Indoor Cycling And Spinning Classes: The Essentials

The topic of spinning classes came up at our local health club a few days ago. During the course of a few minutes of very intersting conversation, one thing became clear. People either love indoor cycling, or they hate it! There seems to be very little middle ground.

There's no question this type of aerobic activity is extremely beneficial and a highly effective cardio workout. Whether you're just starting spinning classes or are an experienced participant, there are a few essentials you'll need to consider in order to get the most from your workout.

Starting any new fitness activity can be an intimidating experience. In fact, experienced cycling enthusiasts even face and adjustment period with a new instructor. The key factor is adapting the workout to fit within your physical and mental parameters.

Here are three tips to help you get the most from your indoor cycling workouts:

1. Be sure to wear lower body clothing that offers protection against chafing and other discomforts. Running shorts and sweats don't offer this protection, so wear cycling shorts if at all possible. As for water, have at least 8 ounces available to drink during class, preferably more.

2. Don't worry about other participants and what they're doing. Remember, this workout is for you. Just because someone else is peddling with furious intensity doesn't mean you need to follow suit. Listen to your body. If you feel you can push yourself, go for it! Otherwise, adjust the speed and tension so you have a challenging, but not overbearing workout.

3. Make sure your seat is adjusted properly. This is the most common mistake in spinning classes. Your seat should be at a height where your knee angle is about 85% straight during the downstroke. If your seat is too high or too low, you'll risk injury and you won't get the most from your workout either. If you need help determining the proper height of your seat, ask your instructor for guidance.

Finally, always ask yourself about your fitness level. How fit are you? Remember, the intensity level of some classes are beyond those just getting back into shape. A good instructor will offer tips on how to modify the workout. Bear in mind there will be all levels of fitness in a cycling class, and the instructor needs to instuct for the entire spectrum.

If you're just starting, consider working on your form and conditioning on a stationary bike before participating in a spinning class. This way, you can increase your fitness level and get acclimated to indoor cycling. In just a few short weeks, you'll be ready for a great spinning class workout!