A slightly different post where I wanted to address something I have been trying lately, spinning. I have always been pretty skeptical of classes and never have really involved myself in them. Taking a break from my volleyball training, I decided to get some general conditioning in, and someone suggested I head to a spinning class. An hour later, many liters of sweat lost, high heart rate maintained through the workout, and a huge amount of energy and motivation to continue, I had just found myself a new addiction. Spinning class benefits are abundant, and there aren’t a whole lot of negatives. For those trying to lose weight with a lower impact activity, then this is something you have to try. Don’t knock it until you give it a go, you may be surprised.
Spinning Class Benefits
Burn A Lot Of Calories
For those of you trying to drop some body fat, this is perfect. I have always maintained there isn’t a massive need to do a whole lot of cardio if you do the right weights and eat correctly, but at the same time, I have always included it in my training program. Spinning is high intensity, which means it burns a lot of calories. The 45 minutes or an hour that you are in there is pretty intense, and although you can work at your own pace, the general atmosphere makes you want to push as hard as you can. It is a great weight loss tool, and perfect for people starting out as well as those trying to get rid of the last bits of fat.
Go At Your Own Pace
The beauty of the class is that it is high intensity for any level. You push as fast and as hard as the instructor does, if you can. You maximum might be less than the guy sitting next to you, but you are getting just as good a workout. You will be easily motivated to push hard and you will find your level improves with each session that you do.
Low Impact Cardio
It is pretty hard to find good, intense cardio work that is actually low impact. For those of us who have bad knees from years of high impact sports, or are overweight starting out, low impact work is always a better option. Such a high intensity low impact workout is hard to come by, but spinning has it all.
Very High Intensity
The higher intensity that you can work out, the more benefits you will have in a shorter time. You will burn more calories, and pump your aerobic up effectively. Low intensity work is essential and necessary, but it is the high intensity stuff that people have trouble doing. A spinning class will allow you to work hard for a decent amount of time, and will put more good stress on your body that you will have felt in a long time.
Tough On The Legs
You are going to build a bit of leg strength as well. Generally a spinning class will be a variety of fast and slower work. Going up hills is a lot of repeat work on the legs, and you will help to build up your strength endurance. You will feel the burn big time.
Good Fun And Motivating
I’m an athlete, and it is my job to train, but I still struggle for motivation when I am alone. Spinning class is just like sitting in a sweaty night club. It gets you going, gets the heart rate up and really motivates you. The instructor is generally yelling at you, the music is pumping, and you are trying to keep up with everyone around you. The variety during the session makes the time fly, and by the end I’m covered in sweat from head to toe and wanting more. It is a great way to motivate yourself and get a good workout in.
Spinning Class Negatives
Chafing
I’m clutching at straws here because there aren’t too many negatives, but for those of us who are not blessed with a 10 cm gap between our thighs, chafing is inevitable. Don’t make my mistake and wear short shorts to the class, walking will be difficult the next day. Invest in some longer tights to ensure you avoid this very uncomfortable state.
Negative On Jump
If you are someone who needs to jump high, like me, then doing too much of this may have a negative affect on your jump. The key here is too much and may. Once or twice a week won’t kill you, and if you don’t need to touch the roof often, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about.
Spinning classes are a great way to lose weight, get fit and have fun all at once. Give it a try and I am sure that you will be pleasantly surprised.
Katelyn says
Could you please detail what part of the legs this will tone? Will it thin and tone your legs or build bulky muscle?