All in a spin, but in a good way
“If you were to ask me 10 years ago if I would ever try spin again, I would have said ‘no’,” says fitness instructor Alberto Ruiz. And if you are wondering what spinning is, it’s a type of exercise performed on a special stationary exercise bike with a weighted flywheel while an instructor rides alongside. Since moving to Sri Lanka almost eight years ago however, the Spanish national is now usually found leading highly energetic spinning classes at his studio down Flower Road, Colombo 7.
All set on their stationary bikes: A spinning session at the studio. Pix by Nilan Maligaspe
Describing himself as more of a runner, Alberto decided to try spinning for the first time when he was 22 while in Ibiza. “Basically, 15 minutes into the class I wanted to die,” he laughs as he found the class more demanding than he had anticipated. “I did one class and I said ‘just one and no more’.” Almost a decade later he re-entered the world of spin while undertaking his fitness certification requirements in Bristol in the UK. Gaining a new appreciation for its benefits, he noted aspects of the exercise that others were responding to positively and the kind of measures he could take as an instructor to help ensure that clients received a thorough workout.
“I love everything about it now, the music, the vibe, the impact – it’s all amazing,” he says. An instructor for the past 10 years, he has imparted that passion to many as spinning is one of the most popular classes offered at the T&A Fitness gym which he co-founded with his wife, Tarja De Silva.
Showing the way: Alberto Ruiz
Alberto and Tarja launched T&A Fitness in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 outbreak. While most gyms were figuring out how to translate their physical lessons to an online platform, they plunged in via virtual lessons on Instagram Live. “We were sort of in blind,” recalled Alberto of those initial days amidst the pandemic and nationwide lockdowns. However, they were successful at growing a following online and have since made the reverse transition to physical lessons in their studio. As both are established dancers with Alberto especially fond of Salsa and Bachata, the Studio also offers dance lessons, yoga and more.
Spinning, Alberto assures, is suitable for anyone, regardless of age and physical capability, due to the varying levels of difficulty available. It is a low impact exercise and places little stress on joints making it viable for those suffering from knee and hip injuries or recovering from orthopedic injuries. Safety is key as the team keenly observes the responses of each rider to ensure that no one is pushing dangerously beyond their limits. Others trying spinning for the first time are encouraged to approach the class at their desired pace to get accustomed to this kind of workout while those who are more experienced and looking to be challenged can expect an intense session.
Starting a workout regime is likely to improve a person’s physical wellbeing but asked how fitness has helped his clients in other aspects of their lives, Alberto’s immediate answer is in context of the tumultuous situation in the country. “Lately, it seems to help most with dealing with stress – it’s almost like a therapy session in a way.” A single 45-minute session consists of a warm up, the spin class and then a cool down session. The Studio is equipped with 24 bikes and classes are held six days of the week.
On September 17, Alberto will join Cinnamon City Hotels’ “Wellness Month” programme of events, activities, conversations and food and beverage offerings designed to encourage staying fit and healthy living. Taking spin outdoors for a change, “Spin with Alberto Ruiz” will be conducted at 4 p.m. at the Angsana Spa Rooftop, Cinnamon Grand, Colombo followed by cocktails and canapes. The pre-book rate for the class is Rs. 4000.
For more information and to register, call: +94778191855 or +94 713773265.
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