February can be a tough month. The weather is cold, dark, and dreary. The holidays are over (except for Feb. 14, otherwise known as Single Awareness/Unrealistic Romantic Expectations Day). Work can be stressful. Situations with family and friends can get you down. So if you can’t spend your February working remotely from a sunny beach report, try to get to spin class. Here are three great reasons why:

You can find some peace of mind.

Unlike yoga or bootcamp class, spinning can give you a great workout and boost your mood without requiring too much mental effort. You have your own space, your own bike, and you control the speed and resistance. You can be alone, but still together with a group of people all investing their time and energy. Sure it’s fun during a ride with some coordinated moves and routines. But if you need to clear your head, just get lost in the music, and absorb some positive energy from class, by all means – you do you.

A chance to channel that frustration.

I recently had a student tell me, “You write great playlists when you’re angry!” It’s true. Negative emotions like anxiety, frustration, anger, and fear can start to build up and drag us down. Channeling all of that energy into a really tough work out can be a great way to work through those emotions in a safe, contained way. Sing along to the music, frown, clench your jaw, and ride through those emotions. A great work out can have you dripping with sweat but feeling refreshed and clean on the inside.

Win MINT’s “Can You Go the Extra Mile?” challenge.

If beating the winter blues and burning major calories wasn’t enough reason to get to MINT for a spin class, consider the fame and fortune that could be yours if you win our February challenge. Track your miles in each spin class, and compete with fellow MINTers to go the extra mile and win fabulous prizes. It’s one way to beat the blues and win big!

Come ride with us! You’re always just one spin class away from a better day.