A Guide to Spinning?

When my friend, an avid knitter and spinner of various types of fibers, told me she was headed off to a Spinning class I wanted to join her. I asked if she'd give me a moment while I gathered my stuff; I didn't have a portable spinning wheel but I did have new fiber to be spun and a drop spindle... That's when she stopped me; it isn't that kind of spinning. While she was laughing at me, I noticed her warm-up suit. "Then if you aren't talking about making yarn, what on earth is Spinning", I asked.

What is Spinning?

Spinning, as I found out, is an aerobic exercise that is done on a specialty type of stationary bike called a spinning bike (hence the name). As you put your pedal to the metal, motivational music is played. While pedaling and listening to the music the Spin instructor will help you to imagine you are pedaling in the great outdoors. An instructor might say something like this: "You are at the foot of the mountain at the base of a lengthy trail..."

Throughout the class you can alter your pace. Sometimes you can pedal as fast as possible or to simulate heading up a steep mountain, tighten the tension on your bike and stand up to pedal. This nice part about Spinning is that even though the instructor is calling out class instructions, you are the one controlling your workout by how fast you pedal or how high you set the tension knob on the bike.

How good is the workout?

Spinning is a super aerobic workout. It can burn up to 1000 calories an hour! As expected, Spinning tones and shapes your legs for that leggy lean look. It is works the muscles on the front part of your thigh (quadriceps) and the outer aspect of your thigh (adductors). It also works a little on the inner thigh muscles (abductors); some people refer to this area as the chub rub spot.

What is needed for Spinning?

The equipment for Spinning is simple: a Spinning Bike, firm-sold shoes (anything flimsy or soft-shoed won't work, so the normal aerobic shoes are out), a water bottle to maintain hydration, and perhaps a towel or two if you perspire.

"Down low", on the down side:

Because Spinning does not work all leg muscles equally, it is possible to have muscle imbalances develop. Cross-training exercises need to be performed to overcome this imbalance. Try exercises that work the back of the thigh (hamstrings), the abductors, and your glutes (butt muscles). Spinning is a good thing; but as most know, too much of a good thing can be very bad. If you aren't careful it can causes injuries of knees, hips and even the lower back through overuse. If you have joint problems or other medical conditions that adversely affect your health, check with your doctor prior to starting a new exercise program or diet.

Benched by the need for knee surgery, I watched jealously as my friend pedaled her way to fitness. She was having such blast and I wanted to be a part of it. I vowed, once I have "new knees" there won't be enough money in the world to keep me away from Spinning, the exercise type I mean. Until then does anyone need some freshly spun yarn?

Sources of Spinning Equipment for Home Use:

http://www.spinningtv.com/
http://spinning.com/
http://www.allaboutfitness.com/IndoorCycling.htm