Indoor cycling and spinning has become the newest trend recently with many people signing up for spinning classes to torch some serious calories. Those who have already tried this workout are definitely out of breath afterwards and sweating buckets. However, for those who are just new to this exercise, you’re probably wondering what the fuss is all about. After all, can’t you cycle outdoors and on your own?
As with any exercise program being offered today, weighing the pros and cons can help you determine whether this is the right fitness regimen for you to follow.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of indoor cycling that you should know about.
Pros
- Anyone can do it. Spinning or indoor cycling can actually be done by anyone regardless of their age. Even if you are just a beginner or already a pro when it comes to working out, you can try this exercise program out.
- It exercises different muscle groups at the same time. Another plus to indoor cycling is that it actually works several muscles at the same time. Among the muscles that get worked out with spinning include hamstrings, calves, abs, hips, and quadriceps.
- Burns a lot of calories. A 30 minute session can actually help you burn quite a lot of calories. Combining this workout with a healthy diet and constant workout and you will find quite an impressive weight loss result.
- Protects your joint. Another plus to indoor cycling is that it can protect your joints. This is due to the fact that spinning is a low impact workout that won’t stress your joints too much.
Cons
- The upper body doesn’t get exercised. Since spinning is basically cycling indoors, your upper body doesn’t get much attention. This may cause unevenness in the growth of your muscles which means that you need to look for an upper body workout on top of your spinning class.
- Soreness. Beginners often complain that there is soreness around their pelvic area because of the constant pedalling and the intensity of the workout. A good remedy for this, however, is to use a bike shorts that are padded so you won’t feel uncomfortable on the seat. A gel seat is also highly recommended as it is more comfortable so sit on.
- Expertise varies. Another downside to signing up for spinning classes is that there is a chance that your current trainer will be replaced with someone new. This can change the pace of your classes which might not be good for you.
- Safety issues. Not everyone knows the intensity of the workout so they might push themselves too much to the point that it affects their cardiovascular system. Although this is a low impact, high intensity workout, there are still risks in terms of health.
Weighing the pros and cons of spinning or indoor cycling is important before you sign up. Also, you shouldn’t rely on this exercise alone if you want to lose weight or you want to tone your body.
Source: fittous.com
