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Archive: January 2007

Spinning for fitness

This is one activity that lives up to the billing: It will get you moving

by Tim Kissman

The idea of taking a spinning class at 5:45 a.m. came to me in a dream. It must have. I didn’t really wake up until I found myself clipped into the pedals of a spinner bike and was told to start pedaling and adding tension. Our instructor, Jane Baker, arrived and it was time to work out. Spinning is an aerobic activity where participants hop onto a spin bike, which is essentially a one gear bike without a rear wheel, and start pedaling. Resistance is added or taken away, based on the instructor’s workout. Adding tension makes it hard to pedal and can simulate a climb. Removing tension makes it easier to pedal and can simulate a sprint.

“The best way I can describe this activity is that it’s a great cardio workout that’s designed to keep your heart rate high for the full 45-minute workout,” Baker, who has taught spinning for five years, said. Some workouts go longer than 45 minutes so before taking the spinning class, make sure the time is clarified.

Spinning classes range from a few riders to as many as 25, depending on where you go. If you’re going to go to a class, make sure to bring a water bottle (there are handy little cages on the bike), a towel, shorts, flat athletic shoes and a sweat wicking shirt. If you have cycling shorts and shoes, it’s suggested that you wear them, but it isn’t necessary.

“So many people come to try the class and get hooked,” Baker said. “I recommend that beginners make sure to ask what class should be for them. Some instructors have harder workouts than others.”

Music is important to spinning. Most music is selected so that you can pedal to the beat. The music choice is as unique as the instructor. “Music is a great motivator,” Baker said.

Baker’s class is great. She has great music playing and it really helps. I’ve given up trying to keep up with her cadence. She pedals fast and furious. As with every spinning class, you can either try to keep up with the instructor, or go at your own pace.

“If you’re new to the class make sure to let the instructor know,” Baker advises. “And don’t feel like you have to keep up. Do what you can and have fun. That way you’ll enjoy yourself and come back.”

By the time class is over, I’m exhausted. My towels are soaked with sweat. Both of my water bottles are empty and I’m dripping wet. I know that I’ve taken some of the tension off the wheel when I knew that I was supposed to add it, but I’m OK with it. I’ve had a workout that I can feel. And that’s good. I’m awake and ready to start my day.