There are plenty of reasons to head over to the gym and sign up for an indoor cycling class, also known as a spin class. Maybe you love outdoor cycling, but inclement weather or traffic has been preventing you from enjoying your favorite activity. Perhaps you are searching for a more structured, classroom setting to help you stay motivated during your workouts in order to build muscle and burn calories. Or possibly you are just looking to switch up your workout routine with something different. Whatever your reasons, consider these top indoor cycling benefits.
Build Muscle
Building muscle strength and endurance is a big goal of any workout routine, and it is one of the top indoor cycling benefits. Cycling primarily targets your lower body, particularly the leg and gluteal muscles. As your indoor cycling workout simulates various outdoor terrains, you will raise and lower into the saddle of your exercise bike. While seated, you will build the gluteus and hamstring muscles. As you rise to simulate climbing a hill in the standing position, you will build the quadriceps as well as the gluteus muscles. Your upper body will also be engaged to some extent as your arms and core muscles help to keep you centered over your indoor cycling bike throughout these motions. The bones, tendons, and ligaments surrounding these muscles will also be strengthened.
Burn Calories
If a part of your fitness goal is to shed a few pounds with your new workout routine, indoor cycling can definitely help with weight loss. According to Spinning.com, an hour of riding a stationary bike can burn an average of between 420 and 620 calories. While the exact amount of calories you will burn while riding a stationary bike depends on many factors, studies have shown that participating in indoor cycling classes tends to result in burning more calories. This puts burning calories on the list of top indoor cycling benefits. When you join a class, you’ll enjoy the benefit of an instructor, fellow classmates, and great music to help you stay focused and motivated.
Cardiovascular and Low-Impact Workout
You can expect a typical 45 to 60-minute indoor cycling class to be fairly intense, keeping your heart rate pumping the whole time. This makes it a great choice for a regular cardio workout routine – but be sure to bring a towel, because you will definitely work up a sweat. Riding a stationary bike is also low-impact, so it works well for those who may be recovering from orthopedic injuries, but are ready to get back to some form of workout. Since it doesn’t jar the hip, knee, or ankle joints, indoor cycling is an excellent choice.
Feel Happier
We have all heard of the desirable “runner’s high,” or that point at which exercise causes the release of endorphins – neurotransmitters that can cause feelings of euphoria and even act as painkillers, to be released in the brain. Fortunately, this benefit is not just for runners, but can be achieved by other types of physical activity as well, including indoor cycling. You just might find that in addition to feeling physically better after a few classes, you’ll feel happier and less stressed, too! From building muscle to reducing stress, there are several indoor cycling benefits. Whether you are an expert cycler or have never ridden a stationary bike, indoor cycling can be the perfect addition to your workout routine this spring. So make your way to the gym and try an indoor cycling class to reap the benefits!
Resources
- http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/indoor-cycling
- http://livehealthy.chron.com/can-indoor-cycling-shape-1474.html
- http://certification.acsm.org/blog/2013/october/just-you-and-the-bike-5-physical-benefits-of-indoor-cycling
- http://www.spinning.com/en/community/how-many-calories-are-burned-in-an-hour-of-indoor-cycling