How long are spinning classes

One study , for instance, found that when done too often, the high intensity levels of spinning could contribute to a decline in performance rather than an improvement. Then, there's the aspect of what kind of spin class you take. Studios like SoulCycle and Flywheel have a hand-weight component, but experts agree that it's no substitute for strength training — and could be setting you up for injury.

Because spin studios are often dark, the instructor can't see whether or not you have proper form, explains Amelia DiDomenico, assistant fitness manager at Crunch Sunset. Aside from that, using weights for only about five to seven minutes means the effort definitely doesn't condition you as much as a minute circuit that you may follow with a trainer.

Finally, the over-conditioning of your thighs could negatively affect your other muscles: "Any time you perform the same activity without cross-training , you wind up creating an imbalance between opposing muscles groups," says Torres. That's where the whole "spinning-bulks-up-your-thighs" thing comes from, too: Tracy Anderson, celeb trainer and creator of the Tracy Anderson Method , says, "I have women who come into my office after spinning exclusively for six months, wondering why they can't fit into their jeans.

Spin may burn calories in the short-term, but if that's all you're doing, it'll bulk your thighs. The cardio aspect of spinning strengthens your heart , and the dance-club-like atmosphere is undeniably fun — but if you do want to lose weight or inches, it's a smart idea to have a little variety in your workout schedule. Aside from your weekly spin classes, try some personal training sessions. A trainer can recommend the best workouts for the results you want and assess your form. Then, you can practice on your own.

And when it comes to other classes, first figure out what you like best about spin class: Is it the camaraderie? We ended our challenge with my favourite instructor — smiley, supportive Becky — and it was really fun. The music was great and the routine was an interesting mix of fast-paced and slow, grinding uphill climbs. I ended my final class running out before the final stretch due to starting my period.

Hardly the glorified finish I had imagined, but a finish nonetheless. I actively wanted to exercise again for the first time in ages. Scary-sounding but highly addictive. However, my self-confidence that I would resist alcoholic temptations was in full force and I looked forward to the last class, with my now-favourite instructor, with vigour; knowing my way around a Psycle bike pretty well by now.

Sadly all my good intentions went out of the window the night before and I spent our last spin class together secretly turning down my resistance, trying not to bring up everything I drank the night before and get through the class in one piece. Perhaps the most talked about spinning bike of the last few years, the Peloton is the creme-de-la-creme when it comes to home cycling equipment.

You can join live spin classes — as well as a host of other fitness classes — and join in on thousands of previously recorded classes. As well as recording your own metrics, Peloton can show you where you're at on the leader board and help encourage to beat your own personal best. Dripex Magnetic Resistance Indoor Cycling Bike offers all of the necessities for an amazing cycling workout along with everything at-home fitness enthusiasts could wish for.

It's quiet so you can get an early morning workout in without waking the family and it tracks your pulse for accurate workout stats. Matrix' high-performance design makes the most out of every moment spent training and easily adjust to give every user an ideal riding position. The ES Indoor Cycle includes a smooth, heavy flywheel, easily adjustable tension control, adjustable seat and multi-position handlebars.

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Psycle London, psyclelondon. Dripex Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike. Dripex amazon. Matrix johnlewis. Related Story. It is therefore a good workout option for older people with hip or knee problems, or people who are recovering from orthopedic injuries.

In fact, many gyms offer special indoor cycling classes for seniors. The Wexner Medical Center adds a cautionary note for those who have spine conditions, since indoor cycling classes can involve hunching over the bike with your back rounded for long periods of time. You should check with your doctor or physical therapist if you have concerns.

The Mayo Clinic explains that in order to lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit. You can do this in two ways. One way is to reduce the number of calories you eat per day, which will force your body to rely on stored fat for energy. The other is to increase your physical activity, so that you burn more calories per day.

According to the Mayo Clinic, 1 pound of fat equals roughly 3, calories, so you would need to create a calorie deficit of calories per day to lose 1 pound a week. Of course, this is just an approximation; everyone's body is different and the rate at which you lose weight and where you lose it can differ from person to person.

Given that indoor cycling is quite an intense exercise, it can help you burn a significant amount of calories and contribute to the calorie deficit you need to create in order to lose weight. South Dakota State University SDSU estimates that you can burn anywhere between and calories in a minute indoor cycling session.

Per the Mayo Clinic , the exact number of calories you burn can depend on several factors like the length and intensity of the indoor cycling session, the amount of resistance you add to your bike and individual factors like your age, height, weight and gender.

The American Council on Exercise has a calorie burn calculator that can help you estimate how many calories you will burn per session. The U. You can also do an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

This exercise should be spread out over the week. SDSU categorizes indoor cycling as a high-intensity exercise but you can verify this by paying attention to your breathing during the session. The American Heart Association explains that during moderate-intensity exercise, you will be able to speak but won't be able to sing, whereas during high-intensity exercise you won't be able to speak in full sentences.