Thursday, May 21, 2009

Why Spin Instructors are Like Rabbis (Re-Post)

This is a repost from September of 2008. I've been doing a lot of spinning lately, and this week I thought of this post again, so I thought I'd pop it up here again.

I think I've discovered why I like going to Spinning classes.

It's just like being at services, except I'm not in charge:

It lasts about an hour, just like services.
I can get into a rhythm, just like in a good prayer experience.
There's a rubric to follow. Sprints, climbs, flat roads....Sh'ma u'virchote-ha, Amidah, Torah service...
There's music, sometimes to sing along with....
There's a sense of shared purpose. We're all in this together.
There's a lot of stand-up, sit-down.*
The instructor uses her hands to indicate "stand up" and "sit down"... just like I do.*
She offers encouragement, similar to the way that a rabbi might offer explanations of the prayers.
She sometimes throws out questions for the group to answer, just as I might when leading services or giving a sermon.
People are often reticent to answer. Just like at services.

I can lose myself in the experience, and feel uplifted at the end.

Do I think that Spinning or exercise can replace a religious experience?
No.

But they do strike me as quite similar....

*This was the part that got me thinking during Spin class. Like any good blogger, I actually considered getting off my bike and jotting down some notes. It seemed like a reasonable excuse to take a break...but I didn't. I remembered anyway! See, working out is good for you.

(When I checked out this old post I also realized that at some point I stopped doing the five places I've been this week thing on Sundays. Why did I stop doing that? I'm not sure...should I start again?)

5 comments:

Leigh Ann said...

SO funny! The big difference is that going to shul has the distinct potential to help you pack on the pounds (mmm, lemon bars at kiddush.) Spinning makes your body rabbi-fabulous. Way to go Ima. :)

Anonymous said...

Where can I find services that only last an hour?

Beth @ TheAngelForever said...

Wow, I have never been to a one hour service. We are lucky if we are out in three hours.

Love the re-post. Thanks for sharing :)

Anonymous said...

I've tagged you in a meme!

http://homeshuling.wordpress.com/2009/05/23/jewish-mommy-meme/

Jack Steiner said...

Is there as much talking as there is in shul. That is what I want to know. ;)