Devised in 1998 by world-class cyclist Johnny Goldberg as a convenient and quick way to train for road races, then licensed by the aptly named Mad Dog Athletics Company, spinning is a form of high intensity exercise using a stationery exercise bike in a classroom/gym setting.
What is it supposed to do?
High intensity exercise such as spinning effectively racks up your heart rate, giving the heart a much needed work out. Fat burning takes place when your heart rate is at around 65-75 per cent of the maximum. You also have a better flow of blood through the body during spinning and an increase in the speed at which oxygen is pumped through your system. The claim is that you can also burn off on average 500 calories over a 40-minute session. Muscles, such as your quadriceps and those of the outer thigh, are worked hard and the exercise keeps knee cartilage healthy and helps protect against osteoarthritis. Many ‘spinners’ who suffer from asthma benefit as lung capacity increases and so eases asthma.
What benefits does it claim?
With heart disease one of the world’s biggest health problems and with few people taking the recommended brisk walk twice a day to stave it off, spinning acts as all important exercise for the heart. It’s also a prime fitness workout for the lower torso.
What’s it like?
Fast aerobics except you have a saddle between your legs and an instructor who makes you work those legs till you feel they may well become detached from the hip. No complicated moves to learn or snazzy outer clothing to be purchased, just a track suit or shorts and sensible gym shoes or trainers. Everyone lines up to face the instructor, and you have to follow his lead and carry out the exercises correctly or bodily damage can result, specifically to the lower back and knees. Key elements are making sure the bicycle seat is at the correct height and you follow instructions then, its time to pedal off on your imaginary journey.
The muscles are worked in three ways: when seated, standing, and when in race/heavy climbing mode, that’s when your body is extended over the handlebars (think yellow jersey action on French roads). You expel at least one ounce of water for each minute of work so loads of bottled water is essential. You have finally mastered the game if you can cycle like the clappers and still take a drink of water at the same time.
You can choose your own set of goals and are able to lower the intensity of each ride by adjusting the controls on your bike, but key is maintaining aerobic intensity levels.
Is there any science behind it?
Loads, about the same amount devoted to aerobics, doctors now advise more low impact and no load bearing exercise, especially for the over fifties.
Where and how much?
£5 pounds per 45 minutes of spinning class with instructor. You can also opt for a complete package which includes spinning plus gym work out sauna etc.
Poseidonio Health and Fitness Centre, 132 Democratias Avenue, Paphos. Tel: 26 222234, email: [email protected]
