The Benefits And Disadvantages Of Spinning Every Day
Some people swear by spinning, while others have had a less than positive experience with it. These different reactions are often due to the results you can get when you’re working out on a spin bike every day.
If you’re interested in joining a class or already exercising on a spin bike there are a few benefits and disadvantages that you will want to consider. Don’t worry if you love your spinning class though, since the benefits usually outweigh the disadvantages.
Benefits of Spinning Daily
- Versatile
People often don’t think of spin bikes as versatile since they are stationary, but they can be used by almost anyone with different fitness goals. Professional cyclists and enthusiasts can use it to improve performance, while others might just want to lose a few pounds. Spin bikes are also considered safe for almost anyone to use.
- Ride almost anywhere
Even though spin bikes are typically used indoors and are stationary, you can still pedal almost anywhere. Their growing popularity also ensures that you’ll be able to find one when you’re traveling.
Spin bikes are not just intended for use in the gym. They are also great for home workouts. This way you can enjoy the camaraderie of a spinning class or exercising in the comfort and privacy of your home. Best of all, some of the top-rated spin bikes come with programs that will make you feel like you are riding on the beach or up a steep mountain trail.
- Improve heart health
Spinning for 45 minutes a day can improve cardiovascular health, along with lung capacity. This is beneficial for everyone, whether you’re an athlete or just trying to get in shape.
Not only does spinning have aerobic benefits as a low impact cardio workout, it is also an anaerobic exercise. This means that not only can spinning improve heart health, but it can also help build muscle endurance.
- Have fun burning calories
It’s not often that you find an exercise that burns calories and lets you have fun. One of the main reasons for the continued popularity of spinning classes, long after other fitness trends have waned, is due to how fun they are for participants.
Instructors know that they have to make these classes fun and engaging if people are going to continue to participate. You can expect loud music and lots of towel waving. Don’t be surprised if people start clapping or chanting during the class. The goal of any spinning class is to ensure that people are enjoying themselves as they are burning calories.
- You can set your own pace
With a spinner bike you can set you own pace, even if you are in a class. You can control the speed with the pedals, and most come with adjustable resistance settings.
This way you can set a slower pace if you are just starting out or recovering from an injury. This is also beneficial if your goal is to build endurance. Gradually increasing speed and resistance is a safe and effective to build up muscle endurance over time.
- Improve muscle tone
You should start to notice an improvement in muscle tone if you stick with spinning. The most noticeable results will be in your calves, thighs and core since these are the muscles typically used on a spinner bike.
If you incorporate light weights into the spinning workout, you should also see more definition in your shoulders and arms. You do want to wait until you are familiar with the spin bike and have built up some endurance, before adding weights to an already grueling workout.
The muscles in your core will also get a workout on a spin bike, and this can add definition. While you probably won’t get a “six pack” by spinning, it can help tighten and tone flabby abs. This is because your upper body tends to follow the rhythm of your legs when they’re pedaling. Often referred to as “rhythm release”, it is an added benefit you get from spinning daily.
Why Spinning Might Not Be Right for You
Even though spinning comes with plenty of benefits, and it is considered a safe exercise for almost everyone, it still might not be right for you. There are a few disadvantages that could have you considering another form of cardio.
Bigger leg muscles
Not everyone is looking for large muscles on their calves and thighs. While spinning regularly probably won’t cause your muscles to bulge, they can increase in size. If strong leg muscles aren’t one of your fitness goals, you might want to limit your spinning to only a few days a week.
Calories burned can be minimal
According to some recent health studies, spin classes on average burn 400 to 600 calories. This means that you could be burning fewer than 2,000 calories if you only spin for three hours a week. For many busy adults, they simply can’t devote any more time to exercising during the week making spinning an ineffective way for them to lose weight.
Potential risk for injury
Spinning is generally considered safe for almost anyone, but there is still a slight risk for injury. This typically occurs in a spin class where hand weights are used. Beginners often aren’t used to pedaling and using the weights. Even though this can be an effective way to build muscle strength and endurance, if you can’t concentrate on your form you run the risk of injury.
It is always best to be familiar with an exercise machine before adding any new components to your workout.
Spinner Bikes and Your Health
If you are looking to put on muscle mass or lose a lot of weight, a spin bike might not be able to give you the results you want by itself. This is not saying that you should give up spinning, only consider adding some strength and resistance training to your workout plan.
The benefits of spinning usually out weight its few disadvantages, and it can also be a fun way to get in shape. This alone is often enough to get and keep people working out on a spin bike.