While it may be chilly, wet and dark outside, that's no excuse to let your training slip. Indoor cycling classes are all the rage and offer a great winter workout alternative. The cycling is done to music on a stationary bike with a weighted flywheel and an instructor up front. What’s even better? The classes are high-intensity, motivating and time-efficient, and will give you a great cardiovascular workout in a warm and dry environment.
Here are 5 other reasons why indoor cycling is the best winter workout:
1. Burns Some Major Calories.
According to Harvard Health, a one-hour long ride at a moderate intensity burns approximately 420 to 622 calories. Compare that to Hatha Yoga’s 240 to 356 calories burned per hour.
2. Improves Your Fitness.
Spinning classes include both endurance and cardiovascular training. The benefits? Improved heart health, increased lung capacity and better muscular endurance.
3. Helps Build Lean Muscle Definition.
The primary muscular definition you can get from spinning will be in your butt, legs and core muscles- the main muscles you use to ride. Increase the tension of the bike and focus on your thighs and calves to work your muscles harder. Pedal faster to burn more fat and increase lean muscular definition.
4. Lower Risk Of Injury.
A spinning workout is a low impact exercise. This means that it won't put pressure on knees and joints, as other aerobic or running exercises do. It's important to warm up and ease into the class so that you don't pull any muscles.
5. Makes You Feel Part Of A Community.
Most spin studios have a strong community feel with committed and dedicated members. Riding with others gives you the opportunity to encourage and inspire other riders and be motivated by people stronger than you. Plus you get to experience the endorphin rush together!
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!