Wow…can’t wait to fill you all in on this! I was one of the lucky 45 that had the opportunity to ride with Jillian Michaels at Flywheel in Highland Park on Friday. It was amazing, to say the least! She was in Dallas for her Maximize Your Life tour, and stopped by to teach a cycling class with Mark Shipman before her speaking engagement. Watching Jillian on tv and in her home exercise videos, I had always wondered what it would be like to train with her in real life. She comes across as hard-core, yet inspiring. Let’s just say she did not disappoint! She was as high-energy and motivating in person as she is on screen.
The stadium was filled with anticipation because everyone was pumped to be there for the class. She walked in, and my first thought was whoa…she is gorgeous and so defined! I had total arm envy. Hello, new goal: Jillian Michaels arms! She was wearing a cut-off tee, loose Free City sweats, and sneakers, but despite the baggy clothing, you could still see how fit she truly is. Going into it, I was not sure what the format was going to be, but turned out that Jillian actually taught the class, while Mark was up on the teaching platform. Because she was not on a bike, that meant she was working the entire stadium, going around and literally making sure people were not coasting.
To be honest, it was exhilarating, terrifying (I mean that in the best possible way), and fun! The way she lead the class was super motivating, mixing tough love with positive messages. It totally worked for me! I will admit though, it was a little un-nerving when she would come over to check your monitor to make sure you were pedaling at her specific torque and speed. Kept me on edge, thinking she was coming up behind me to yell at me to go faster! I loved her teaching style, her playlist, and that she used a lot of high resistance intervals. It was a very challenging ride. She incorporated some sprints, but just the right amount, in my opinion. We also did upper body moves with the weighted bar towards the end of the class. By the middle of that segment, it felt like the bar weighed 50 lbs. Again, I did not want her to catch me pausing for a little break, so I powered through. Maybe that’s her formula for success…a combination of big inspiration, instilling a little fear, and teaching people to truly enjoy exercise! It was awesome! I am so glad I got to experience Jillian’s class with an amazing group of Flywheel riders and instructors.
(Left: Me + Mark / Top Right: Jillian + her amazing arms / Bottom Right: Jillian + Mark) What I Wore: Flywheel “Never Coast” Tank, Lululemon “Core Kicker” Crops & “Free to Be Wild” Sports Bra
Every time I take a class at Flywheel or Flybarre, I am tempted by their great selection of branded workout and lounge wear. I usually end up coming home with something! They have lots of cute tees and tanks, buttery soft sweat pants and hoodies, and fun leggings in bright patterns and prints. The more crazy and bright the print/color is, the better! When I go to Flywheel, I like to wear cropped leggings in technical fabric that wicks sweat and a loose or fitted tank with a strappy sports bra peeking out. Its the perfect outfit for cycling class! Afterwards I am so sweaty, if I am not showering there, I like to throw on a loose top or wrap with an interesting neckline or cut-outs over my outfit. Some of their activewear is now available at Bloomingdales, so you don’t even have to be near a studio to purchase. Scroll through the Flywheel gear below, along with other pieces that would be perfect for any cycling class!
SHOP THE LOOK: (Click on items for product info)
