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Fit Factor: Indoor cycle your way to a great workout
Posted on Jan 26th 2007 6:00AM by Martha EdwardsAt my gym, when it's time for yoga, we have to wheel a bunch of yellow bikes outside of the studio to make room for our mats. But have you ever wondered what those yellow bikes are for, and why every gym out there seems to have them? In case you're not in the know, those bikes are specially designed for indoor cycling, also know as 'extreme cycling' in some circles. Are you intrigued yet?
Group cycling classes usually get together a group of fitness-minded people who peddle away to the booming commands of an instructor and the frantic beats of some loud music. The intensity of the cycling increases and decreases throughout the workout, alternating between moderately-paced rides and frenzied sprints. The bike is under your control, so you can typically adjust the resistance and pace to suit your level of fitness, though it's recommended that only people at an intermediate level of cardiovascular fitness participate in the class. Why? It's challenging, intense and a great workout. According to Self.com's calories counter, indoor cycling at a moderate effort for 20 minutes burns 250 calories, which is about what I'll burn on the elliptical trainer for the same amount of time at top effort.
Spinning offers a fantastic cardiovascular workout, and that's why it burns so many calories. In addition, it works your muscles from the waist down, and will help define your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, hips and abdominals.
It's for these reasons that spinning appeals to a wide variety of people, of all ages and abilities. According to this, 2002 saw 1.9 million Americans take part in a Spinning class, and 72% of health clubs offer them. A word of caution: All sources of information I found on Spinning cautioned against overexerting yourself -- a common beginner mistake. As with all workout regimes, if it becomes to much, take a break and catch your breath. You'll look far sillier passing out from exhaustion than you will if you stop for a few minutes to have a drink of water. Also: Make sure you stretch your lower body muscles beforehand. Do a warm-up and cool-down if the instructor doesn't offer one. And drink lots of water, both before, after and possibly even during the workout.
I'll admit; I've never taken a spinning class. I've never really been interested either ... until now. How about you? Have you taken a spinning class? What did you think?
Group cycling classes usually get together a group of fitness-minded people who peddle away to the booming commands of an instructor and the frantic beats of some loud music. The intensity of the cycling increases and decreases throughout the workout, alternating between moderately-paced rides and frenzied sprints. The bike is under your control, so you can typically adjust the resistance and pace to suit your level of fitness, though it's recommended that only people at an intermediate level of cardiovascular fitness participate in the class. Why? It's challenging, intense and a great workout. According to Self.com's calories counter, indoor cycling at a moderate effort for 20 minutes burns 250 calories, which is about what I'll burn on the elliptical trainer for the same amount of time at top effort.
Spinning offers a fantastic cardiovascular workout, and that's why it burns so many calories. In addition, it works your muscles from the waist down, and will help define your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, hips and abdominals.
It's for these reasons that spinning appeals to a wide variety of people, of all ages and abilities. According to this, 2002 saw 1.9 million Americans take part in a Spinning class, and 72% of health clubs offer them. A word of caution: All sources of information I found on Spinning cautioned against overexerting yourself -- a common beginner mistake. As with all workout regimes, if it becomes to much, take a break and catch your breath. You'll look far sillier passing out from exhaustion than you will if you stop for a few minutes to have a drink of water. Also: Make sure you stretch your lower body muscles beforehand. Do a warm-up and cool-down if the instructor doesn't offer one. And drink lots of water, both before, after and possibly even during the workout.
I'll admit; I've never taken a spinning class. I've never really been interested either ... until now. How about you? Have you taken a spinning class? What did you think?
