Spin: The Joy of Cycling but Going Nowhere

Why spin, you may ask, when you can go outside on your bike, and enjoy the sunshine, scenery, fresh air, etc?  Well, here's why. In addition to the scenery, and the excitement of dodging speeding cars, errant dogs and runaway children, you and your bike can trip on a branch and experience the bloody pain and humiliation of boo-boos.  Depending on your age, you may not heal quite as rapidly as you'd like.  Yes, I am speaking from experience! 

Mind you, I do bike outside.  I especially love biking along Trustees Road, Crane's Neck and along Old Field Road to the Lighthouse and back.  But, if you want a surefire cardio workout without road hazards, do take a spin class.

Depending on the instructor, you can coast or climb to classic rock, top 40, electonica or dance music.  If you're new, take it slow, go at your own pace and forget about keeping up with the first row cycle-maniacs.  Comfortable clothing is key. Wear bike shorts or workout pants; strap on bike shoes or sneakers, and you're set.  You have the option of strapping your shoe into a cage, or clipping onto the pedal if you have bike shoes.  Different strokes for different spokes! 

If you want more seat comfort, invest in a gel bike seat.  Bring a towel and water and start locomoting.  A heart rate monitor is a good idea if you want to gauge your exertion level.  Many times the instructor will give you cues to increase or decrease the intensity of your workout to achieve your target heart rate. If you don't have a monitor, use a perceived exertion level (1-10) as a guide in your ride.

By the end of the class, you will probably be sweaty and exhausted, but feel exhilarated, knowing that you've just burned a barrelful of calories.  Best part, no bruised knees or egos.