Spinning a Description of the Indoor Cycling Phenomenon

Spinning is a term for a specific type of indoor cycling. It was originated in 1987 by Johnny Goldberg, a cyclist training for a cross-country race. Since its creation it has become a more specialized form of exercise.

Gym "spinning" classes have exploded in popularity in recent years, largely because of an increase in pre-planning and orchestration. Spinning classes are now, typically, set to heart-pumping music, feature changes in speed and intensity, and offer a calorie burn comparable to aerobics without the high-level of joint impact that comes with many exercises such as stepping.

Some examples of calories burned during a spinning class are as follows: A one hundred and fifty pound person spinning at a light intensity will burn 250 calories over the course of 30 minutes. The same person spinning at an intermediate intensity would burn 375 calories. A high intensity class would shed 447 calories. (To tally up calories burning potential for your own weight, visit Glamour.com .) A 30 minute investment of time, seven days a week, would help shed almost a pound of body fat at the rate of 447 calories per workout (There are 3500 calories in a pound.) With results like that for a relatively low-impact cardio workout, the popularity of spinning is clearly justifiable.

Spinning is done on specially built indoor cycles. These cycles can range widely in price range and capabilities, but the basic structure of all makes and models is quite similar. Most contain a large flywheel that helps create resistance, as well as a strap that goes on over the top of your foot to help maintain stability and grip during standing pedal sessions. Many also contain a computerized module in the "dash" that measures heart rate, cadence, miles traveled, and calories burned.

During a spinning class such indications being available at a glance allows you to keep working out at a personally competitive level. When your spinning instructor tells you to up the intensity, monitoring your heart rate and assessing your perceived exertion will let you know exactly how much you need to crank up the resistance on your spinning cycle to challenge your body further during each session.

If you can't quite find the time to sign up for gym spinning classes, spinning bikes are available on the consumer market. A quick search of Shopzilla.com will provide you with numerous options at a variety of prices. For extra motivation, guided spinning class exercise DVDs can also be purchased on-line at numerous web-sites, including Amazon.com.

When you can have a spinning class in your own living room, and experience major calorie burns without ever having to leave the house, there is no excuse not to pedal! Whether it is at the gym or in front of the TV, spinning is definitely worth a try.

Source:

Ellin, Abby. "Indoor Cycling Finds Its Way Back with Proper Training." New York Times. May 24, 2007. New York, NY. 08 May 2009.