Indoor cycling is one of the best ways to stay active regardless of the weather outside. Some even take part in spinning classes to ensure that they can maximize the efficiency of their indoor cycling exercise. If you are not yet fully convinced that a stationary bike can do you wonders, then read on to know the heart-pumping benefits of spinning.
Supports Heart Health
One of the primary benefits of spinning or indoor cycling is that it supports heart health. Doing the exercise will allow your heart to pound in a steady manner, improving your cardiovascular fitness by up to 7%. Perhaps this can be attributed to the fact that cycling, as well as other aerobic exercises, can improve the flow of blood and oxygen in your body. Overall, it is not only your heart that benefits from it but other parts of your body as well.
Burns Excess Body Fat
Another benefit of spinning is that it can greatly aid you in burning your excess body fat. However, make sure that you go for the best spin bikes that tend to require a little more effort from you compared to a normal exercise bike. In doing so, you are pushing yourself to burn more calories because of the effort that you need to put into it. Rest assured that these bikes will ensure that you are in the proper posture while performing the spinning exercises.
Promotes Weight Loss
Alongside burning excess body fat is weight loss. This is because the fats in your body contribute much to your weight. In this case, when your body fats are burned and transformed into energy that you can use, the weight that they contribute to the scale is also eliminated. However, don’t be frustrated in case you don’t see a significant reduction in your weight even if you feel like you have already lost a significant amount of body fat. This is because, along with burning fat, you may already be gaining strong muscles.
Stronger Legs and Lower Body Muscles
Spinning or indoor cycling can also pave the way for stronger and leaner muscles, particularly on your legs and lower body. You will be able to achieve this faster when you use a higher resistance. Nonetheless, the pedaling action will build your calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps. But aside from your legs, pedaling can also work on the muscles in your core and back. In case you are using a spin bike with handles, then you also have the opportunity to work out your upper body, which includes biceps, triceps, as well as your shoulders.
Reduce Stress
In spinning, it is inevitable for you to perspire. When you do, your body also releases endorphins or its natural happy hormones. These endorphins can greatly reduce the levels of your cortisol, or your body’s hormones that heighten the feeling of stress. Aside from the scientific explanation of how spinning can reduce your stress, simply concentrating on another activity will already shift your focus on the thing that is causing you stress. There are even studies that show that spinning can support treatments for people with anxiety and depression. Overall, indoor cycling is good for your brain, and it can even enhance your memory too.
Boosts Immune System
Because of the heightened levels of endorphins that your body releases when you exercise, you tend to have a healthier gut, which is essential in boosting your immune system. With more of your immune system cells circulating in your body, you are more resilient to various viruses and bacteria that can cause any kind of illness. With a stronger immune system, you are also increasing your lifespan.
Low-impact Workout
In case you have certain joint issues or injuries, then spinning is one of the most suitable exercises that you should consider. This is because, with indoor cycling, your ankles, knees, hips, as well as your other joints won’t be subjected to a lot of stress, much like you would when you perform other exercises such as running or jogging. Thereby, you are kinder to your joints, even if you are performing a challenging workout.
Several types of exercises can get you moving and get your heart racing. However, spinning proves to be one of the most convenient types of exercise when it comes to staying active, even indoors. Perhaps this is the best time for you to consider getting a stationary bike, or if you already have one at home, make sure that you ride it regularly to maximize all the benefits that it can provide you.