by Lois Bikelane, Jan. 25, 2010

Is Denver getting snowier each Winter? Does the prospect of changing in and out of numerous, sweaty layers of cycling clothes and work duds seem more daunting than ever? Maybe more of your biking buddies are hanging up their wheels until the roads dry out, or installing a pair of studded snows on their ride. Perhaps navigating narrower, icier streets alongside skittery motor vehicles is not for you.

Guided indoor cycling is a great compliment to spring/summer outdoors riding as well, our short, intense workouts will support your long rides in a well-rounded exercise regiment. Check out Breathe’s new location on one of those blustery, impossible-to-ride days and put in a good workout on the spin bike. And then stay for the yoga.

I recently attended a few sessions at Breathe and have several more on my list to try out, so my new 20-class card is gonna come in very handy.

The first class I took was on a frosty Saturday morning: YogaCycle with Breathe owner, Sarah. I had done some spin classes before (including a killer 2-hour session while training for a benefit century ride last year). I never really enjoyed them–usually gasping for air during the “sprints” and in pain for days after the “climbing” segments–so was pleasantly surprised when everything felt “just right” this time.” Sarah’s approach allows for just enough of an oxygenating workout on the spin bike, yet leaves you with plenty of energy for the yoga session that follows, and it all fits neatly into one hour. And she sports some pretty great socks,  too!

I returned the following day, for an evening Restorative Yoga class–which was perfect for soothing the minor side effects of new muscle fibers under construction. (Don’t get me wrong, soreness IS part of a good workout, but doesn’t have to be debilitating!) Dim lighting, mellow music, and bountiful supportive bolsters made me wonder whether I was getting anything out of it besides a nap. But Penni assured us that our bodies were experiencing benefits on many levels beyond the barely-perceived stretch of reclining bound-angle pose.

Next up was Metal Monday with Jen. I’m thinking: here’s where I go for the big time, anticipating much pain coming from this. But once again–and maybe the smokin’ tunes blasting from our instructor’s iPod had something to do with it–my workout was just right. Jen manages to balance a full variety of flats, racing, sprints, hills, and rests into well-timed intervals, so just as it feels like your lungs/legs are about to explode, she eases you back to recovery pace and a cue for the water bottle. Now I’m primed to go back for Thrashin’ Thursday, when we crank it up with Punk Rock.

Breathe’s old space was tiny, compared to the new location at Colfax & Vine. It made for an intimate class, with less than a dozen spin bikes or room enough for about as many yoga mats. Their new, upstairs/downstairs studio arrangement allows for a more varied schedule, and the ability to have concurrent classes. Visit breathedenver.com to see the expanded schedule, location and more.

“Another cool thing we’re doing in the spring is going on cycling excursions, bringing our students out on long rides to the foothills.” –Jen Nordhem, breathe instructor (aka Ms. Hurricane). “We teach cycling as we do yoga – it is for everybody and every body. We  work on a scale of perceived exertion and three specific levels of cadence (resting pace, maintenance or race pace, and sprints) so you can push your edge on the bike just like you do on the mat in yoga.”

I’m loving this whole experience because this is going to help motivate me to keep riding through the winter… it’s January and I’ve already put in 3 bike-commute days in one week. I can do anything!

BikeDenver wants to know… what feeds YOUR cycling soul?
$10 off a 5 pack for anyone who brings this article to the studio!