EllenInEdmonton Apr 10, 2023
So, this week's #FitnessExperiment is visiting the #SpinStudio I can see from my apartment. They had a great 7-day trial and then, a reasonably-priced 5-visit pass. Hoping it will whip me into condition for #CyclingSeason, which will start in earnest at the end of the month. It's a very young crowd and the focus seems to be on standing on the bike for most of the workout. Hoping to find a class that does more speed. There are more efficient ways to build strength, IMHO.
#biking
#fitness
Show threadCindyApr 10, 2023
@EllenInEdmonton I went to YEG Cycle and had a great time!
Show threadEllenInEdmonton Apr 10, 2023
@cindy That's the spot. And now you're in #Singapore! Of course, I've also lived in #HCMC.
I'm hoping to find a teacher who likes to spend more time in the saddle. Spending extended time "climbing" is not how I like to cycle and it really strains the plantar fascia. I'd prefer more time at higher RPMs, instead. Anyway, it's fun, convenient, and a hell of a workout. Should do the trick for the #cycling pre-season.
Show threadCindyApr 11, 2023
@EllenInEdmonton Small world! ;) Yeah, I did notice that they did less sprints than I’m used to. Here most sprints are off saddle but at least with higher RPMs you have the option of sitting it out while still achieving a quality workout. Maybe it differs by instructor? You could try asking if anyone goes faster. Have fun, I miss the place!
Show threadEllenInEdmonton Apr 11, 2023
@cindy
That's great that you enjoyed it! I sorely miss #Singapore, where I spent a lot of time during both of my times in HCMC. I have asked who goes faster. The one instructor said to look for the younger instructors. The younger instructor today spend all but 1-2 tracks out of the saddle, she did our weight workout in the dark, and her soundtrack was perfectly awful. I'll try a few more. I just stay in my seat and keep moving.
Show threadCindy
@EllenInEdmonton Aww! I’m glad you enjoyed my tiny country! What did you like best? Hahaha the soundtrack is always a hit or miss. I hope you can find an instructor you like! That motivates me so much. But yeah, the best thing about spinning in the dark is doing things at your own pace :)
Apr 11, 2023 at 10:15amWeb
Show threadEllenInEdmonton Apr 11, 2023
@cindy
Yeah, spinning in the dark is fine. Weightlifting in the dark is a bit bizarre, especially when we can't see the moves we're supposed to imitate.
#Singapore: SO many things to love! I really appreciated how much they respected the multicultural roots, with the 4 official languages written and spoken everywhere. I could pick up amazing Indian, Chinese, and Malay food & spices everywhere. The #HawkerStalls!!! Cheap, convenient, fab.
Show threadEllenInEdmonton Apr 11, 2023
@cindy
#Singapore: I adored the transit system, especially the trains. So efficient and inexpensive.
The fantastic outdoor spaces: MacRitchie Reservoir, Pulau Ibin, the Botanical Gardens, and East Coast Park.
Shopping: unlike a lot of folks who visit Singapore for luxury products, I loved the opportunity to get ordinary items like IKEA towels, running shoes, bedding, and craft and sewing supplies. Eventually, I found places that sold some of these items in HCMC but it was much more of a quest.
Show threadCindyApr 12, 2023
@EllenInEdmonton I do love our hawker culture and the public transport system very much! With the constant increase in train lines and stations, it’s become pretty seamless to visit more places in Singapore. I’m glad you like our outdoor spaces since Canada has better ones haha! I never really thought about the shopping that way - that’s new to me!
Show threadEllenInEdmonton Apr 12, 2023

@cindy Canada is an enormous, significantly underpopulated country with an embarrassing wealth of outdoor beauty. Singapore's organization impressed me a lot with the multi-ethnic housing projects that contained all of the essentials and a lot of luxuries. I visited SG from noisy, chaotic, crowded HCMC so it was a balm of peace for me, especially the easily accessible outdoor spaces.

Orchard Street was over-the-top luxury but also an easy place to get Apple devices and necessities for me.

Show threadCindyApr 13, 2023
@EllenInEdmonton haha that’s true, how organised we are makes it easy for tourists to feel at ease here. I often tell people to make this their first stop in asia as the culture shock is a lot more manageable compared to other Asian cities, though that also means we are less fun and authentic in a way
Show threadEllenInEdmonton Apr 13, 2023
@cindy Oh, Singapore is totally a soft landing, and I also recommend Taipei as a place to see a lot of interesting culture without getting totally stressed. There's enough to adapt to with jet lag and heat/humidity without also having nothing familiar at hand. And the airport is stunning!