Are you ready to give indoor cycling a try? Prepare to smell bad, have your blood pumping, and then still want to come back for more.
Indoor cycling classes can help you lose weight, improve your heart health, and increase muscle endurance. Your legs will be put through a rigorous workout. By the end of class, you’ll have a steady stream of endorphins, which are feel-good brain chemicals.
Indoor cycling classes are available at so many gyms. You can also join one of the popular cycling boutiques close to you: some will combine indoor cycling with a weighted arm workout, others will incorporate mind-body exercise into its bike routine.
For best results, schedule 3-5 classes per week. Alternatively, incorporate 1-2 classes per week into your workout routine. Classes typically last 45-60 minutes.
An instructor will lead the class through various types of cycling, such as uphill climbs, bursts of speed, and short periods of easy pedaling. You’ll occasionally get out of the saddle and pedal while standing.
Everyone in the class has their own bike. They usually all face the same way, either toward the instructor or a mirror.
The instructor selects music to accompany each phase of the class. They might play a catchy song for 5 minutes while you pedal as fast as you can. They might then play a slower song while you catch your breath and pedal slowly. You can bike for 5 minutes with a lot of resistance to simulate riding up a major hill while listening to a song that fits the mood.
Some instructors will use imagery to keep you motivated. You’ll imagine yourself speeding down a desert straight away or steadily climbing a green mountain on a Caribbean island. It’s a great way to avoid boredom!