Happy Thursday! I’m working hard on my fitness (channeling Fergie here) lately, because I know that at some point, my metabolism is going to quit and I want to have a good handle on my fitness so that I can stay healthy. I’ve been really stepping up my workout routine, and SLOWLY introducing healthy food into my diet. I have recently been trying spin classes and it’s been a really fun way for me to become healthier in my life. Let’s jump into this.
SHOP MY OUTFIT:
6 Reasons You Should Definitely Be Spin Cycling
There are SEVERAL benefits of spin classes. I have been able to go with one of my friends and it is SO fun to do it with someone you know. It can be friendly competition, someone to laugh with when you can’t get your clips out of your shoes (instead of being embarrassed), and someone to chat with about how sore you are when you finish.
Before I started spinning, I looked into the benefits of the class to make sure I would be getting the MOST out of my hour. I already do yoga 3 times a week (check out my post on the benefits of yoga here), and was looking to add more cardio to my workout regimen. Here’s what I found and what I’ve noticed since I started spinning.
SIDE NOTE: I have been spinning at my local Cyclebar. This post is not sponsored by them, but I wanted to let you know where I’ve been personally going if you wanted to look for your own Cyclebar near you.
Benefit #1: You use large muscles to burn a ton of calories.
Depending on how hard you work in a cycle class, you can burn a crap ton of calories. You are using your gluteus maximus, a very large muscle in your body, to do most of the work. The larger the muscle, the more you burn, because you exert more energy.
Benefit #2: Spinning decreases fat mass and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.
Those are all really good benefits. Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol is great if you are loosing to become healthier overall, and decreasing fat mass is perfect if you’re looking to lose weight. Cycling targets those hard to work spots like love handles, upper thighs, and lower back. If those are your trouble spots when it comes to losing weight, you should absolutely take advantage of cycling.
Benefit #3: It is a low impact exercise.
This is important for older adults and those who are recovering from injuries. I have bad knees from dancing for so many years, so running makes those old injuries flare up and cause a lot of pain. Cycling doesn’t put pressure on my hips and knees so I am relatively pain-free during this exercise. I enjoy being able to adjust that resistance and intensity to match where I’m at that day.
Benefit #4: You can ride all year long.
This is an indoor exercise which means you aren’t limited to certain times of the year, like with outdoor cycling or other outdoor sports. I enjoy the fact that no matter what time of year I am looking to get into shape or continue my workout, I can go to a cycling studio. It makes it harder for you to avoid going and taking care of your body.
Benefit #5: It’s SO much fun.
If you’ve never been to a spin class, you are in for a treat. They use music to really amp up the experience. You ride to the beat of the songs, which makes it easy to keep up. I often get lost trying to make sure I match my pace to the music that I don’t realize I’m going as hard or as fast as I am. That is AWESOME because I get an even better workout than I would have if I had realized how much I was pushing myself.
Benefit #6: Builds your core strength.
I was super excited to hear that spinning not only tones my leg and butt muscles, but also tones my core and ab muscles. So when I’m riding to the music, I’m also building muscle tone in other areas of my body. The instructors cue to you make sure you are constantly engaging your core to get the most out of your ride.
PIN THIS FOR LATER:
Spinning is a crazy awesome way to take care of your body. Combined with my weekly yoga sessions, I have honestly never felt better. I can see my arms, legs and back becoming more toned every week. Now I just need to kick my eating habits into gear. Once I get that figured out, I will be well on my way to being a healthy individual: mind, body and soul.
Do you cycle? What is your favorite way to stay in shape? Let me know in the comments below!
OMG I’m obsessed with spin class. I can’t get enough of it. I started spinning about 3 years ago in a studio and now I do at home spin classes!
I love this post! Spinning is one of my favorite exercises
I have a massively love/hate relationship with spinning! I love how I feel afterwards, the effects on my body, etc., but during class it feels so hard.
That is SO true. I always feel like I’m going to DIE while I’m doing it. But, it’s so worth it to see all those caries burned. LOL
Okay, you totally made working out sound fun and actually achievable for me. I definitely want to give it a try. Now to find a gym in my area that has classes!
Trust me – If I can do it, ANYONE can do it. I am NOT a fitness guru, and up until now I rarely worked out at all. It is the perfect way to ease yourself into a workout.
We have a Soul Cycle by my house and I’ve wanted to try but have been nervous. This is making me want to get out there and give it a go!
DO IT! It really is one of the most fun exercises I’ve ever had.
I’ve yet to give spinning a try, but I may have to now!
I don’t know if I have spin classes nearby me or not. I’ve thought about it, but I feel like I’d be SO bad at it…at least for awhile! It could be fun to try sometime though. I pinned!
