The Spin on Spinning
Image courtesy of Renee Foose
With the lights dim and music blasting, a dozen students began their first class of the day on the ground level of the Regents Garage. What was once a parking area has been converted into a state of the art cycling studio. Spin classes are held regularly for anyone wanting the thrill of a fast-paced cardio workout.
This isn’t your typical outdoor cycling or stationary bike experience. Though it’s far more intense, anyone can do it, regardless of your fitness level. There are no road hazards to avoid and no cars to watch out for; just hop on a bike and start pedaling.
Spinning is considered a low-impact activity. With nonstop leg work for about forty-five minutes, you work hamstrings, glutes, quads and calf muscles. Senior communications major Rebeca Bonilla said it also has toned her arms.
Bonilla lost over 70 pounds in part because of her commitment to spinning.
“I started walking an hour a day, then two hours before someone told me about this class,” she said. “I have a lot of anxiety and by taking this class in the morning, it gets my anxiety out and I can focus on my classes.”
Instructor Rachel Costantino, a kinesiology major in her last semester, said that she too has occasional stress and anxiety and spinning helps alleviate it. Costantino has been spinning for two years and became an instructor eight months ago. She teaches three to four classes each week and said it is popular because “everyone can do their own thing, it’s an extra judgement-free zone.”
Spinning isn’t just popular with UMD students; many celebrities take spin classes to keep fit. Lady Gaga and Max Greenfield combine their passions for spinning with philanthropic causes. To raise money for her Born this Way Foundation, Lady Gaga hosts charity rides around the nation and Greenfield does the same at spin studios.
Spinning began about 27 years ago when endurance bicycle racer Johnny Goldberg (“Johnny G”) began improving indoor cycles to meet his training needs in order to train anytime. He developed the first spin bike and later a complete spinning workout for biking enthusiasts. Indoor cycling has further evolved and now everyone from Tour de France competitors to newbies can benefit from spin classes.
Classes at UMD are offered every day and last 45 minutes to 55 minutes. Some classes are “themed” meaning the workout music may be a specific genre, dance, hip-hop or a single artist. The schedule of classes can be found at UMD Recwell’s website.
Dan Gaz, physical activity and assessment program manager for the Mayo Clinic, said, “spinning is a good activity for novice and advanced exercisers. It can elevate heart rate in a way that burns more calories than walking or using an elliptical machine. The average spin class can burn up to 741 calories in 60 minutes. The benefits can help athletes that rely on a lot of interval-based sessions within their sport. It’s also a useful way to cross-train for runners, swimmers, or athletes that predominantly run for their athletic pursuits.”
Constantino’s class had about a dozen students, all women and one guy. “Classes are usually all girls, but a few guys come to the evening classes,” Constantino said. Group fitness classes usually have more women than men, she added.
Image courtesy of Renee Foose
Alex Eng, a sophomore studying computer science and psychology, was the lone man. It was his first spin class and he came at the encouragement of his friend, Rachel Kirkpatrick. He said he was joining Kirkpatrick because, “she wanted to get back into going to the classes and felt if someone she knew was also going it would motivate her.”
When the workout was over, Eng said that he enjoyed the class. “It was a big change of pace compared to the usual weightlifting based exercise classes,” he said. For someone who does not do much biking, Eng said he felt tired at the end of class. “I would definitely recommend it for other students to at least try if they have ever thought about it. Being the only guy felt awkward at first but once I got into the workout I forgot about that in favor of just enjoying the class.”
If you decide to take a class, the American Council of Exercise recommends that you wear comfortable clothes, a moisture wicking shirt and bike shorts and Drink plenty of water before and after class to stay hydrated. Ask the instructor to help you adjust the bike to your height to get the maximum benefit out of your workout. Ease into the workout and listen to your body; take a break if needed. Above all else, have fun and meet some new friends.
