Spinning is a Great Workout

I've recently become a huge fan of Spin class. For years my workouts have consisted of switching off between running on a treadmill and using the elliptical machines. However, after recently agreeing to do a 100 mile bike ride in September, I started taking Spin classes at my local gym 1-2 times per week. I'm addicted!

Please let me preface my true enthusiasm by stating, Spin class is fantastic if you have a good instructor. I've tried several different Spin classes at my gym and, thankfully, I've enjoyed all but one of the instructors.

If you have an instructor that tires out easily, sits on his/her bike and rests while you're pedaling, doesn't change up the routine at all etc. - Get out of their class immediately and try a different one! Don't let one bad instructor ruin Spinning for you. It's a great, fun, motivating workout that you have to try!

Typically the instructors play upbeat music throughout the class and cater their instruction to the beat of the music. A good instructor will motivate you throughout the class by encouraging you to work hard and push through the pain! Usually I'm motivated by how great of shape the instructors are in and how fast and hard they are pedaling!

You'll learn that by utilizing the bike in different ways, you'll work various muscle groups. My instructors have us stand up on the bike while keeping our butt and hips over the saddle to give our butt and thighs a great workout. In one of the classes, we also work our abs by sitting up straight (hands free) on the bike and engaging the muscles as we move side to side. We also work our biceps by forcing all of our weight to fall on our arms. A good instructor will find creative ways to change up the workout and keep it new and exciting each time.

Don't let a Spin class intimidate you. Check the class schedule at your gym and give one a try. Because you are on your own bike, you are in control of your own workout. You choose the intensity and the resistance. Don't worry if you haven't been on a bike since you were twelve! Indoor cycling is fun and easy to learn and you'll feel great after the workout. Play around with what is comfortable for you and try pushing yourself to build up your strength and get a better workout. You'll feel a good burn in your butt and thighs, you'll leave feeling fantastic and you'll have burned several hundred calories in a one hour class. (Bring a water bottle and a towel!)