You see the insta-baddies doing it all the time, the iconic "SOULCYCLE" logo blows up on their Instagram story and it has you wondering is it just an aesthetically pleasing fad? Or is it actually a good workout?
I'm really big on the gym - well at least I used to be. Up until a year ago you could find me on the treadmill or elliptical of your local gym doing the same workout for about an hour. A few years of lost motivation and boring gym sessions later I decided to make a change. It was my goal to do something that I thought was fun and got me excited about working out.
I tried a variety of classes. I get really impatient so Hot Yoga was not for me. Dancing made me feel like I had two left feet so that was another no no. But then I tried spin class - at Soul Cycle Yorkville and I am so glad I did.
Over the course of several months I've witnessed the amazing benefits it can have and learned that spin class isn't just a fad. Physically and emotionally I feel stronger than ever not to mention I feel motivated and EXCITED to go every single time.
So if you're like me and looking to spice up your mundane workouts or just interested in learning more about spin, I've compiled the top 5 reasons why you should give spin class a shot:
1) It's a full body work out
I'm a huge cardio person, anything that gets my heart pumping and my blood flowing is my ideal workout, which is why spin worked so great for me. When I initially went, I assumed it would be just for my legs (my mom had told me this before I went) but to my surprise I found out spin class is a workout for your entire body. It works every part "incorporating most muscles of the body throughout several sequences." "Leading to tighter abs, leaner arms, and legs, and overall toning, with improved cardiovascular health."
It's a type of workout you'll feel two days later - EVERYWHERE.
2) It relieves stress
This was a big one for me, I work quite a bit and sometimes (but really all the time) I stress.
When you're on that bike it's liberating and stress relieving to be pushing yourself consistently for 40 minutes and then just coming full circle with stretches at the end. It almost feels like you've shed all of the stress that you've endured through that day in sweat. Anytime I'm feeling agitated or uneasy I'll go to spin put my all into the workout and leave feeling lighter, more relaxed, and kinda like I have my shit together.
3) The music is always on point
I cannot explain to you how much of an impact music has on your ability to finish a work out, especially at spin when the music is on so loud you can feel the vibrations. It's so motivating being able to get lost in the music.
Not only that but music and working out in general has been proven to amp up your performance. According to Medical Daily "running or moving in exact time with workout music can help the body use energy more efficiently. When we move rhythmically to a beat, the body does not have to make as many adjustments to coordinated movements as it would without regular external cues."
4) It helps shed weight and tone
For those wanting to lose a couple extra pounds, incorporating spin class into your routine will definitely help you get there. In fact, in a recent study it was revealed that "a 45-minute session of SoulCycle can burn a considerable amount of calories. According to Marks, “you can burn between 500 and 700 calories per session. This is much higher than weight lifting, yoga, and even sometimes running"".
Cycling also incorporates a segment of weight lifting for your arms, that plus the constant increase of resistance on your legs makes it great for toning every part of your body.
5) Completing spin class makes you feel like you've just won a gold medal at the Olympics
Not only is it a huge confidence boost to demolish the hardest parts of the class but it's a huge confidence boost to finish it and walk out covered in sweat. Every time I finish one class I feel like I can take on the WORLD. This usually comes from consistently pushing yourself and not actually knowing how strong you really are. When I first start a spin class I'll have my resistance at 3 and think to myself "wow this is really hard", but then I'll end the class on resistance 8 and thing "this isn't so bad."
Seriously. Conquer spin class and you can conquer anything.
One thing I'd also like to note is the amazing energy that comes from the classes. The instructors and the people at spin consistently push you to step outside your comfort zone and really give it your all. If you're looking for a group workout that will challenge you every time, this is definitely the workout for you.
I hope you learned a little something, something, about one of my favourite workouts. And I encourage you, if you're looking for something new to spice up your current workout, to give it a try.
Spin classes to try in Toronto:
SOULCYCLE: I swear by this one. It is a little on the pricer side, but I've never had a bad experience at SoulCycle and I go there religiously. Highly recommend.
Location: 435 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K4 OR 55 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 3L2
Where to find it online: www.soul-cycle.com
SpokeHaus: I've tried this class out a few times and the workout is just as good as SoulCycle. It is also less expensive which is great for those looking to save a few bucks.
Location: 70 Dan Leckie Way, Toronto, ON M5V 2V6
Where to Find Online: www.spokehaus.ca