Group Spinning, or indoor cycling, is not only fun but incredible for increasing endurance and strength, particularly when done in high-intensity intervals. The exercise form usually involves stationary bikes with weighted flywheels and is offered in class options that run from 20 to 90 minutes, depending on your schedule and fitness level. Not convinced you are ready to get on that saddle? Keep reading to find out more about the benefits of this exhilarating exercise.
Burns Calories
Spinning is a high intensity interval training exercise, or HIIT for short, meaning that it incorporates bouts of intense workouts with less intense recovery periods.
The people from FitForBeach report that HIIT is one of the best forms of exercise for weight loss since it forces you to expand energy from fat rather than carbs. “This means that you lose fat without losing muscle,” states the report, adding that gym attendance has seen a dramatic post lockdown increase – a welcome sign after the country saw a 31 percent decrease in leisure time sport and exercise during the pandemic.
Even without incorporating HIIT, spinning is better for fat loss than many other forms of exercise. According to Harvard Health, for instance, spinning at a moderate intensity level for an hour burns between 420 and 622 calories, much more than the 240 to 365 calories you would burn during an hour session of Hatha Yoga.
Better Cardiovascular Fitness
Vigorous exercise increases your cardiovascular fitness, or the ability of your heart, lungs and blood cells to send oxygenated blood to your muscles. This has been confirmed by the German Health Interview and Examination Survey, which showed that both men and women with a lower body mass index who engaged in high levels of physical activity had higher oxygen consumption than their counterparts.
As a cardio exercise, spinning sends more oxygen to the muscles giving them the energy to stay active throughout the day. It also improves lung capacity and heart health, reducing the risk of problems such as coronary heart disease.
Sense of Community
Whether you are a pro or a newbie, spinning classes are a great way of motivating each other to push that little bit further. Riding side by side can also unify you with your classmates, making you feel that you are a part of a greater whole. Spinning classes are also an amazing opportunity for meeting new people who are on your wavelength. Who knows, you might even make some lifelong friends.
Better Mood
Spinning will leave you feeling happy. This is because it releases endorphins, a feel-good hormone that will give you a sense of calm and general well-being. While you may feel physically tired after a class, mentally you will be ready to take on the world.
Better Muscle Definition
Lean muscle definition is one of the biggest benefits of spinning. The greatest difference in your physique will be in your leg and core muscles since you use them when riding. Those wanting to also tone their upper body may want to look into attending a spinning class that incorporates cross training.
It is important to remember that muscle weighs more than fat, so do not panic if you find yourself gaining – and not losing – weight after spinning classes. Actually, our advice is to give scales the flick altogether. If your body looks the way you want it, that is all that matters.
