In the
third part of our
International Women’s Day series, we are catching up with
Christina, the high-energy force behind the Indoor Cycling bikes at Fitness4Less Cambridge Heath.
Known for her inclusive "do what you can" ethos and her incredible playlists, Christina shares how she balances high-intensity teaching with recovery, baking, and the power of human connection.
Finding the "Extra Gear" "
Spinning is famously high-intensity, and people often ask how I find the energy to inspire a room when I am feeling fatigued. Honestly, it is the people who give me the energy! One of my favourite Spin songs is called "Reason for Fighting," and the people who come to my classes are my reason. Just getting a smile from someone in the class, which is hard because Spin is tough, is enough to keep me going."
Balancing Intensity with Recovery "
Recovery is so important to me. I include low-intensity workouts like Pilates and stretching in my routine to balance out the high intensity of the bike. Just as important is getting plenty of sleep. I make sure to go to bed early and I am a big fan of taking plenty of naps to stay fresh!"
A Vibe for Every Fitness Level "
I try to make my playlists a fun challenge for anyone. If you ask anyone who comes to my classes regularly, they will tell you my ethos is 'do what you can'.""If I spot someone new in the studio, I will add in a few extra reminders about taking breaks when needed. On the other hand, if I see a seasoned spinner, I will offer extra hard options so they can challenge themselves if they want to. Music and atmosphere are huge, but inclusivity is the real key."
The Spark of a Professional Career "
I have an incredible dance teacher who is always so encouraging and supportive. She took me aside after class one day and told me how proud she was of my progress. In that moment, I thought, 'I hope I can make someone else feel like this'. With her help in learning how to pick up choreography, I realised I could learn to teach the thing I am most passionate about: Spin!"
Refuelling After the Ride "
The best meal to have after a heavy cardio session is something with a good amount of fast-absorbing carbs to refuel your muscles, paired with protein for recovery. My top picks are:
- Eggs on toast.
- Greek yoghurt with granola and fruit.
- A smoothie made with banana and your favourite protein powder."
Advice for the "Spin-Scared" "
There is no such thing as being fit enough to start. As women, we are different day to day with our fluctuating hormones and energy levels. There is never going to be a perfect time to start, but that does not mean you should give up before you have even tried." "If a new spinner tells me they are scared they won't be able to do the whole class, I always give them the option to leave after 20 minutes with a wave and an okay sign. So far, no one has given up on me yet!"
Life Away from the Bike "
I love baking! I bake birthday cakes for all my friends and try new recipes all the time. I find the process of following a recipe to be really zen. It takes away the stress of whatever else is going on, and at the end, you get something delicious to show for it."
The Power of Group Exercise "
I think the most underrated benefit of group exercise is the connection you feel with others. It is so easy to feel like you are struggling on your own. Sometimes, just being in a room where you can see people of all ages, shapes, and fitness levels working hard together, including me, as I am never not struggling, can really boost your morale." "I love it when I see two people in the class give each other that 'whew, that was tough' look. It gives us all a common goal and something real to connect over."
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