Many people say they would have dropped out of visits to their local gym – if it wasn’t for their Spinning Classes. Seemingly, Spinning is an unmatched way to make your fitness goals a reality. With no complicated moves to learn, inspiring instructors and music that begs your legs to pedal – your body has no choice but to get into shape! Burning calories becomes easy. It is also the ideal way to keep your muscles in shape - especially for athletes/players during the off-season.

What are the advantages to Spinning?

• Allows you to train in the off-season (if you are an athlete or team player)

• Varied routines keep things fresh

• Great for all ability levels

• You don't have to wear your helmet!

Some people do prefer getting up on a bike that actually goes somewhere – however with Irish weather – the weather conditions aren’t always suitable to cycling especially in Winter, with short days and icy roads. Yes, classes can become monotonous, but that’s where a good instructor keeps you pedalling and entertained, in a ‘tough to be kind’ way. Finally, you have to push yourself for maximum effect.

The good news is that there are different music settings often used to create an energized atmosphere. Instructors guide participants through workout phases. Warm-up, steady up-tempo cadences, sprints, climbs and cool-downs, etc. You control resistance on your bike to make the pedalling as easy or difficult as you choose. Constant adjustment is normal.

What does a spinning class look like? Imagine a whole bunch of exercise bikes lined up inside a gym room or studio. Riders are on each one, spinning the pedals at a rapid pace. The lights are turned down, pumped up music fills the air and an instructor with a headset sits atop a lead bike, calling out commands. Expect to hear commands like "Climb out of the saddle," or "Big hill coming!" Classes can last from 30-75 minutes. The intensity of the workout is influenced by a couple of things: cadence or pedal rate, resistance of the bike's flywheel, which can be continually adjusted throughout the class to make pedalling easier or more difficult and by the rider's body position (as they either pedal from a seated position or rise from the saddle). Ultimately participants determine their own levels of exertion, something that works better for some people than others.

Spinning offers all-round fitness and you can participate in Beginners to Intermediate classes. Most gyms offer access to classes free of charge for members. So, you can substitute a lonely workout once or twice a week for a socialable spinning class to feel less alone.

Yes, you have to have a high tolerance for exercise bikes and being cooped up with a bunch of other sweaty people for some time. But it can add to the fun! Finally, there are lots of poppy and good tunes to spin to – even some that pay homage to this spinning workout in their lyrics! What better way can you to think of, to get rid of the additional pounds that Christmas gifts us with!

Find Spinning Classes on Gymclasses.ie >>