Spinning class and I have a love/hate relationship. If you’re unfamiliar, spinning is a form of exercise done on a special type of stationary bike that comes equipped with a mechanism that works much like the gears on a mountain bicycle: the dial may be turned up or down to increase or decrease the difficulty resistance on the pedals. This can make the workout easier or more difficult, depending on the direction. For me, spinning is extremely difficult and tiring. When I’m in a spin class, I feel like murdering the teacher outright or I simply put all efforts towards completing the class without passing out. Yes, it is difficult. Spinning is not your typical stationary bike. The mechanism used to increase the resistance in pedaling during class is often moved up and down. I sweat profusely and have no time to feel grossed out.
In a typical class, there is usually music and the instructor yells out instructions and encouragement to the spinners throughout the 45 minute duration. Instructions usually include sitting up, standing sprints, and pushing up on the resistance mechanism to increase your pedal difficulty. This is done in 1-2 minute spurts. It goes like this: normal pedaling, gear up and standing sprint for 30 seconds, gear down slightly and seated sprint 30 seconds, gear up and climb for 30 seconds, gear down slightly and recover, repeat. Yes, the music and instructor encouragement helps and yes, it still hurts.
So why do it at all? I feel incredible after a spin class. Not only do I feel lighter and literally like I’m walking on a cloud (endorphin overload!), but the cardio workout is unmatched by any other I’ve done. It is difficult, but not impossible and the results will show. Serious exercise that combines intense cardio with resistance training, spinning offers the fastest results I have yet to see come from any other form of exercise. Not only that, but completing an exercise style of this difficulty makes me feel extremely accomplished and proud which I love. If you stick to it consistently, spinning can definitely help you lose a ton of weight and feel great. I didn’t give up and neither should you.