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Winterize Your Workout With Spinning

FitSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

In my opinion, nothing beats a long bike ride in the Fall. However, lack of light and low temperatures (not to mention snow and rain) can dampen anyone's enthusiasm to jump on the saddle. This is where taking a good old-fashioned spin class comes in handy.

Spinning tops my list of five fitness classes everyone should try. I know that riding a stationary bike in a low-lit room with a bunch of strangers doesn't necessarily sound like a good time, but it is. It is an amazing cardio workout and a calorie burner too. Just this morning I burned over 400 calories in a hour-long class, and I got to rock out to Van Halen. What more could a child of the '80s ask for? Spinning makes sense if you are a cyclist, but it is a great way to keep up your cardio fitness if you run as well. A good spin class will include a warmup and a cooldown period with stretching, as well as intervals, sprints, hill climbs, and jumps (where you come in and out of the saddle quickly). I highly recommend taking a hand towel, because spinning equals sweating, and a water bottle. In fact, many places don't allow you to participate in a class without water.

Visit Spinning.com to find an official spin class near you. I have also seen spinning classes listed on gym schedules as Cycle Plus. Whatever you do, arrive early to class so you can adjust your bike to fit your body. Ask the instructor for help if you need it.

Source

ACTivism: Spinning Nation

FitSugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:00:00 -0700

If you like to bike but can't fit the seven day AIDS Life Cycle into your schedule, there is a new spin on donating to charity. You don't have to take it to the streets to fundraise physically – you can sweat it out in spin class on a stationary bike in a room with fans.

On June 28, Spinning Nation will take over 500 registered spinning facilities to raise funds to fight cancer and AIDS. Registered riders will spin in four consecutive one-hour classes. You need to raise $250 to participate and can register through Active.com. Check this list of participating sports clubs to see if your gym is involved. The funds raised will benefit Athletes for a Cure, AIDS Research Alliance and Cancer Schmancer.

For more information on registering or making donations, visit Spinning Nation.

Source

Nicole's Spinning Her Way Lean While Pregnant

FitSugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:30:00 -0800

The always long and lean, even while pregnant, Nicole Kidman has started spinning to keep fit while pregnant. Here are details:

The actress is getting on her bike – stationary bike, that is – for a spinning class at Montana Avenue's Revolution Fitness in Santa Monica. The actress was spotted taking a class from teacher Bobby Neely on Sunday, sporting a white T-shirt, black leggings and, of course, her baby bump. Kidman sat on a bike next to her personal trainer and rode to a soundtrack including songs by Mary J. Blige, Bon Jovi and everybody's favorite '80s icons, Culture Club. But Kidman seemed especially tickled by a Keith Urban song, a fellow gym-goer says.

Spinning is a great activity for everyone, but a lot of pregnant women like spinning because it's easy on the joints. Nicole looks pretty beat here, so let's hope she wears a heart-rate monitor to make sure her heart rate does not go too high for her little bun in the oven.

Flynet

Round and Round: What to Expect From a Spin Class

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 11:00:00 -0800

Shopping around for a new form of exercise you can do indoors now that the leaves are turning? Might I suggest spinning? If you have never tried a spin class you might want to know what to expect before climbing up on a spinning bike and taking your heart rate for a wild ride.

Spinning is a potent form of cardio exercise and you can burn upwards of 400 calories in one class (that is why it seems like one of the favorite exercise forms on The Biggest Loser). You ride a stationary bike designed especially for spinning surrounded by motivating music and an instructor leading you through a workout. Some spinning instructors will give you lovely images as they tell you to crank the resistance on your bike for a "climb up a steep and beautiful mountainside." The instructions vary as will your pace and sometimes you pedal as fast as you possibly can; other times your goal will just be to keep your bottom off the bike seat. Essentially you will climb, sprint, and cruise to build your cardiovascular endurance. Plus it is a nonimpact exercise so it won't jar your joints the way running might.

If you are heading to class don't forget to take a couple of towels because you are going to sweat buckets. And with that in mind, don't forget your water bottle. Also make sure to adjust your seat to fit you so your knees are slightly bent at the bottom of your pedal stroke.

To read about the downsides of spinning, check out Spinning 101.

Fit's Tips: As with all exercise classes, you are ultimately in control. If you need to alter the instructions to make it through the class go ahead and decrease the tension. I also strongly suggest introducing yourself to the instructor prior to class and outing yourself as a newbie.

Source

Fitness Myth: Spinning Makes Legs Bulky

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 08:45:00 -0700

I was talking to a friend recently about ways to rev up her cardio routine as she was getting bored with her elliptical/treadmill rotation. I suggested she take a spinning class but she rapidly replied, "Oh no way, I don't want my legs to get all big and bulky."

I completely understand why anyone would feel that spinning will make their legs bulk up since you are primarily working your legs the whole time, but the truth is it won't. Spinning is all about increasing and decreasing resistance while increasing and decreasing speed — there is no component of it that is geared at bulking up your legs. In fact it's quite the contrary, since the quick rotations will leave your thighs and calves lean and sculpted. Don't believe me? Next time you pass an avid biker on the road check out her (or his) legs. I'd be willing to bet they're lean and toned.