Thanks girl! and I was so scared to do it at first, mostly because I thought people would judge me for not being as fast or skilled as everyone else. But nobody did, and everyone is just focused on themselves!
Does your bum ever get used to the seat? That was my issue. It’s so uncomfortable for me. Is it just me? Should I power through it & see if I acclimate?
My butt hurt SO bad the first time, but after that it’s been totally smooth sailing. I was a little deterred at first because OW but it DOES go away, and I’m glad I stuck it out!!
I LOVE spinning, but one of my favorite instructors left my studio and the other one I like changed times. I haven’t been in awhile, but want to go back.
Ah man, this reminded me of how much I LOVED spinning class. We lived one summer in Wyoming, and during that time my hubby encouraged me to go to the gym with him. I wasn’t big on doing the machines in the gym, so I started taking workout classes including spinning class. I loved it so much! Nowadays, we are living in rural Nebraska, and there is no spinning class in our town. I miss it!
We love having you at CycleBar Chesterfield, Taylor! Your readers can try a free (first) class on us by visiting this link: https://chesterfield.cyclebar.com/buy-credits/
I love coming! It’s been a total blast!
I used to be a spin instructor! And let me tell you – it’s a WONDERFUL workout! The best one that I have ever found for shaping my backside – much better than squats!
YES! I love it. I don’t like squats so that is good to hear. 😉
I haven’t tried a spin class before but I’ve been wanting to give it a try because I hear they’re so challenging but soooo much fun! I’m definitely gonna give it a try soon 🙂
Kristen | http://www.sophisticatedgal.com
a cycle bar just opened right near me & they offered 3 weeks of free classes during their soft opening – lets just say i’m hooked!
Seriously! It’s AMAZING. You should definitely go more often!
I took a spin cycle class in college and absolutely loved it. I’ve been wanting to get back into it. I might just have to attend a class!
You will LOVE Cyclebar! Definitely check into seeing if they have one near you!!
I LOVE spin! I’ve had to pull back to once every other week because I’m marathon training and really need to focus on running, so I started swapping yoga/spin on my cross training days.
There’s something so satisfying about pushing over that hill, and I love the community feel of the workout class. SO good
xxox
Laura @ http://www.cookwineandthinker.com
Yes! all of this! It’s been SO fun making new friends, working my hardest and seeing the results pay off.
I really like spin class. It’s been awhile since I’ve been to one, but I use to go twice a week in college. It’s a great way to get a killer workout in a short period of time.
Okay I’m totally going to try it! Soulcycle is famous here in DC and I had been contemplating it for a while but after reading your post I will sign up and give it a try! The one you go to looks super nice and modern, I love it 🙂
xx
Iliana | http://www.sophisticatedfashionista.com
YAY! I can’t wait to hear how you love it!!!
Seriously have always considered trying this. The music and environment just seems like so much fun…minus the pain! hahaha
I love love cycling! It’s a great workout and I always leave feeling energized. Cycle Bar is awesome.
Curious how long your spinning class is?
Mine is 50 minutes! There’s a 5 minute warm up and a 5 minute cool down, so it comes out to about 40 minutes of solid spinning.
You look awesome. I really need to find my way to the gym. I know spin cycling is easy. I just need to do it.
I wish there was one closer to home. I used to love spinning.
❥ tanvii.com
I have always wanted to try a spin class!!
I actually used to be on my university’s cycling team, so I’m definitely familiar with the benefits of riding a bike haha. I absolutely hate running – it hurts my knees, it’s frankly not very fun, etc – but cycling is so much more fun and doesn’t leave my knees aching! Plus, I actually still have my fancy bike and trainer thing to attach it to, so I can ride in my own home!
There are no spin classes in my town, but I did try it once when traveling and enjoyed it! Agree with you completely that matching the beat of the music takes your mind off how hard you are working.
Not going to lie, I listened to a podcast that talked about soul cycling and it freaked me out! They kept referencing it as a cult and one you are clicked into your straps, you are stuck forever! Just kidding, but this post really helped bring the exercise back to reality. It doesn’t seem as intimidating now, which is funny because I’m kind of a hard ass when it comes to working out. Thanks so much for showing me that it really isn’t as scary as it seems ????
xoxo Bryanna
I was terrified too. Don’t even worry. I am SO glad I tried it out though. Seriously.
This is awesome that you do this on top of yoga! I tried a free class when a CB opened here and think I would have enjoyed it so much if I had gone with a friend; I was nervous the whole time and then came the sore tush haha.
i’ve been thinking about spin classes for a while now because they’re offered at my fitness club, but i still have yet to go. i have to admit i’m super nervous. but it does sound amazing for the body!