I’m a morning person. I like to wake up when the house is quiet and still. I enjoying checking a few things off the list before most people have even started their day, which is why I teach the 5:45 a.m. cycle class at the Y. But don’t be fooled—there are days when I secretly wish I could call out and stay under the covers…and I know I’m not alone. We know when our students are feeling the same. Yet somehow we muster the energy to put on our gym clothes, albeit sometimes backwards or inside out (it’s not easy dressing in the dark!), grab our gym bag, and head to the gym. We put a smile on our face, hop on the bike, and most days we’re happy we pushed through.
As an instructor, I like to add a little levity when I can tell there are some folks having “one of those mornings,” so I mix up the song selections. One of my favorites is “Hyperballad” by Bjork. “Bjork?” you’re asking. “Isn’t she that weirdo who wore a swan dress to the Oscars?” Yep, sure is. I like it because it starts off slow and ethereal, but it’s really the lyrics that work for the early-morning group. I start them off on a moderate hill, as she sings a story of being on a mountaintop throwing items off the edge. It’s her way of starting her day the same way a 5:45 a.m. cycle class is for my gang.
“We live on a mountain
Right at the top
There’s a beautiful view
From the top of the mountain
Every morning I walk towards the edge
And throw little things off
Like car-parts, bottles and cutlery
Or whatever I find lying around
It’s become a habit
A way to start the day”
On the chorus, I ask riders to add more resistance and stand to continue the climb as Bjork sings,
Before you wake up
So I can feel happier
To be safe up here with you”