Do you find spinning classes intimidating? Of course you do! Non-spinners imagine it as a super intense sweat provoking exercise from hell. Well, your first time may seem that way, but there are endless benefits AND it will get more fun as you continue on with this form of exercise. Don’t give up before you give it a chance!
1. Tone Up
This workout is the ultimate way to tone up and lose weight. Not only does it work all your muscle groups (core, legs and arms), but you can also burn about 500 calories while spinning for 45 minutes. You’ll really be able to tell this accomplishment when you walk out of your class looking as if you had just jumped into a pool.
2. Cardiac Health Benefits
Spinning will keep your heart healthy! According to an indoor cycling instructor and WebMD Senior Medical Editor Brunilda Nazario, MD, there are so many cardiovascular benefits such as weight loss, lower blood pressure, and enhancements in diabetes control and strength. The greatest appeal is that this is the perfect cardio workout that allows you to really work through all of the muscles you want to focus on.
3. The Cyclist’s High
We’ve all heard of the Runner’s High. Well, there’s a Cyclist’s High too. You may be overwhelmed and exhausted after your first class, but you will definitely be walking out of that class with an incredible endorphin rush after going a couple of times. As you include spinning into your workout schedule, it will play a big role in reducing stress and increasing relaxation, which will lead to sleep improvements. After going a few times a week for about three weeks, my energy level has boosted and I don’t toss and turn as much anymore.
4. It’s FUN!
The upbeat music and the super enthusiastic instructors definitely make this exercise so much fun! They usually mix it up with new popular songs and older throwbacks, so you can ride and dance along to the music you love which makes it more encouraging. I just think of it as non-stop dancing on a bike for an hour OR doing zumba on a bike! For first timers, you can be easier on yourself by adjusting the resistance dial. That way, you’ll be able to follow the instructor on queue with position changes.
Now that you’ve learned some of the pros of spinning, go sign up for a class. Pitt’s Healthy U program at the Baierl Recreation Center offers group-spinning classes, which run for 6 weeks of the semester for only $30! Check out the schedule here: http://www.intramurals.pitt.edu/groupclasses.php. Happy spinning and cycle away!
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-e…
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-…
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