article notes "Cycling is specific and uses your legs in a similar motion to running, so you know the fitness you get from biking will carry over well. Additionally, the way it works your muscles slightly differently will help protect against muscular imbalances and prevent injury." So come on in and ride with us. You may find you are better runner by spring.

Group Exercise Can Help You Lose Weight

2010-10-15T16:15:00.000-05:00

Looking to get in shape and shed a few pounds? It turns out that a group class is the most effective way to go. Studies show a clear link between social support and exercise. Not only are you more likely to exercise, you are more likely to work at a higher intensity. As this article points out, being around people with similar goals increases your enthusiasm. So forget about that stationary bike in your basement and sign up for a class at Spynergy instead.

Thankful for the Modern Age

2010-10-01T16:30:00.000-05:00

Which form of exercise looks like more fun?

Favorites!

2010-09-29T14:15:00.000-05:00

Tell us your top 3 favorite songs. Share with us a healthy snack or meal idea. What is your favorite quote? Post your favorite restaurant, movie or book!! Clilck on one of these post opportunities to the right and share with us your thoughts.

Yes, We Sweat....a lot

2010-09-20T16:55:00.000-05:00

Have you ever looked down on the floor at the end of class and been a little embarrassed by how much sweat dripped off you? Well, it turns out it is a badge of honor. Apparently, the fitter you are, the more you sweat, as this article in the New York Times points out. So don't be ashamed, just remember to wipe down your bike!

Why do I need to do the intervals? I don't like them.

2010-09-01T18:57:00.000-05:00

Studies show that interval training is the best way to improve your overall fitness. The New York Times will explain why you shouldn't underestimate the value of interval training.
Click here to read more.

Looking Good

2010-08-28T20:07:00.000-05:00

More Reasons To Exercise...It Makes Your Cells Younger

2010-08-12T18:26:00.000-05:00

Here is a great article on the impact that exercise has on your aging cells. Click here to read more.

Schedule For The Week

2010-05-21T14:15:00.000-05:00

Class schedule will be as usual this week. Check website for last minute subs!

Read about the fabulous prizes you can get at the CF Ride on Saturday May 8

2010-05-07T17:25:00.000-05:00

More good news about Saturday's free ride, a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Not only is this a chance for you to have a great ride for a good cause, but there are fabulous prizes too! There is a beautiful necklace from Neapolitan, three cool Johnnie O's shirts, and a fantastic basket of goodies from Schaeffer's. Don't miss out, you can still reserve your spot here.
See you Saturday May 8th, 4pm at Spynergy!

Free Ride on Saturday 5/8 at 4pm to raise awareness and money for Cystic Fibrosis.

2010-05-05T13:20:00.000-05:00

For the past 3 years, Spynergy has been a proud sponsor of the Mighty Magner Team at the CF Great Strides Walk. Matthew and John Magner, sons of one of our riders have CF. We just learned of another Spynergy family who also have 2 children living with CF - the McLaughlin's and their Team Cole and Kate. Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited lung disease in which thick sticky mucus in the body clogs the organs, particularly the lungs and the pancreas, and it can lead to life threatening lung infections. To learn more about Cystic Fibrosis click here.

This year we are offering a FREE SPIN to raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis and the upcoming walk. Please joins us on Saturday to support this great cause. Any donation amount is welcome!

If you want to learn more about each team click on the following:
Mighty Magner Team link
Team Cole and Kate link

Thanks for your support!

Welcome to the Spynergy Blog

2010-02-12T16:48:00.000-06:00

Look at our new Blog! You can find everything from Spynergy playlists and links to articles on nutrition and exercise to restaurant recommendations and great places to shop. Let us know what you would like to see on the blog...and we will accomodate!