Korean Style Spinning Class

 

Forgive me father, for I have sinned, it has been 10 months since my last spin class.  But in all seriousness, spinning was a huge part of my life in the states and it has definitely been something that’s been missing since I’ve been in Korea.  This past month I finally joined a high class gym that offers spinning classes. I was nervous to take my first class.  Even though I taught spinning once or twice a week in the states, it was still 10 months ago.  Even a week without it isn’t good for your body.

If you’ve taken spin classes in the states you know that they consist of drills of sprints, climbs, and jumps and normally the instructor chooses some motivating music to go along with drills.  In the Korean version of spin class you instantly feel like a K-pop star in a music performance.  American spin classes focus on drills that give cardio but also build muscle in the legs.  Korean spin classes are the exact opposite.  They focus on the upper body and abs.  At first I was skeptical.  There were no climbs or tension changes throughout the whole class and your butt was off the seat the entire 50 minutes.   In the end, I’ve probably sweat more than I ever have in my entire life.  Who said Koreans don’t like to sweat! Basically you feel like you’re in a nightclub with your feet strapped onto a bike.  The music is all K-pop and we followed the instructor through choreographed arm and upper body movements all while pedaling away.  There was a disco ball and crazy lights the whole time.  By the end, the room was a steam room, and I have to admit it was an amazing workout.  If I have a chance to teach spinning again when I go back to the states I know exactly how I will teach it.  I think I’ve found my new addiction!

12 responses

  1. Jen, I am too old for spinning and Korean spinning looks much more difficult! I love the whole music, lights and night club experience that goes with it. You will be in really good shape ! Mary Ann

    • Yes, the spin class is at New York Fitness Center in Gangseo-gu and it is right in Banghwa subway station (purple line 5) exit 3. If you live in this area of Seoul I would definitely recommend it. They don’t speak English but when I joined about a month ago they had a special price of 40,000 won per month if you sign up for a year. This includes classes and 3 personal training sessions. In my opinion that is a great price for gyms in Seoul and it is brand new. Let me know if you decide to check it out 🙂

  2. I totally agree with you, I just joined a spin class a couple weeks ago. I was so confident before I joined, I was like “I used to do this EVERYDAY in the states, I am sure I will beat you guys!!! bring it on!!!” And after I tried the first class, I was this closed to throw up. ‘how on gods name everyone keep doing push ups and keep moving their legs!!!’ Now I am TOTALLY addicted to it. Knowing the K-pop would help me to enjoy the class more though,ah, I hope it is okay with you that I put your blog on my Facebook. 🙂

  3. I absolutely love spinning. My only experience has been in Korea, but now I have moved away from my gym in Wondang and have been searching for a spin class in Seoul.

    The one in Gangseo-gu is more than an hour out from me. Does anyone know of a class near Gangnam, Itaewon, Hongdae, Myeong-dong??? I appreciate any helpful response.

    I need to spin!!!!

    • I am also looking for a spin class to try out while visiting Seoul next week!
      I’ll be staying near the COEX mall. Thoughts?
      Thank you,
      Andrea, NH

  4. Heya just saw your post and I wish I saw this place while I was in Seoul as I had a tough time finding a spin studio like this. In Portland,OR there is a spin studio where I always go and it’s called BurnCycle and does the same thing as the Korean spin classes which is just amazing!

  5. Hello! Can you please tell me where is the spin class? I have been looking for awhile and I haven’t found a place that offers it.
    Thanks

Leave a reply to jennylee8786 Cancel reply