So why is everyone raving about biking in place?
It turns out, like most exercises, spinning is really, really good for you.
Meet the Experts
Ashley Callowayis an instructor at SoulCycle in Washington, DC.
STEREO SHOT/ Stocksy
Her background in music means her classes are charged with energy.
It’s Easy On The Joints
Spinning is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints.
Like running,spinningis a great cardiovascular workout.
W2 PHOTOGRAPHY/ STOCKSY
Decreases Stress
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Yoga isn’t the only mind-and-body workout.
Indoor cycling signals an adrenaline rush and endorphin release, proven to lower stress levels.
“Endorphins help improve our moods, sleep, reduces stress, etc.
MARC BORDONS/ Stocksy
For me, indoor cycling is my release,” shares Calloway.
“You really have to exercise your mind to keep up with the choreography sequences and cues.
You are also in control of how far you push yourself, which is empowering,” she says.
“At SoulCycle, we do not depend on a number to tell us how far to push resistance-wise.
It’s all based on your feeling.
With that control, I push myself to new limits every class.”
Improves Strength
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Contrary to popular belief, spin class builds muscle strength without adding bulk.
I always tell my riders to tuck, poke, and pop.
This allows you to focus on driving your weight in your heels.
The variety in the classes is intended to help build strength, endurance, and improve cardiovascular health.
“Your core is the meat and potatoes of an effective indoor cycling class.
Your core strength increases with every class you take,” says Calloway.
Gives Sense of Community
Group exercise classeslike Soulcycle and Flywheel can help give you a sense of community.
After all, you’re all in it together.
Calloway agrees, stating that “Community at SoulCycle is everything.
The community pushes you and keeps you coming back.”
Even greater benefits will be gained by being active for 300 or more minutes each week.
“I take a stab at take out whatever I’m feeling on my bike.
Harvard Health Publishing.Spinning: good for the heart and muscles, gentle on joints.
Updated February 24, 2018.
2017;117(11):e17-e25.
doi:10.7556/jaoa.2017.140
American Heart Association.American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids.
Updated April 18, 2018.
Yang YJ.An overview of current physical activity recommendations in primary care.Korean J Fam Med.
2019;40(3):135-142. doi:10.4082/kjfm.19.0038
