To help ABC launch its Your Move campaign to help Australians explore their health and fitness journey, reporter Marnie Vinall traveled to try out some of the growing exercise trends across the country. will appear in
It’s hard to watch modern female-centric millennial TV shows and movies without picking up a spin class at some point.
Key Point:
- A spin class is an intense exercise on a stationary bike, led by an instructor at the front desk
- Some classes are standard, while others have nightclub-like conditions with flashing lights and loud music.
- The Spin program was developed in the 1980s by South African endurance bike racer Johnny Goldberg.
That said, while I’ve taken weird RPM classes here and there, I’ve never been to a cycle-specific studio to do what the kids call “spins.”
So I reached out to Adam Pearson, an indoor cycling instructor for nearly 20 years, to give me an overview.
He told me that there are different styles of indoor cycle classes offered by the industry. For example, strength training, explosive training, cardio training, his model of traditional training, and even the recently popular “party on the bike” type method.
However, all of these forms have cardiovascular benefits through low-impact exercise that is great for fitness without straining your body.
So good for people with bad knees like me.
Plus, it’s an incredibly efficient form of exercise, he said.
“All energy systems, anaerobic and aerobic, are available in most classes, and most classes are pretty high intensity,” he said.
And for someone like me who isn’t very familiar with body systems, it’s the energy system needed for rapid bursts of energy, such as jumping, and sustained periods, such as running, respectively.
He assured me that no matter what kind of training I did, there would usually be “always good music, always good vibes.”
As a sucker for exercises set to a dance track with the volume turned up, I opted for the more ‘parties on bikes’ option and the ‘innovative traditional spin… [in] The dark, hot and muggy studios are equipped with high-tech bicycles and production-quality lighting and sound systems. ”
Michaela Fellner, CEO and founder of Bodhi and Ride, has kindly offered to take a class at her South Yarra studio.
She told me that beginners can expect a “really intense” and “immersive” workout.
“Basically, we packed everything into 45 minutes,” she said, noting that the timeslot meant it was an efficient way to get a full-body workout that included not just the upper body but also the lower body. rice field.
“Another factor is the community aspect that takes place before and after class.”
Noting my threat to try something so new and dynamic, Fellner said, “I’m fully aware of the fact that it’s tough.”
“It’s a very unique experience, and it can definitely be intimidating, so we know it all too well,” she said, adding that the instructor said you were welcome. I was there to make you feel and keep you informed of what was going on.
Also, they are there for motivation and encouragement.
Once I had the courage to go ahead, it was exactly that.
As promised, the room was dark, with flashing lights, loud music, and a very enthusiastic instructor who was very kind in helping me adjust the bike and put it in the cleats.
She guided us to the track, shouting words of praise and pushing us to go faster and harder.
And after the warm-up, everything was fine.
There were various tracks, including a meditation track that riders could do at their own pace, and a dance track where my adjustments were put to the real test.
Have you ever had to move your arms to keep a certain rhythm while your legs were twirling? It was a lot of fun cracking it up.
There was also a weight track where the legs were separated on the bike and the upper body was targeted with exercises using handheld weights instead.
This included repetitive movements to the beat of the music, such as bicep curls and shoulder presses.
Once I got used to the rhythm of the class, my intimidation eased and my attempts to push harder to keep up took over.
Plus, I was just focusing on myself and my movements, so the darkness in the room helped by the pumping music.
A playlist featuring Skrillex, Denzel Curry, Disclosure, and more definitely helped with the drive, too.
After staggering off my bike, I came home to a big bowl of carbs and finally realized what the fuss was all about.
It was 45 minutes of strenuous exercise, but I was sweaty afterward and felt like I had accomplished something. It’s also like attending a very short rave.
What is a spin class?
Developed by South African endurance rider Johnny Goldberg after he was hit by a car in the mid-1980s, Spin classes were aimed at endurance athletes as an alternative to outdoor bike training.
Goldberg developed aero bikes himself and moved to California to increase product and class exposure.
In the decades that followed, spin classes became commonplace in gyms before taking on a life of their own. Some classes provided a nightclub-style environment for pulse racing.
How much does a spin class cost?
Many places offer package deals that include multiple classes, but classes are anywhere between $10 and $30 for individual sessions.
Where can I take a spin class?
While many gyms offer spin classes as part of their membership deal, spin class studios are popping up everywhere to offer a more dynamic experience.
Some spin classes are also offered at local pubs and bars.
Search online for “spin classes near me” for best results.
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