Monday 5 January 2015

Indoor Cycling and Spin Classes - How to Get the Most From Your Workout

The topic of spin classes came up at our local health club a few days ago. During the course of a few minutes of very interesting conversation, one thing became clear. People either love indoor cycling, or they hate it! There seems to be very little middle ground.
If you're looking for a low impact cardio workout, indoor cycling is one of your best options. But just like any fitness activity, you'll want to make sure you're stacking the deck in your favor for the best odds of success. There are a few essentials to consider if you want to get the most benefit from your cycling workout.

 

The first time I participated in a spin class, I'll admit to being just a bit intimidated. All of my fears were unfounded though, just as soon as I embraced a few key concepts. In fact, most people I've talked to who didn't enjoy the classes ultimately didn't get the most from their workout, leading to disappointment and not trying again.

Here's three tips for indoor cycling participants:

1. Make sure you're wearing proper clothing, and keep that water bottle handy. Running shorts and sweats are not designed for indoor cycling. Get yourself some biking shorts, or at least wear shorts with extra padding and comfort in the inner thigh area to prevent discomfort. As for water, you'll want to be ready to consume plenty, both during and after class.
2. Remember, this workout is about you and not what other participants are doing. All too often, it's easy to get caught up in the enthusiasm of the class, despite what your body might be telling you. Listen to your body and follow suit. Make adjustments as necessary.
3. Make sure your seat is adjusted properly. This is the most common mistake in spinning classes. Your seat should be at a height where your knee angle is about 85% straight during the downstroke. If your seat is too high or too low, you'll risk injury and you won't get the most from your workout either. If you need help determining the proper height of your seat, ask your instructor for guidance.
Finally, ask yourself about your fitness level, and be honest with your response. Intensity levels in spin classes vary, and some can be too intense for beginners. Don't be discouraged. Instead, modify the workout to your level and make a goal to increase your capabilities over the following weeks and months.
If you're just starting, consider working on your form and conditioning on a stationary bike before participating in a spinning class. This way, you can increase your fitness level and get acclimated to indoor cycling. In just a few short weeks, you'll be ready for a great spin class workout!
Jim Hofman is an author who lost 25 pounds in six months just from adding spinning classes to his workout regimen. For more tips, strategies, and recommendations, be sure to visit Jim's recommended resource site devoted to biking and indoor cycling http://www.cycling101.info

Source: Jim Hofman / http://www.cycling101.info / Ezine 988746

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