CHALKBOARD STAFFERS, contributors, readers and friends squelched any lingering case of the Mondays last night with a private spin at SoulCycle West Hollywood. Gathering at the bright yellow hotspot on Sunset Blvd, friends and readers alike quickly realized what has both coasts buzzing over this fun and fresh fitness brand. SoulCycle matched our team with top instructor Gina Heekin, equal parts bubbly and fierce, as only the best spin instructors can be! Readers and contributors had the chance to meet and mingle over a few of our favorite Pressed Juicery flavors as newbies were given some preliminary instructions and the pros sought out their favorite seats in class. SoulCycle classes are held in dimly lit rooms creating an environment that’s somehow exciting and laid-back at the same time.Gina worked together with our own fitness expert Katie to craft the perfect summer playlist and before we knew what hit us we were in full spin. Gina’s enthusiasm, coupled with her motivational mantras and heart-pumping music, got us breaking a sweat and a smile at the same time – which is not always an easy task!

We’re so grateful for each of those who were able to join us last night and for all those readers, friends and contributors too many miles apart to make it.  We’re so grateful for each and every voice that has added to our Chalkboard community thus far and can’t wait to meet more and more of our readers as we go ‘Beyond The Board’  throughout the year. Stay tuned as we plan outings and events of all kinds that help each of us learn to live well in greater measure!

Our thanks to LuluLemon for providing some of our awesome custom gear and to our Pressed Juicery family for providing post-workout rejuvenation like nobody’s business.  We really don’t know how we hit the gym before detox 4 (cucumber, pineapple, coconut water and aloe water). That stuff is made for the gym!  Lastly, our thanks to everyone at SoulCycle West Hollywood for the kind of hospitality and fun offered by only world-class brands such as themselves. We see why SC patrons can’t get enough!

Full-Tilt Summer Spin Playlist

We couldn’t leave our spin experience without whipping up a list of our top picks for a summer spin playlist!  Some songs just lend themselves to that full-board spin experience. We’ve combined some of our instructor Gina’s faves as well as a few of our own to pick this perfect summer list. Use this playlist for your next hard-core session at the gym, a full-tilt run on the beach or to hassle your favorite spin teacher with at your next class!

Somebody That I Used To Know (Rap Remix) Gotye feat. Kimbra

Lose Yourself Eminem

Call Me Maybe Carly Rae Jepson

Bohemian Rhapsody The Braids

Under Pressure David Bowie

Seasons of Love  Rent

You Spin Me Round  Dead or Alive

Clocks Coldplay