Spinning: Good for the heart and muscles, gentle on joints

As part of my 2018 fitness goals, I have resolved to spend two days a week in what I playfully call “the pain cave.” No, it’s not a setting for Game of Thrones, but one of the most challenging (and rewarding) workouts I have ever tried: spinning, also known as indoor cycling. Spinning classes are staples at most gyms, and there are even entire fitness centers devoted to nothing but spinning. A class typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour and is led by an instructor who guides everyone through a series of heart-pumping workouts. For instance, you might do speed work, where you pedal fast for brief periods followed by periods of rest and recovery. You also may do incline workouts, where you increase the resistance so it feels like you are cycling uphill. If you haven’t tried spinning — or are looking for a way to liven up your exercise routine — you should give it a whirl, as it offers a wide range of benefits for people of all ages and fitness levels. “Spinning is a great cardiovascular workout and can help build lower-body muscle strength,” says Greg Robidoux, a physical therapist with the Cycling Medicine Program at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Network. It’s also perfect for people who don’t enjoy, or have difficulty doing, higher-impact cardio activities like running. Spinning is a low-impact exercise that places less stress on your joints, which makes it ideal for older adults with knee or hip issues or those recovering from orthopedic inj...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Exercise and Fitness Health Source Type: blogs