Top 6 reasons to try a Spin Class

Do you love lifting weights, love trying challenging workouts and pushing yourself physically and mentally? Have you ever heard of or tried this great workout called Spinning? Have you heard that it is a major calorie burner (somewhere near 600 calories per hour, or more), and that it is a great leg workout. Have you ever wondered "What is this Spinning thing?" 

If you ask anyone that has tried a spin class they will tell you it was intense and challenging. We believe that Spinning, which is an indoor group cycling class, is something that people of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from—Our instructorshave seen it themselves and in their students. If you think Spinning isn't for you or tried it and didn't like it, here are 6 reasons we think you should try spinning and why you're going to love it.

1. Burn Tons Of Calories: We may be fitness fanatics, but like everyone else, we all have trouble motivating ourselves. The older you get the harder it is to push your body to the limits. If you have the choice, you're most likely to choose light, comfortable or moderate exercise vs. challenging yourself. If you head toward the cardio machines at the gym, you're more likely to breeze through a so-so workout wishing that you were doing something else. That is why you're going love Spinning so much: It forces you to push yourself and your workouts. If you were left to your own devices, we are sure you'd work out; but you would definitely go easier on yourself and put less time in. Spinning helps to motivate so that you work harder and get a better workout (which means better results and higher calorie burn) than most would do on their own. If motivation is an issue for you, or you'd rather walk when running starts to feel tiring (most people are right there with you!), then Spinning class could be just the ticket you need.

2. Do Your Joints Need A Break? Spinning is a low-impact cardio exercise, which means it's easier on your joints, including your knees and ankles, than many other forms of cardio. Many people who are rehabilitating injuries or recovering from surgeries are advised to try low-impact forms of exercise (like biking or Spinning) in lieu of jarring activities like running. If you have an upper body injury, you can still ride the bike and get a good workout. Even if you don't have joint issues now, it's a good idea to alternate your high-impact exercises with some low- and no-impact exercises like Spinning to avoid overuse injuries and give those vulnerable joints a break every so often.

3. Keep Your Workouts In Control: How many group workouts have you ever tried that can easily seamlessly accommodate beginners, people with injuries, hardcore exercisers, young and old, and advanced exercisers in a single room? That is the beauty of Spinning: It's something everyone can do. You should think of yourSpinning instructor as a friendly guide for your workout. He or she usually has a general plan in terms of movements, intensity changes and pace, but really, YOU are the one in control. You decide how much resistance to add, how fast to pedal, and how hard to work. This means that people of all fitness levels can take the same class and all get a great workout. Ourinstructors always encourage their students to listen to their bodies, monitor how they're feeling, and to go easier or harder than I dictate, if they choose. Find Fitness Pros Experts have classes that included teens, seniors, beginners, triathletes, people with joint injuries, runners whose doctors told them to lay off the running for a while—you name it. They're all there and they will all get a great workout!

4. Avoid Moving Cars: Many people love biking—and the benefits it provides as a great cardio workout with low-impact on the joints—but don't love biking in traffic on the streets. Spinning will provide the same benefits without the uneasiness of cycling in a high-traffic area that's unfriendly to bikes. If seasonal allergies or extreme weather (too hot or too cold) forces you to take your outdoor workouts inside, Spinning is a great alternative.

5. Worried About Cost? Many fitness trends and classes cost a pretty penny. Spinning has been around a while and at most gyms, classes like Spinning are included in your membership fees. If your Gym doesn't have Spinning (or you'd like to try it), most locations will allow you to try a class for free.FindFitnessPros.com also includes a directory of gyms that offer free class passes. If you commit to Spinning or join a gym that has it, you don't need any special equipment or attire to get started. Cycling shoes could help you get more out of your workout, but you really don't need anything except a water bottle and towel.

6. Feel The Energy: You either love Spinning or hate it. When you're at a class, chances are that everyone there loves it (otherwise, they wouldn't be there). That creates a positive, high-energy atmosphere that can motivate you to push yourself and make you feel good about working out. It makes the whole workout experience more fun—and helps you feel connected with the people around you, like you're all in it together. When taking a class, challenge yourself to match the pace of theinstructor—or another student—for a little friendly competition that only you know about. But at the same time, Spinning is non-competitive. You don't have to feel self-conscious for "modifying" the workout—probably no one even notices if you're going slower or choose to sit instead of standing. And if anything, they're secretly rooting you on. Look around at all the different people who are all there for the same reason, and you can harness that energy for a great workout that you can feel good about!

If we haven't convinced you to try a class yet, find a local Spin Instructor to ask questions and get some great tips. It might take more than one try before you can really decide if Spinning is right for you, so always try something at least 3-5 times before you give up on it.

Have you tried Spinning? If so, what do you think about it? If not, are you willing to give it a chance now?

Let FindFitnessPros.com help you find the best Spin classes in your local area today!