by Jim Hofman

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.

Knowing that at least 2 or 3 cardio workouts per week were necessary, I began to consider the options. It was important to maximize my workout time, while effectively burning fat and keeping my motivation level high. In order to accomplish my goal, I knew the workout routine I chose would have to be enjoyable.

A short time after joining the health club, I began to notice the various aerobic class options. Some were as I remembered, while others were more intriguing. One type of class that caught my attention was an indoor cycling class. Although I’ve never been much of a bike rider, I did notice the folks who exited the spin class had gone through a challenging workout and were actually smiling as they exited!

I decided to participate in the next available class the following day. The instructor referred to the class as spin class and announced it was one hour long. Not daunted, I made it through the entire 60 minutes and enjoyed a challenging low impact workout that really got my heart pumping. Several months and several dozen spin classes later, I’ve found these classes to be an intergral part of my fitness regimen.

Indoor cycling or spin classes have been around for a while, despite my recent discovery. They are intended for people of all fitness levels and ages, and eliminate any problems associated with excessive impact. A typical one hour spin class workout will burn a few hundred calories as well.

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.

Upon entering class, you’ll adjust your spin bike to your height and comfort level. A spin bike is basically a type of stationary bicycle formatted specifically for these classes. The class is set to music, with slower songs at the beginning and end for warm up and cool down. Music during the bulk of the class is typically high tempo and energetic, designed to encourage higher effort and full benefit of the class.

In talking with other class members, many have pointed out they appreciate being able to work out at their own pace. Instructors are trained to emphasize this point. Part of an instructor’s training is to help motivate the class, while recognizing the varying fitness capacities of participants.

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.

About the Author:

Jim Hofman enjoys maintaining and enhancing his fitness level with low impact, enjoyable cardio workouts. One of Jim’s favorite forms of exercise is indoor cycling, due to its efficient fat burning and cardiovascular benefits. Learn more about indoor cycling and spin classes here!