Taking a spin class has amazing benefits, and some of them might just surprise you. Let’s look at the benefits of a spin class and what spinning can do for you.
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What Is Spinning?
Spinning is a type of aerobic exercise, done by cycling indoors on a stationary “spinning” bicycle. Most gyms offer this type of indoor cycling either on its own or in a class setting.
Spinning classes are extremely popular and the instructors can make them a lot of fun with the use of visualization and motivation. Of course, placing many people in a room on spinning bikes just adds that extra energy to the class.
The Benefits Of A Spin Class
There are so many reasons to take a spin class, and here are just a few of them…..
There Is A Lower Risk Of Injury And Embarrassment
Because you are training on a stationary bike, there is very little chance of you falling off and embarrassing yourself. Spinning is also a great way to get a low impact workout that is easier on your joints.
You can work according to your own fitness level and adjust your bike to suit yourself. The rest of the class won’t even know what level you are working at, but you will still look super professional.
Burn 500 Calories (2 000kJ) In 40 Minutes
The average individual is likely to burn up to 500 calories (or 2 000kJ) during a 40-minute spinning class! (That’s roughly four cupcakes). Translation: going to spin class regularly can help burn calories to lose weight, provided you don’t hit the snack bar straight afterwards.
If you are in a fun class, you won’t even notice how hard you are working as you will be too busy concentrating on what the instructor is saying. A far more pleasant way to spend 40 minutes than running on the treadmill, don’t you agree?
You Don’t Need A Lot Of Fancy Equipment
Apart from the spinning bike, the only necessary gear is your water bottle, comfortable and hard-soled sneakers, a towel for wiping the sweat away and exercise clothing that fits well. You may also want to invest in a gel or padded bicycle seat like the one below, as your butt can get pretty sore if you are not used to cycling.
Less Thinking And Coordination Needed
You don’t have to have great coordination to do a spinning class, so you never have to worry about anybody laughing at your two left feet.
A 40 minute spin class will also save you time and allow you to free your mind and transport your body to a peaceful place without having to count your reps. Your sole task is to listen to the voice of the instructor who will sound like a personal trainer and a therapist in one.
Spinning is also great for stress relief.
Spinning Is A Great All In One Exercise
One of the benefits of a spin class is that they are usually divided into four types of exercise, namely: speed, power, endurance, and combination. A spin class normally focuses on one or two of these things at a time, but most gyms have spinning classes scheduled throughout the week. This way you can mix up your exercise routine and the boredom won’t set in.
Firm Up Your Entire Body
Once you get a spinning regime going, your entire body will slowly but surely start to firm up. Because spinning is low impact and high intensity interval training (HIIT), you will fry that fat and melt away the kilojoules. You will also build up muscle at the same time. Your calves, hamstrings, and thighs will shape up fast and at the same time, you will strengthen the abdominal muscles.
Here are seven areas you work in and how you use them while you’re in a spinning class.
- Core. Your core is used to stabilize your body throughout the class, especially when you’re standing.
- Upper body. You use your upper body to support yourself on the bike. Some classes even incorporate upper-body exercises using bands or dumbbells.
- Back. Maintaining a strong, stable spine throughout the class, will help to strengthen and tone your back muscles.
- Quadriceps. Your quadriceps will be the main muscles used as you pedal and climb hills, leading to strong, toned legs.
- Hamstrings. Cycling helps to strengthen your hamstrings, which lift the pedal up with each cycle and stabilize your joints.
- Calves. You’ll work your calves with each cycle, which helps to protect your ankles and feet while cycling and during everyday activities.
- Glutes. You will feel your glutes working with each pump, especially when you stand up from your seat.
Never stand up straight on your bike during a spinning class, as this can injure your knees and back. Bend at your hips to bring your upper body in front of your hips. At the same time, draw your shoulders away from your ears to prevent yourself from tensing up and hunching over.
If all it takes is 40 minutes for all these benefits, then I definitely think that spinning is winning.
Hi! I have been thinking for a long time about cycling and buying a bike that suits my needs. On this website, I found information that interested me and I learned a lot about bicycles and the impact on health that cycling has. Spinning is another option to try out before buying a bike to ride outdoors, so I can test the waters first. Thank you much. I wish you successful work!
Thank your for stopping by to comment.
If you try some spinning classes, it may give you an idea of what it would be like to cycle and you will experience some of the intensity of going uphill too with a good instructor. This is a great idea before laying out the money for your own bike.
Oh wow, I didn’t realize that a spinning class of 40 minutes burns 500 kcal, gotta do this haha!
I always thought it was kind of boring though, compared to cycling on the road, but I can now see the benefits, so thanks for showing these!
Also, another wrong idea that I had was that cycling doesn’t train the upper body, but I see that it could when using dumbells, I will have to look for a class that includes that thanks! I hope I can find one in my area.
Thanks for stopping by Lizzy, and hope you can find a class you will enjoy in your area.