Spinning

Yesterday's post was devoted to my journey with the rowing machine.  However, I'd be doing everyone a huge dis-service if I didn't devote an entire post to my true love at the gym... spinning!  If you've never tried it, I highly recommend it for a number of reasons...

1.  The Music
Now, I'm aware that it varies by instructor.  However, in most classes I've attended, the music is loud, fast paced, and designed to get you pumped.  I'm also blessed to have a fun group of people who sing at the top of their lungs.  I fit right in!

2.  No Impact
I have horrible knees.  They've been bad since I was a kid and 8+ years of soccer certainly didn't help.  That being said, never once have my knees bothered me from spinning.  My butt, well that's another story, but that gets easier after the first few classes! ;-)

3.  No Coordination Needed
If you can ride a bike, you can spin!  As I've mentioned, I also attend a step class, which I enjoy.  But, you need to be coordinated to not trip over the step.  Or run into someone.  And, there's a routine which we've memorized, but everyone starts out not knowing what they're doing and ends up on the wrong side of the bench.  This is not the case with spinning.  To quote Queen, you just "get on your bikes and ride!"

4.  It's a Great Workout
I'm not afraid to admit that I'm a sweater.  I always have been.  It's not my finest feature, but it is what it is.  And in spinning, I sweat a lot!  What you see on television with the sweat dripping on the floor and towels covering the bikes, that's all true.  And the great thing is that you get out of it what you put into it.  If you want to work a little harder, crank up the resistance on the bike and pedal to your heart's content.  If you want to take it a little easier, lighten up the resistance and give yourself a little break.  You make it your own workout!

Now, I should warn you that you can't judge it by the first class.  My first time, between my butt and my legs, my lower half was jell-o. But I came back and did it again.  And again.  And after a few times, my butt didn't hurt and my legs were much stronger.  But, don't take my word for it.  If your gym or rec center offers a spin class, go try it.  You won't be sorry!