So, based on my legs still feeling tired yesterday I decided not to run today, but I still wanted to do some exercise. I just got a membership to the gym recently so I could incorporate cross training into my marathon training and I’ve only went 2 or 3 times so far. They gym just doesn’t seem fun, especially compared to the open road 🙂 Well, I had to suck it up and I went to my first class ever this morning – Spinning!
I was great! I had a blast and really enjoyed it. I felt a little dumb at first because I didn’t even know how to adjust my bike, but I just went with it. I think this is a great way for me to get some non-impact cardio into my life. I am super excited that I had a positive experience because I was scared!
I am assuming that the population of the area affects the type of music in the class because the instructor played some good Hispanic hiphop and my fave Shakira song Tortura… [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LaQ3d5-_XU]
I love dancing to that kind of music so I was getting into it. (She also played some lame 70s or 80s stuff that I didn’t like and said something about the song making her want to do the electric slide, but whatev.)
Final verdict- loved it!
Question – do you know how a spinning class compares to running in terms of calorie burn?
I usually run first thing in the morning and this class is at 9am so I might have to move around my eating schedule.
Hi! I realize this is a little late (just came across your blog via Tina and C+C) but my heart rate monitor shows something similar to Rae’s. I burn a few less calories for the time period spinning v. running, but with the resistance training, etc (rolling hills, climbing, speed drills and jumps) I think it is an even better cardio exercize and is actually more challenging for me. I love them both and am a firm believer for keeping your body guessing and mixing up the routine.
Good luck!
I’ve been wanting to try spinning but I’m always too scared to go! I’m glad to hear you liked it!
Rae – thanks! I appreciate the estimate because I have no clue so any info is better than that!
Congrats! Spinning is a great way to cross train and take some of the burden off your knees….I think you’ll find it actually helps you run cause it trains different muscles of the legs 🙂
As far as calorie burn, it depends on your resistance and if you were doing hills or just a flat, easy ride…but usually my HRM estimates about 500 calories per hour on my long rides (I weigh about 140) and my runs are about 600calorie per hour….so its a bit less, but not too much!!!
Good luck!