Benefits of Spinning
Spinning burns calories and forces your body to use fat for energy. Spin two to three times weekly to see cardio and strength results in 2-3 weeks. Spinning works the glutes similarly to squats, quickly toning your butt.
Spinning is low impact, making it ideal for older adults or those with injuries. It focuses on the core, glutes, thighs, and calves. Varying the resistance changes the intensity of the workout, and lifting off the seat engages the abs.
Professional cyclists include lower body training and follow strict diets. However, for recreational spinning, one does not simply grow muscles without a caloric surplus. Genetics also play a role in how your body may respond to spinning.
Slimming vs. Bulking
Regardless of the workout, without dietary restraint, one will not see a reduction in thigh size or overall weight. To slim down, maintaining a healthy calorie intake is crucial. For individuals looking to bulk up thighs, spinning can be a complement to weightlifting by increasing the resistance during the workout.
Myths About Spinning
Several claims about spinning creating bulk in the thighs are myths. Spinning actually helps to slim and tone the legs, and can strengthen knee muscles and ligaments, contributing to overall leg health. Regular spinning can also improve heart health due to its aerobic nature.
Remember to take a day off between spinning sessions to allow for recovery and strength-building, especially when starting out.
Spinning burns between 7-14 calories per minute, amounting to 500+ calories per class. To see a significant change in body composition, like a shift in fat to muscle ratio, one might consider monitoring changes over an extended period of spinning, keeping in mind that extremely light resistance is used—the kind that allows for sustained pedaling for lengthy sessions.