Interesting Info About Spinning

I was doing a little reading on the internet about spinning this morning. I had a little extra time to relax since I didn’t go to the morning spin class. I skipped it so I could go harass green team leader Jodie in tonight’s class. The first site I came across was one selling spin bikes and the spin program. My first thought was, who would want a spin bike in their house. The best thing about spinning is the instructor. If I wanted to ride by myself, I’d just get on my road bike or mountain bike and go. And if I didn’t want to leave the house, I’d just put it on the trainer. But the truth is, I rarely do that because riding in my house alone is boring. And I could just see how that would go over in my house at 5:45am if I cranked up the stereo with some motivational music. Not so good.

So spinning isn’t about just having the equipment. It’s about the instructor, the music, and the motivational atmosphere. I think I’ve had all the instructors at least once now at Foothills Revolution. I met Dawn on Tuesday morning and Carol tonight. They are all different, so that keeps it fun. I can’t say that I like all the music all the time, but that’s all different too. We’ve had 80’s tunes, hip hop, alternative, rock n’ roll, pop, techno and more. I think I’ve heard it all. I really enjoyed Dawn’s playlist on Tuesday although I think I heard her say it wasn’t her ipod. Three of my favorite songs were on that playlist. What’s most interesting is with all the classes I’ve taken in the last 3-4 months, I can’t say that any were the exact same class. Something is always different, be it the music, the instructor, or the ride.

I read that spinning is the best way to burn calories. Even better than running.

In a study directed by board-certified cardiologist Dr. Herman Falsetti, individuals burned an average of 475 calories during a 40-minute Spinning ride.

Some sites even tout that you can burn up to 1000 calories during a spin workout. I’m not so sure I’d want to do whatever spin workout it was that burned that many calories. I’m pretty spent after most one hour classes. I consistently see more calories burned for my spin workouts than I do my runs, but then again I’m not running very far or very long. So I guess the point is if you can’t run then spinning is just as good if not a better way to burn calories.

Did you know:

Spinning was created by world-class cyclist “Jonny G.” Goldberg as a convenient and quick way to train for races. In 1989, he and John Baudhuin opened the first spinning center in Santa Monica, California and then developed a program to certify other spinning instructors.

Okay. With that said. Who’s coming spinning with me? Foothills is having a special this month. One week free if you come with me. I get a week free too! This only lasts for November, so make up your mind quick. It will be a great way to burn off all those calories you know you’re going to eat over the Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving holidays.

12 Week Body Challenge: I burned 577 calories in spin class tonight.