Spinning classes burn calories, tone legs and benefit cardio

RIDE ALONG

It suddenly dawned on me that I’ve failed to shed light on a fairly large portion of cyclists in Shreveport-Bossier City: spinners.

Spinning, also known as indoor cycling, is a way to exercise on two wheels without the hassle of weather, equipment malfunction or drivers.

While I myself have only attended one spin class in my life, I know a few people in our community who attend classes regularly. In fact, after talking with a couple of these folks for this article, I’m pretty much set on attending a class or two in the near future.

One person I spoke to was Clay DeFriend. By day, DeFriend works at a chemical manufacturing factory, and by night, for three years now, he instructs three to four classes a week at Fit Nation in Bossier City. These classes include body combat, body pump and spin.

Before DeFriend began instructing spin classes, he was a runner. To get away from the impact of running, he got into spinning.

“I fell in love with spinning and wanted to instruct,” DeFriend said. “And I love the group fitness environment.”

The group aspect (each of his classes has 10-14 attendees) is a major benefit DeFriend sees for spin classes, as he noted many people respond to the group environment in a positive way. For instance, it doesn’t matter what level of cyclist you are; you’re surrounded by cycling enthusiasts and an encouraging instructor to teach you along the way.

Another benefit is threefold: Spin classes are inside, which gets you out of any inclement weather; you don’t need to spend money on a new bike or shoes; and the intensely motivational music – Fit Nation uses Les Mills’ choreography – doesn’t need to be toned down for any reason. (I personally love riding my bike outdoors with headphones and loud music, but I know hands down, that’s a dangerous safety hazard, considering the amount of cars and lack of bike lanes on major Shreveport-Bossier City roads … for now.)

More benefits of indoor cycling mirror those of outdoor: You burn fat and calories. In fact, according to DeFriend, each 45-minute class will yield between 400-600 calories burned, depending on the individual. It’s also extremely beneficial for cardiovascular health, and you’ll increase leg toning – a plus for us women.

“I’ve been going [to spin class] for about three years now,” said Jessica Ray of Shreveport. “I love spin because not only is it a great cardio workout, but there is some strength training going on for my lower body as well. I also love that you decide the intensity, so you’re in control of your own workout.”

Ray, who attends spin classes at Fit Nation and CHRISTUS Louisiana Athletic Club, doesn’t cycle outdoors for another reason: “I’m kind of a wimp when it comes to exercising in the extreme heat and cold, and in a spin class, the elements have no effect.”

If you’re interested in giving spin class a try, there are several recommendations on instructors I personally received last month: DeFriend at Fit Nation; Jodie or Sherwin at Sleek Physique (the first four classes are free); Alexa Mullings at Bellaire Fitness; Claire Brooks at Fit Nation and CHRISTUS Louisiana Athletic Club; and David Taggart at the downtown Shreveport YMCA.

Whether spinning in- or outdoor, enjoy life on two wheels this summer!

Karen E. Wissing works in Shreveport-Bossier City and loves her community.

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