"A day will never be anymore than what you make of it."
– Josh S. Hinds
Website-Beat the heat with WATER!! It is so, so important to stay healthy by drinking plenty, and water is great to get energy for your work outs!http://www.healthcastle.com/sports_hydration_fluid_workout.shtml
Cycling/Spinning classes began in 1989 and are still one of the most popular classes attended at gyms across America but let's take a look at some of the awesome benefits of hopping on that bike.
1. The best (and my favorite) aspect of a cycling class is that EVERYONE can get a fabulous work-out. No matter your age, fitness level, or size, it is possible for one class to make everyone reach their personal work-out goal. An olympic athlete can sit next to a 60 year old and both can get a full push. The bike gives you the option to turn up the resistance as much or as little as you want. Also, the speed of your legs can cause an increase in heart rate. Always remember it is YOUR WORKOUT so challenge yourself...think of this as you and your bike. Don't worry about how much resistance the person next to you has, this is all about YOU!!
2. Non-impact workout! We all love our step aerobics, kickboxing, and running but in order to save our bodies we need to give ourself the grace to get a break! I know some of you cardio junkies can't possibly imagine taking time off, but CYCLING IS A GREAT BREAK!! Your body gets relief from the high impact work-outs, but don't worry, you will still get your cardio fix for the day (and a great leg work-out as an added plus)
3. The cycling is a FULL LEG WORK-OUT! I mean, who doesn't want fantastic, toned legs?!?! It takes some conscious thought in order to maximize your muscle work while cycling but it's so worth it!! Thinking about making large, full circles will allow each muscle a chance to take over throughout the turns. A woman's quads are on average 4x stronger than her hams and this can cause lower back pain. Thinking about using the hams to pull the leg up on the back of your circle will help strengthen your hams and make you conscious of what it feels like to use those muscles.
4. CALORIES, CALORIES, CALORIES! When it comes down to it, this is the benefit most people want in their work-out! A 30 minute cycle class can burn around 500 calories! Wow, that's burning off dinner for sure!! Of course this will vary depending on the individual body composition, sex, and intensity in which you work.
5. Well if calories and strength aren't enough, cycling is wonderful for endurance. Pushing through long sprints, maintaining speed, riding long hills, and not giving up for the duration of class. Keep yourself focused, and allow this to be an enjoyable experience!!
6. If you aren't sold yet we will finish with the evident results this workout provides. You can see yourself getting stronger if you stick with it. You are able to turn the resistance up more and take those sprints faster and harder! What a great motivation to keep with it
7. FUN!!!! :) In my opinion cycling is just pure fun! There is great music and a group that are all working together to reach a goal. It is always different and is a great way to forget the stressors in life, and relax for an hour!!
I know I am making cycles sound like God's gift to the fitness world (which I am convinced of) but I am aware that there is another side of them. Many people try it once and never come back due to the pain in a very awkward area. Yes, the first time on the cycle is never fun...but give it 2-3 times and this goes away (I promise!!) You get used to it-the cycle starts feeling as comfy as your lazy-boy! USE THE RESISTANCE to prevent bouncing around, this will help prevent some of the tenderness! DON'T GIVE UP AFTER ONE CLASS!! Try it and see how you feel after a couple classes!!
I am a huge cycle addict, but I also know it isn't for everyone so find something YOU LOVE! Working out should not be another thing on a to-do list! It should truly be fun and motivating...a break from the busy, stressful side of life!! Try a few cycling classes and if you don't like it try other things BUT REMEMBER TO KEEP VARIETY IN YOUR WORKOUT to prevent adaptation!
Thanks,
Megan
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