Like we say during class “indoor cycling is a place to come and get motivated and get the endorphins flowing,” you can burn anywhere from 600 to 800-plus calories depending on your intensity and how long you're in the saddle. Still not convinced? Here are seven reasons you should learn to love spin.
1. You'll get the energy you need to give 100 percent the whole workout.
From the instructors to the music and video to the constant change in lighting, good cycling classes never seem to have a dull moment. The best posts I've ever seen someone post after taking our classes was 'I came tired, and left alive,'. You're going to come and have an instructor who's giving 120 percent and that's contagious.
2. You'll push yourself to the max, but no further.
Cycling classes aren't made for Tour de France contenders (well, maybe some are, but not your average class). They are for everyone from beginner to advanced levels of fitness. We focus on metabolic intervals, light resistance to heavy resistance, so your legs burn and are challenged, but never feel too fatigued. Interval training gets the heart rate up so you can burn more calories in less time. It may hurt a little to walk up and down the stairs after class, but who doesn't love knowing they worked hard?
3. You'll get lost pedaling to killer music and video.
And after taking class a few times, you'll learn which instructor you like best, and who has the most similar taste to you in music. There's nothing like keeping pace with a good beat and seeing everyone else around you on the same count. Research even supports that athletes work out harder when listening to music at a faster tempo. Music is a huge part of working out. It allows you to bring up feelings and emotions that you wouldn't think about at the office. If you had a bad day, it helps you restart. And you may discover some new jams to download at home and add to your own exercise playlist.
4. You'll get used to that sore butt feeling.
We're not going to lie, if it's your first time, or you haven't been in a while, chances are, your bum will be sore the next day. So what can you do to avoid squirming at your desk the day after? Be sure you're not in the saddle the whole time. Most classes will have you in and out of the saddle every other song. If we spend 50 percent of one song out of the saddle, the next one we're in. Still not comfortable? Try using a padded seat or shorts with a shammie in them.
5. You'll define and lean out your legs.
Notice we didn't say bulk up. It's a huge misconception that my legs are going to get big if I spin. If I chest press 300 pounds, yes I would get bigger, but that's like riding with high torque for eight hours. The interval training allows you to tone muscles that you may have not even known you had and sculpt your body back into youthful shape.
6. You'll feel that team spirit.
While it can be fun to go on a ride alone to clear your thoughts, the energy you feel from your cycling class peers is contagious. If you come into class and really show up, your 45-minute + ride could feel as fast as 20 minutes because you're enjoying it. For instructors, it's all about entertaining, interacting with the crowd and having a great time so that riders aren't watching the minutes drag on -- that's the worst kind of workout. And with motivating video on a big screen, and the person next to you torquing up in anticipation and excitement for the coming climb, you won't even realize it's your second-to-last song. You'll be having too much fun working out and sweating.
7. You'll leave feeling euphoric.
That's the best way to describe the energy high that sticks with you after the ride. Choosing to ride doesn't mean giving up all other exercise and trading in the barbell for cycling shoes. But if you're healthy and injury-free, adding cycling into your workout regimen a few times a week can only advance your fitness. And if you've decided that indoor cycling is the way you're going to get fit, then don't be scared to fully commit. No matter which method you choose, indoor cycling in any capacity is amazing for you. It can only help you better yourself.
