Late last summer, I finally took the plunge and joined the local health club, in hopes of shedding the 20 or so pounds that had crept up on me over the years. Although I'd been a health club member in years past, I knew my approach would have to be different, seeing as I'm not in my 20's any more.
A very important consideration for my workout routine was, very frankly, not to hate it! After years of bone jarring jogging and climbing Stairmasters, I knew I could go back to those routines, but I wouldn't stay with them long term. Yet, it was important to burn fat, develop and maintain cardiovascular fitness, and hopefully enjoy myself at the same time.
A week or so into my membership, I noticed a rather exhausted but seemingly happy group of my fellow health club members exiting an indoor cycling class. After chatting a few of them up about the class, I decided to take part in the next available class the following morning.
Upon arriving, the first thing I learned was that the instructor didn't refer to the class as an indoor cycling class. Instead, the term she used was spin class. Sixty minutes later, my head was slightly spinning. I'd had a challenging, enjoyable workout, with absolutely no pounding, jumping, or jarring. My first thought was that I'd finally found a great workout that I could stick with. And, several months later, stick with it I have!
Although I just recently discovered spin classes, they've been around for a number of years. What I particularly enjoy is that they are appropriate for all levels of fitness and all ages. In a class I regularly attend, we have students ranging in age from teenager to senior citizens. The lack of impact is also a relief on the joints, and the cardio workout is challenging and efficient. Our instructor tells us that depending on our exertion level, we can expect to burn several hundred calories per class.
Most spin classes are one hour in duration, offering plenty of time to warm up and reach what my instructer calls the "fat burning zone". Heart rate monitors are available, which allow participants to see how hard they're working. A good instructor will explain the nuances of a typical class, as well as helping newer participants become acclimated.
As for the class itself, you'll cycle on a stationary bike which is specially suited for spin classes. Adjusting the bike to your height and comfort level takes only a minute or two. Similar to other aerobic classes, you'll cycle along to music, provided by the instructor, with slower songs for warm up and cool down, and more energetic music during periods of higher exertion.
During the class, you'll be challenged but also able to work at your own pace. Instructors are trained to encourage students to challenge themselves, while at the same time being careful to remind those new to fitness to work out at a comfortable level.
All in all, spin classes have proven to be a very effective part of my workout routine. Even two classes per week have given me a significantly greater fitness level and loss of weight. Combined with other forms of exercise like moderate resistance training, indoor cycling classes can help you reach your desired level of fitness. Don't be afraid to try a spin class at your local health club. - 15438
A very important consideration for my workout routine was, very frankly, not to hate it! After years of bone jarring jogging and climbing Stairmasters, I knew I could go back to those routines, but I wouldn't stay with them long term. Yet, it was important to burn fat, develop and maintain cardiovascular fitness, and hopefully enjoy myself at the same time.
A week or so into my membership, I noticed a rather exhausted but seemingly happy group of my fellow health club members exiting an indoor cycling class. After chatting a few of them up about the class, I decided to take part in the next available class the following morning.
Upon arriving, the first thing I learned was that the instructor didn't refer to the class as an indoor cycling class. Instead, the term she used was spin class. Sixty minutes later, my head was slightly spinning. I'd had a challenging, enjoyable workout, with absolutely no pounding, jumping, or jarring. My first thought was that I'd finally found a great workout that I could stick with. And, several months later, stick with it I have!
Although I just recently discovered spin classes, they've been around for a number of years. What I particularly enjoy is that they are appropriate for all levels of fitness and all ages. In a class I regularly attend, we have students ranging in age from teenager to senior citizens. The lack of impact is also a relief on the joints, and the cardio workout is challenging and efficient. Our instructor tells us that depending on our exertion level, we can expect to burn several hundred calories per class.
Most spin classes are one hour in duration, offering plenty of time to warm up and reach what my instructer calls the "fat burning zone". Heart rate monitors are available, which allow participants to see how hard they're working. A good instructor will explain the nuances of a typical class, as well as helping newer participants become acclimated.
As for the class itself, you'll cycle on a stationary bike which is specially suited for spin classes. Adjusting the bike to your height and comfort level takes only a minute or two. Similar to other aerobic classes, you'll cycle along to music, provided by the instructor, with slower songs for warm up and cool down, and more energetic music during periods of higher exertion.
During the class, you'll be challenged but also able to work at your own pace. Instructors are trained to encourage students to challenge themselves, while at the same time being careful to remind those new to fitness to work out at a comfortable level.
All in all, spin classes have proven to be a very effective part of my workout routine. Even two classes per week have given me a significantly greater fitness level and loss of weight. Combined with other forms of exercise like moderate resistance training, indoor cycling classes can help you reach your desired level of fitness. Don't be afraid to try a spin class at your local health club. - 15438
About the Author:
Jim Hofman enjoys maintaining and improving his fitness level with low impact, effective cardio workouts. One of Jim's favorite forms of working out is indoor cycling, due to its efficient fat burning and cardiovascular benefits. Learn more about indoor cycling and spin classes here!
