How To Get A Great Low Impact Cardio Workout
Author: JimHofman Total views: 7 Word Count: 622
Joining or rejoining a health club after being somewhat sedentary for a few years can be a somewhat intimidating experience. After noticing 20 or so extra pounds adding up, I thought it best to join the ranks of fitness oriented people at the local health club. One particular aspect that worried me was I knew my days of high impact bone jarring workouts were in the past.
A very important consideration for my workout routine was, very frankly, not to hate it! After years of bone jarring jogging and climbing Stairmasters, I knew I could go back to those routines, but I wouldn't stay with them long term. Yet, it was important to burn fat, develop and maintain cardiovascular fitness, and hopefully enjoy myself at the same time.
A short time after joining the health club, I began to notice the various aerobic class options. Some were as I remembered, while others were more intriguing. One type of class that caught my attention was an indoor cycling class. Although I've never been much of a bike rider, I did notice the folks who exited the spin class had gone through a challenging workout and were actually smiling as they exited!
Upon arriving, the first thing I learned was that the instructor didn't refer to the class as an indoor cycling class. Instead, the term she used was spin class. Sixty minutes later, my head was slightly spinning. I'd had a challenging, enjoyable workout, with absolutely no pounding, jumping, or jarring. My first thought was that I'd finally found a great workout that I could stick with. And, several months later, stick with it I have!
Despite me just discovering spin classes, they aren't new at all. In our class, we had students ranging in age from teenager to a few people in their 60's. These classes are flexible enough to be appropriate for all fitness levels. Our instructor told us we typically burn several hundred calories per class, depending on our own exertion level.
Most spin classes are one hour long. This allows for ample time to warm up, reach a target fitness zone, and cool down. In our class, we have optional heart rate monitors which tell a participant how hard they're working and how close they are to their optimal fat burning heart rate. Our instructor is very helpful in acclimating people to the class and helping us get the most from our workout. Spin class instructors usually go through a certification process before they can teach a class on their own.
As for the class itself, you'll cycle on a stationary bike which is specially suited for spin classes. Adjusting the bike to your height and comfort level takes only a minute or two. Similar to other aerobic classes, you'll cycle along to music, provided by the instructor, with slower songs for warm up and cool down, and more energetic music during periods of higher exertion.
In talking with other class members, many have pointed out they appreciate being able to work out at their own pace. Instructors are trained to emphasize this point. Part of an instructor's training is to help motivate the class, while recognizing the varying fitness capacities of participants.
All in all, spin classes have proven to be a very effective part of my workout routine. Even two classes per week have given me a significantly greater fitness level and loss of weight. Combined with other forms of exercise like moderate resistance training, indoor cycling classes can help you reach your desired level of fitness. Don't be afraid to try a spin class at your local health club.
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About the Author
Jim Hofman enjoys maintaining and improving his fitness level with low impact, enjoyable cardio workouts. One of Jim's favorite forms of working out is indoor cycling, due to its efficient fat burning and cardiovascular benefits. Learn more about indoor cycling and spin classes here! Don't reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.
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