faqs
What is Spynga®?
Simply put; a love affair between yoga and cycling. Spynga is the love child of yogis and indoor cycling aficionados everywhere. Spynga The Yoga and Cycling Studio is the first of its kind to spotlight two exercise modalities, cycling and yoga, and combine them into one workout for maximum benefits. The creators of Spynga, Sari Nisker (the yogi) and Casey Soer (the cyclist), story began when they discovered their shared passion for fitness and teaching individuals about the interconnectedness of body and mind. Their first studio opened in Toronto in April 2007 and their second studio opened in July 2010 in Thornhill, Ontario. In addition to our signature Spynga flow class which is a specially choreographed blend of indoor cycling and vinyasa yoga in one class, the studios offers strictly indoor cycling and yoga classes, pre/post natal classes, kids & family yoga, as well as instructor trainings for cycling and yoga. Overall wellness involves more than just the physical, so many wellness and lifestyle workshops and leadership courses are offered in addition to Spynga’s core programming.
What do you do in the signature Spynga Flow® class?
Experience the brilliant blend of mind body modalities. Spynga’s signature trademarked hybrid of indoor cycling and vinyasa yoga in one class. The way to shape the body and mind as you add strength and flexibility to your cardio vascular fix. The all encompassing journey trains the mind, breathe, muscles, and joints to enhance equilibrium and agility. Experience our signature class of cycling and yoga in tandem! Spend 25 minutes on an intense and powerful bike ride to enliven the heart. Move to the mat for a 25 minute vibrant yoga flow and cool down to balance out the body and calm the mind. The result is pure harmony.
Will Spynga®, Cycling or Yoga classes help me lose weight?
If you increase your daily activity level and maintain a healthy diet then yes, you will see changes in your body, not to mention attitude. Yoga, Cycling, and circuit training exercises all have elements of strength building, lengthening and toning of the muscles. The more muscle you build, the more calories you will burn all day. Remember, muscle tissue burns about 15 times as many calories as fat! Daily activity will allow you to experience more than just weight loss. Exercise has been proven to reduce heart disease, diabetes, depression and increased excitement for life!
How often should I attend Spynga®?
Daily activity is incredible for the body and mind. At Spynga we recommend that students take class 3-4 times per week to experience a solid understanding of the fundamentals of indoor cycling and yoga as well as to build muscle memory and efficiency in addition to strength and flexibility. Students may experience muscle soreness and stiffness upon first starting indoor cycling, yoga and/or circuit training. The discomfort is due to muscles working in a new and different way.
What are the benefits of yoga?
• increases flexibility
• a self-study to better understand yourself, your relationships, and your purpose (dharma) in life
• tone and trim muscles
• reduces stress and tension
• releases bodily and mind toxins
• improves digestion
• helps to keep blood pressure balanced
• improves circulation in the body
• feel rejuvenated and energized
• boost lubrication of muscles, joints and ligaments
• massage internal organs and glands
• helps to build awareness of the interconnectedness of body and mind within the world around you
• encourages you to quiet the mind and change negative thinking patterns,
ultimately enhancing self-acceptance
• feel younger and renewed
• become more compassionate towards yourself, others and the earth
What are the benefits of indoor cycling?
• strengthens the heart and lungs
• tone and trim muscles
• stimulates release of endorphins which creates a feeling of happiness and therefore…
• reduces stress and tension
• releases bodily and mind toxins
• solid calorie burner
• helps to keep blood pressure balanced
• improves circulation in the body
• feel rejuvenated and energized
• boost lubrication of muscles, joints and ligaments
• improves athletic performance
I have never done an indoor cycling class before, what class should I try?
All of spynga's instructors are highly educated, experienced and ready to assist you when you enter your first class. Try to arrive early to allow enough time to set up the bike and to be completely prepared for the journey ahead. Let the teacher know it is your first time, and he/she will show you all you need to know. Throughout the class he/she will give the class modifications and reminders and will correct your form when needed. The beauty is that there will always be 2 participants at completely different ends of the "experience spectrum" in every class. There are always new indoor cyclists, and always a few who are already addicted. The intensity or resistance should be adjusted individually, based on each person’s individual needs, using the teachers' instructions as a guide or road-map. So go at your own pace! If you are still nervous, a great class for beginners to both cycling and yoga is the spynga flow class. It gives the student a little taste of the two sides of the spynga coin, (25 minutes of cycling followed by 25 minutes of yoga)which gives the student a chance to ease their way into a full 45 minute cycle flow class.
I haven't exercised in a long time, would indoor cycling be too hard for me?
No, as long as you are aware of your own physical limits, your edge, and stay within those confines. Everyone's road is a little different. Don't over-do it, dowhat you are able to do at this moment in time.
I have a bad back and knees, will indoor cycling further my injuries?
There is always a risk of re-injury in every physical exercise. Cycling has a much lower risk of injury and re-injury (when done correctly) because it is low impact. If you have a bad lower back, keep your handlebars high to prevent slouching and strain on that area. If you have bad knees, always keep a little resistance on, even if it means going a little slower. You want to always be in full control of the pedals. Never do anything that feels wrong. The instructor will offer alternative movements and positions to aid your ailments.
What should I wear or bring?
Wear light, fitted exercise clothing. Long pants can get caught in the pedals so cropped pants or bike shorts are ideal for cycling. Wear running shoes or cycling shoes (with SPD clips). For yoga, bare feet are customary. Bring a water bottle (reverse osmosis filtered water is available to fill your bottle), a mat for yoga, spynga®, cycle sculpt, bootcamp and hardcore cycle classes (rentals $1, all proceeds go to charity) and possibly a change of clothes.
Can I participate in indoor cycling when I am pregnant?
Indoor cycling is so much fun and can be safe to continue throughout pregnancy as long as you follow some basic precautions (and get your caregiver's okay!). DO NOT TAKE AN INDOOR CYCLING CLASS IF YOU HAVE NOT TRIED IT BEFORE YOU GOT PREGNANT. First of all, drink TONS of water before, during, and after the class. Whatever amount the instructor advises for the rest of the class to drink, double it! Staying well-hydrated will keep your core temperature within a safe range, especially important during your first trimester. Second, go at your own pace. If that means slowing down or loosening the tension on your bike, do it! Pregnancy is not a time to compete with others in the class or even with yourself. Let your body's signals be your guide--if you start to feel dizzy, faint, or nauseous, then you're working out too hard. If you start to feel pain or discomfort in your abdomen or groin, then slow down your pace. Third, as your pregnancy progresses, cut down (or out) the number of jumps you do on the bike. Your changing center of gravity may cause you to lose your balance when riding out of the seat, just be aware!
I am new to yoga and not very flexible, which class should I try?
To begin your yoga practice, you should try a vinyasa flow open class. Make sure to let your teacher know that you are new to yoga and she/he will offer modifications, variations and adjustments throughout the class to make sure you are comfortable.
Where can I park?
Spynga North:
There is ample parking along Disera Drive or the lot in the back.
Spynga South:
-Vaughan Road; Pay parking along the street
-Melgund Road, Hilton Ave & Nina Road for 1 hour free after 10am
-North & South parking lots of the building; Park for free anytime in UNRESERVED spaces. ALL spaces available during EVENINGS & WEEKENDS.
-Spynga is also a 5 minute walk from the St. Clair West Subway Station
