Spinning or Studio Cycling is an excellent exercise to strengthen your heart and tone your legs.  The instructor takes the class on a "ride" that includes sprints, hill climbs, and other fun exercises like intervals and circuits.  Classes last 60 minutes and are set to music.

Why Spin?

Aside from the group energy, one of the things that makes spin classes so much better than regular stationary cycling is the bikes themselves.  Spinning bikes are equipped with a weighted flywheel in the front that picks up speed as you pedal, and the seats and handlebars are adjustable, so you feel like you're riding on a real bike.  There's a knob below the handlebars that allows you to adjust the tension, making pedaling harder or easier, as you ride down flat roads, up mountain sides, and down hills.  Spinning is very popular, especially among people who don't care for traditional exercise classes. You control your bike's tension, so you can stay within a comfortable exercise zone for your fitness level, while still feeling like you're keeping up with the class.  Everyone finishes together and gets a great workout.  Spinning scorches about 7.2 to 13.6 calories per minute or about 500 calories per class.  All that pedaling is also great leg shaper, as it tones your glutes, thighs, and calves.

Spinning Tips

• Cushion your seat
• Stay hydrated
• Pace Yourself
• Make sure you click with your instructor