BY MARK KINI
I recently got back into taking spin classes. In addition to other popular group exercises like yoga and dance, my gym has a lot of spin classes on their schedule that always book up fast. Some instructors even have a cult following, similar to the heyday of Soul Cycle, so I sign up a week in advance to secure a spot. Spinning is popular because it can be customized to different fitness levels by adjusting resistance, making it a suitable cardio exercise for a wide range of people—including those with joint issues, with clearance by your medical professional—while still providing a significant calorie burn and muscle-strengthening benefits. Unlike outdoor biking, it’s not impacted by weather or other factors, so you can do it any time. Whereas riding a stationary bike indoors can get monotonous or boring for some, especially if you’re doing it solo, the best spin instructors encourage you to push harder or dig deeper so that the time flies by even though you’re sweating. If you’re motivated by working out in a group environment with heart-pumping music, classes like this are not only fun but invigorating.
Here are six fantastic benefits of spinning:
1. Burns Calories Quickly: Spinning is an efficient workout that can burn 400–600 calories for an average-size adult in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight.
2. Low-Impact Exercise: Opposed to pavement-pounding exercises like running, spinning is gentle on your joints, making it a great option for people with knee or hip concerns while still providing a high-intensity workout.
3. Improves Cardiovascular Health: Spinning strengthens your heart and lungs, boosts endurance, and enhances circulation, improving overall heart health.
4. Builds Muscle Strength and Endurance: While primarily working your legs, spinning also engages your core and can tone your arms if weights are included, enhancing both strength and stamina.
5. Boosts Mental Health: The combination of endorphins, music, and a motivating environment can reduce stress, improve mood, and leave you feeling energized and accomplished.
6. Spin classes also have a strong sense of community. I’ve made a lot of friends throughout the years who were regularly in the same classes.
If you’re new to spinning, or just getting back into it, take a few moments to meet with the instructor before the class to ensure that you’ve set up your bike properly and that you have good form to maximize the benefits of the workout and to prevent injuries. Little tweaks and correct posture can be the difference between an incredible workout or a miserable muscle strain injury.
I strongly believe that changing up workouts every few months helps me stay on a fitness journey. Believe it or not, fitness can be fun once you fully commit to it. [CD0125]
Mark Kini is the President & CEO of Boston Chauffeur. He can be reached at mark@bostonchauffeur.com. mark@bostonchauffeur.com. Follow me on Instagram: bostonfitexec