How SPENGA Burns calories and Works your Body
Spin, otherwise known as indoor cycling, is a great way to burn calories, sculpt your entire body and increase your cardio, endurance, and fitness levels. At SPENGA, we have developed a unique workout that combines all the best elements of a spin class, strength training, and restorative yoga ALL IN THE SAME SESSION! We understand that spinning is a great way to burn calories and work the body in ways that no other exercise can. Spinning, combined with strength and yoga is the PERFECT combination of all three pillars of fitness – cardio, strength & flexibility and SPENGA has it all wrapped up into an amazing one-hour workout.
SPENGA starts with a 20 min heart pumping, live instructor led spin workout and then guides you through a sculpting Strength and finishes with a restorative Yoga. This article will focus on spinning benefits of SPENGA but stay tuned for our follow up articles focusing on SPENGA Strength & Yoga as well!
What are the Health Benefits of Spin Classes?
There are many physical health benefits that go along with spinning including increasing your cardiovascular fitness and muscle definition specifically in your legs and core. Spinning provides these benefits in a low impact workout that improves blood flow and aids in the prevention of many health-related concerns such as high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
In addition to the amazing physical benefits, spinning also provides a multitude of mental health benefits. Participating in a spin session will boost your endorphins and aid in stress relief leading to a clearer mind and the ability to focus on upcoming tasks. Many spin sessions (including SPENGA!) are done in a group setting with heart-pumping music and a motivating instructor which is enough to put everyone in a great upbeat mood!
What Muscles Are Worked During Spin?
Spin class is a great overall cardio workout, but it does work some pretty major muscle groups! If you are consistent with your spin sessions you will notice an overall muscle toning improvement in your glutes, legs, and core! And the best part about a SPENGA workout is we continue that muscle toning over in the Strength portion of our 60-minute workout! Our instructors tailor the spin session to complement what the muscles worked in the Strength section. If it is a leg focused day in strength you can expect more speed work in your spin session and if strength is more upper body focused, you can expect a heavier leg spin such as hills. The BEST part is once you are in yoga, we stretch everything to help those muscles recover.
How Many Calories Will I Burn During A Spin Session?
In a typical spin session that runs approximately 45 minutes you can expect to burn anywhere between 400 – 600 calories depending on your intensity and of course your height/weight. The best part is that due to the high intensity of a spin session you will continue to burn a higher rate of calories long after your spin session has ended. At SPENGA our signature 20/20/20 workout will have you burning anywhere between 200 – 300 calories but don’t forget – you are jumping directly into that Strength section followed by some strength-based yoga which will continue to add to this calorie count for an additional 40 minutes!
Am I Just Going To Sit And Pedal The Entire Time?
While the base premise of spinning IS to pedal the entire time, I can guarantee it will not be boring! SPENGA instructors play the most upbeat, heart pumping music and they will have you in a standing run or standing climb with some on-beat hovers or tap backs. But don’t worry if you don’t know what that means – SPENGA instructors will guide you through every step of the way!
What are some Spin Tips for Beginners?
Spin is for EVERYONE! As we say at SPENGA its You vs. You and this is true for any spin session you take – you do what you can do. There are a few tips that will make your first time a little easier and more comfortable:
1. Be sure to arrive 15-20 minutes early for the session so that your instructor can get you properly set up on the bike. You don’t want to be fumbling in the dark and end up with a seat that is too low or handlebars that are way too high – this will not make for a comfortable ride!
2. Wear breathable athletic wear – you will sweat! I promise and if you are wearing a cotton t-shirt you will be uncomfortable.
3. Wear close-toed athletic shoes. Most spin studio do not require that you wear spin specific shoes with clips because the bike pedals have two sides – a clip side and a toe cage side. Your favorite running/walking shoes will be perfect!
4. Bring water and a sweat towel – you will get thirsty during the session and water is the best hydration.
5. GO EASY to start – play with the resistance knob and practice a standing run or hover on the bike. Remember this is YOUR RIDE – you do what makes you comfortable and if that is sitting in the saddle for your entire first time you do you! The more sessions you attend the more comfortable you will become, and it won’t take long before you are an expert spinner!
Join Us at SPENGA Marlborough
We can’t wait to see you at SPENGA to RIDE, REP & REVIVE your way to a healthier, stronger, and more fit YOU! Whether you are a seasoned athlete or new to fitness the SPENGA signature workout is made for you.
