Finding Fitness is more than scoping out the latest fitness trends; it’s about finding exciting new ways to focus on the most important subject of any story: you. From extreme sports to strange and, sometimes, uncomfortable classes, this feature is all about finding the best fitness to maximize your health. Stay tuned to find out what new and exciting fitness endeavors are in the area.
What is spinning?
Maria Pontillo, who has been a spinning program instructor at NSU’s Recreation and Wellness Center for approximately 10 years, described spinning as an indoor cardiovascular workout performed on stationary bikes. During spinning, which often last 40 to 60 minutes, there is often loud, motivating music and low lighting in order to create an energized atmosphere.
Spinning is an excellent workout choice for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Pontillo has classes at every fitness level and has even instructed children and individuals with prosthetic limbs, showing that spinning is appropriate for almost everyone. However, individuals with a history of health issues should consult their doctor before participating in a spinning course.
According to Pontillo, there are four primary bases within spinning: endurance, strength, interval and race day. In an endurance focused class, participants will be encouraged to keep a steady pace and a constant heart rate for a long period of time.
Strength ride is focused more on high intensity; the objective is to raise the participant’s heart rate while keeping a consistent and high intensity throughout the entire course.
Interval rides are a combination of both endurance and strength rides. Participants are expected to start with a low heart rate and gradually increase it through exertion throughout the course. The primary difference between interval rides and other types of spinning courses is the inclusion of recovery intervals. A majority of the spinning classes commercially taught fall under the interval ride category.
The final variation of spinning is known as race day, which the highest intensity spinning course offered. This course is offered as a specialty style of training for regular spinners and competitive riders, so Pontillo doesn’t recommend race day style courses for beginners.
What are the benefits?
Spinning has a number of health benefits, according to Pontillo.
She said, “[Spinning] enhances cardiovascular fitness, increases metabolism, improves energy and burns fat and calories.”
Spinning is often confused for a muscle building and strengthening exercise; however, the benefits of spinning are more closely related to cardiovascular health.
Pontillo explained, “Spinning is definitely not a strengthening exercise. A lot of times, people think that it’s a strengthening exercise because your legs are burning when you’re sitting on the bikes for at least 40 minutes. So people think that they’re getting stronger or that their legs are going to get huge, but that’s really not the case. You’re getting stronger in terms of your lungs and your heart, not your muscles.”
Pontillo also said that spinning is a non-weight-bearing form of exercise, meaning that there is a very low amount of pressure placed on one’s joints during a spinning course. Other high impact forms of exercise, such as running, place a high amount of pressure of the joints, creating the potential for joint pain in the future.
Pontillo said that spinning is a great cross-training option for individuals who frequently engage in high impact exercise such as running.
What are the risks?
The only health risks associated with spinning are the result of working out incorrectly.
Pontillo said, “Like any type of exercise, if it is done incorrectly or unstructured without the parameters of what spinning is, then there are health risks.”
Attending classes with a certified instructor is crucial to correctly practice spinning. Attempting to preform spinning outside of a classroom setting without an instructor can lead to a number of minor injuries.
Local spinning classes:
Recreation and Wellness Center
Nova Southeastern University
3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale-Davie
Visit rec.nova.edu/fitness/ for a schedule of classes.
Ellen’s Ultimate Workout
5173 S. University Drive
Field of Flowers Plaza, Davie
Visit ellensultimateworkout.com for a schedule of classes.
Studio B
11330 West State Road 84, Davie
Visit studiobefl.com for a schedule of classes.
