"Spin" Your Way to Weight Loss
Return to Article Library
Worried about the built-in belt bags materializing in the area that used
to be your tummy? Afraid that you are gaining weight every single day? Well,
no need to worry because you are just a spin away from that perfect body!
Try spin classes.
Spinning Out!
Spinning or "studio cycling" has taken the world fitness world by storm over
the past decade or so. If you are at all unfamiliar, it is a unique and fun way
to work out with the help of
a special stationary bike to the rhythm of danceable music.
With spinning, you’ll
experience one of the best fat-burning exercises you can get.
Studio cycling, also known as spin classes or spinning is a good exercise
to toughen the cardiovascular system and tone the legs. Usually, spinning
classes consist of 6-20 participants balanced on top of special immobile bikes.
The instructor takes the class on a bike ride or routine that incorporates
"hill climbs", "sprints" and other enjoyable exercises like circuit training and intervals.
Spin classes may usually take 45 up to 50 minutes and are executed in time with fun music.
The Special Spinning Bike
One of the factors that make spinning much more fun and effective than the
usual immobile cycling is the bike. Spinning bikes are
outfitted with a weighted flywheel at the front, which gather up speed as the user
pedals. The bike also has adjustable handlebars and seats that will give the user
a feel of riding a real bicycle. Below the handlebars, a knob can be found. This
knob allows the user to make pedaling harder or easier and adjust the tension as
if riding up a mountain side, speeding down a hill, or riding on flat road.
When the weight is increased, the extra resistance builds muscle strength, size,
and tone in the legs. Speeding up while peddling wil raise the heart rate and, therefore,
the cardiovascular output and number of calories burned.
Things Needed for the Spin
In taking spinning classes, participants need only to bring themselves, wearing
comfortable workout clothes, a small towel to wipe off the bike seat, sweat and plenty of water
to drink during the class. You'll also want to make sure that you have comfortable
shoes with sturdy support and cushioning in the soles. Without them, the pedals may
eventually hurt your feet during your session. If you wish, you can even by special spinning
shoes---however, they are not necessary.
What Goes on When You Spin?
The studio for spin cycling is usually kept warm to avoid injury since the
muscles are warmed up by the heat. Each participant takes on an immobile bicycle.
This stationary bike is bolted to the floor. By using the controls provided, the
participants may adjust the distance of the saddle as well as its height so that
it is away from the handlebars. After adjusting the saddle, with the help of the
clasps, the user must make sure that his/her feet are secured on the pedals since
the workout may also include standing up on the pedals.
The Spinning Proper
Usually, instructors make use of an array of routines. These moves to these routines include periods
of pedaling fast and hard (springting), while raising the level of resistance then slowing
down again to allow the body to recover through slow pedaling (this also increases resistance the works the legs).
Instructors also incorporate routines with the participants while standing upright on their bike simulating
a climb on a steep hill with a real bike. For the participants to cool down, the workout
should end with stretching.
Pro's and Con's of Spinning
The spinning classes require no dexterity as the participant will sit or pedal on a
stationary bike in muted lighting, which is advisable for people who are a shy or
embarrassed in going to the gym.
If what you are looking for is a good weight loss exercise, spinning is the answer.
As much as 500 calories or more can be burned in an hour of taking spinning, but this also depends
on the rigidity and intensity of work-out. Since you have your own
resistance dial, you can control the intensity of you spinning. You get to work at the
degree to which you are capable.
Aside from being excellent cardiovascular exercise, spinning builds and tones the body as well
The hamstrings, quadriceps, calf muscles, abdominals, triceps and biceps are worked and shaped
through spinning. It is also a good exercise for people with joint problems since it is
less high-impact than exercises such as aerobics or jogging and does not cause any pounding
onto the knee and ankle joints. the fluid motion is very similar to the elliptical machine, and
therefore provides a similar protection of the joints.
With all the fun and fast fat-burning that can be accomplished with spinning, we highly
recommend that you take these classes to lose weight. If you are shhy or just prefer to
exercise alone, that will work as well. Just make sure to bring your music!
|
|
