Spinning—sometimes called indoor cycling—is a cardio program designed for broad appeal. It can be used to improve cardio, lose weight, tone muscles, and stay in shape, so people from all walks of life are welcomed into a spinning studio.
One member of a local class shared that as she got older, her knees grew weak, so she started spinning as a way to strengthen her legs without the pounding of running.
“Spinning is absolutely an activity for all ages. The fun thing about class is that I have a range from high school students to people up in their 80s,” Laurie Blundell, the indoor cycling instructor at Western Village Health Club, said with a smile. “They are all working hard and getting fit. It is fun to see.”
Unlike running, a popular cardio exercise, spinning doesn’t wear down joints from the constant pounding that happens when feet hit the pavement.
The activity was first introduced by Johnny Goldberg—an avid cyclist who competed in endurance races—in 1989. One night, while training, he was hit by a car. After recovering, he developed new techniques that would optimize his cycling workout without the danger of traffic, with movements that could be done on a stationary bicycle. These techniques included traditional cycling movements, intentional breathing, and instructor motivation. In 1991, Goldberg’s program became popular in West Hollywood, from which it spread to other cities.
Here on the Central Coast, almost every athletic club and gym now offers a spinning class.
The morning spin class at Western Village in Santa Maria can be intimidating to a first-time visitor—such as a reporter stopping by for some interviews and observation. On a recent day, loud music and motivational yelling filtered out of the classroom. The athletes left the room drenched and exhausted.
After participating in the class, this reporter gained a new appreciation for the sport. Spinning is a personal interaction between the rider and the bike. The rider determines how hard a workout he or she wants and can adjust the resistance knob to meet those preferences.
“I think that the class may seem daunting,” Blundell said. “It is probably because many people hear the music, then see the people leaving the class who come out sweating and tired. I encourage everyone to try out the class. In spinning, it is easy to go at your own pace. There are people here from all different ages, different fitness levels, and different sizes.”
Walking into the spinning room is the beginning of the journey. There are aisles of stationary bicycles waiting to be fitted. At the start of a class, participants begin to show up and adjust their bike for maximum comfort, then buckle their feet into the harnesses. Newcomers can ask the instructor for help.
Adjusting the bike is important to ensure the best workout. If the size is off, tension can build in a rider’s arms or neck. Instructors suggest bringing a water bottle for hydration and a towel to wipe off sweat.
The class begins with a warm-up to loosen the riders. Every exercise is set to music, which engages muscles to move with the rhythm and tempo of the songs.
The instructor is on a bike as well and leads the movements. He or she will shout motivation and praise. Because instructors participate in the workout with the class, they’re able to read the group and determine whether to push everyone to work harder or slow down. The instructor will also suggest when to add resistance.
“I take spinning to improve my stamina for my other sport. The first time I got on the bike, the class tired me out. It was harder than I thought it would be, but it was fun and a nice challenge,” said Jonathan Jonas, an Allan Hancock College student. “Since then, I have noticed a huge improvement in my endurance and recovery time.”
“There are many benefits to cycling,” Blundell said. “At the top are conditioning of your heart and fitness level, [and] reducing your stress is a big one. Most people take cardio classes to lose weight, and that is an aspect of it. The fitness and health part is crucial, though.”
Participants cited spinning as a great option for people who want an overall body workout without the pounding of running and pressure of weights.
“Spinning is fun, and the class is really diverse. If someone is interested, they should take a class and see how they feel. I did it, and I really enjoy it,” Jonas said.
Intern Rebecca Patterson keeps a lot of things spinning at once. Send comments or suggestions to her via ksewell@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in Aug 8-15, 2013.