If you want to try it out, be sure to look for a free spinning class near you.

Source

Get in Gear: Indoor Biking Shoes

FitSugar — Fri, 18 May 2007 02:00:00 -0700

When it comes to biking gear it is hard to find reasonably priced goods. A user recently asked for help in finding a good biking shoe for indoor use. When shopping for spinning shoes you want to make sure the shoe breathes, hot feet can make a spin class less enjoyable. The mesh fabric used on these shoes by Pearl Izumi screams breathability to me, and I think they look pretty cool too. Plus you can tell by the name of the shoe Sprint Women's Indoor Cycling/Recreational Shoe it is designed to help you go fast while inside.

Another selling point for these shoes is the seamless construction, eliminating points of irritation and friction to reduce blisters. Designed to be flexible enough to walk in, but rigid enough for pedaling the non-marking rubber sole is ideal for gym use.

Fit's Tip: Make sure the clips on the shoes you choose work with the pedal system of your gym.

Buy them from Brand Cycle.com for ~~$74.99~~ $64.99 reduced price!!!

It is National Bike Month, so why not try out a spinning class near you?

Spinning: Try It For Free

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 08:45:00 -0700

So maybe you wouldn't spend $2300 to take a Spin class fundraiser with Bill (he didn't ride anyway), but I bet you would try it for free.

Spinning.com is offering coupons for free spinning classes. The best part is that you do not have to be a club member to take the class. Just print out the coupon, bring it in to the participating club and feel the burn, all for free. Spinning is one of the best ways to get your legs toned for Spring!!!!

Go here to find a participating club and to print out your coupon.

Would You Pay to Attend a Spin Class with Bill Clinton?

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 07:30:00 -0700

If you think you spend a lot on your spin classes at the gym, listen to this...ABC News is reporting that about 45 people (the majority of them women) paid $2300/each for the chance to sit on a stationary bike and meet former President of the United States, Bill Clinton. At this fundraiser for his wife's Presidential campaign, Clinton told stories and took questions for about 30 minutes. Since this was supposed to be an opportunity to talk about health care, most of the discussion centered on Hillary Clinton's proposals to expand coverage and the importance of preventative care and exercise.Ironically Clinton did not even workout with the group. He showed up in a suit and mentioned that he had already worked out. I think it would have been a lot more interesting to see the former President sweating away during the spin class, but that is just me. I do, however, like that we are starting to see a focus on fitness in politics. Though $2300 is a bit steep.I am curious what you guys think on this -- Would you pay $2300 to attend a spinning class where Bill Clinton is appearing? Source

Would You Pay to Attend a Spin Class with Bill Clinton?

Yes!

No!

Depends.

Other. Tell us below!

Spinning for Spring Ready Legs

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 11:00:00 -0800

Spring and summer are approaching really fast... which means skirt and bikini season and you may want to start toning those legs.

One great way to get killer legs is by taking a spinning (or cycling as some gyms may call it) class. The class consists of students, stationary bikes, an instructor and music. Basically what happens is the instructor takes the class on a ride, which can include sprints, hill climbs and other exercises like intervals and circuits -- Some gyms even have a video screen that simulates your ride. It depends on the class but they can run from 45 to 60 minutes long and are typically set to fast paced, pump-you-up music.

Biking on the stationary bike at the gym is not even close to being the same kind of workout. The spinning bikes have a weighted flywheel in the front that picks up speed as you pedal. Also, there's a knob below the handlebars that allows you to adjust the tension, making pedaling easier or harder, as you ride along according to your instructors guidance. It's much more like a real bike than the other stationary bikes you would find in the cardio room at a gym.

Unlike most group classes, spinning does not require major coordination -- There are no complicated moves to follow. However it's still an incredible workout and since you are able to control your own bike's tension, you can stay in an exercise zone that fits your fitness level (but don't go too easy on yourself, it's meant to be a good workout, not easy).

The best part about spinning? The calories burned can add up to 500 calories per class. Plus it is great leg shaper for toning your glutes, thighs and calves.

Ask your local gym what spinning (or cycling) classes they offer. You can also find classes near you and see if there are any free classes offered near you at Spinning.com.

CLASS Act: Cardio Kickboxing

FitSugar — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 02:30:00 -0800

This total body work out totally whips your butt. While listening to kick-ass dance music, you increase your stamina, coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength.

Cardio kickboxing takes from Martial Arts, boxing, and aerobics - but don't worry. It doesn't involve contact with an opponent. It's all you, baby.

Here's what to expect from a class:

You start off with 10-15 minutes of warm-up stretching, jump roping or push-ups. That's followed by a 30 minute kickboxing session complete with your fill of kicks, jabs, punches, ducks and knee strikes. Then you cool down and finish with stretching, which is super important to prevent injury.

The average class burns an astounding 400 calories. Plus, you'll learn self-defense moves to make you feel confident and empowered.

Fit's Tips: When looking for a class at your local gym, find an instructor who knows what they're doing - make sure they have a high-level belt in martial arts and are certified as a fitness instructor.

Spinster

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 18:30:00 -0800

The best things in life are rarely free, especially when it comes to working out!

Go here to get your coupon.