Exercise Bike

Many people know the fantastic health benefits of a bike workout. How about bike classes? These super-intense, low impact, high benefit exercise classes have riders riding special bikes on a virtual course simulating hills, sprints, and other riding conditions. These cardio classes are available in most cities that have a health club, let's take a look at what's involved.

A New Kind Of Workout...

"Jonny G" Goldberg, a world-class cyclist, invented a new form of bike workout to keep in shape in between races and to get in shape for races. He called his new program "spinning". He and partner John Baudhuin opened a spinning center in Santa Monica, California in 1989. Their exercise classes soon caught on and the pair trained others as instructors in the program. Many imitations have sprung up now and sometimes the bike classes are know as group cycling. The basic principle is the same however.

What Is Spinning?

Spinning involves riding a specially designed stationary bike in a room along with a group of other riders. The group is led by what can almost be called a spinning drill instructor. The instructor talks you through a workout, having you vary your speed and resistance. Music is played to help riders stay enthused. Unlike aerobic classes, you are not having to memorize a bunch of steps, so people that have trouble concentrating on the exercises while trying to remember a sequence will have an easier time in a spinning class.

How Is A Spinning Bike Different?

The spinning bike used in bike classes is a stripped down upright exercise bike with a large flywheel that simulates actual outside riding. The heavy flywheel is as difficult to get rolling as a regular bike from a stop, and once the flywheel gets going, the momentum allows the rider to spin their pedals like a regular bike. Riders are able to vary the resistance of the bike in real time, as the instructor calls out directions. Be sure to bring a full water bottle, these workouts are intense! The bikes have bottle holders just for that reason.

A Great Workout!

Spinning can burn about 450 calories in 45 minutes. This is an intense workout. Be sure to arrive early for your first class to ask questions and have the instructor set up your bike for you. This is very important. Make sure to advise the instructor of any injuries or medical conditions he should be aware of. If you find the workout is getting too hard, you can slow down or reduce the resistance. Don't try to work too hard or overdo it at first. Build up to a higher level.

If you have trouble with coordination in aerobic classes, try spinning. These bike classes may be just the thing you are seeking in the way of a low impact, high aerobic workout.

Exercise Bike |