Looking for a good low impact form of cardio that'll burn fat and build strong, sexy legs? Spin classes are an excellent workout for the legs, core and is the perfect accompaniment to any resistance training program.A couple of its main benefits include:
1. Increasing flexibility.
Spinning quickly on a bike can loosen your lower leg muscles and improve your range of motion.
2. Building greater strength and power.
Cycling improves muscular strength of the hamstrings and quadriceps—both muscles are important power sources for running and sports.
In order to get a good aerobic workout in, you must peddle at a respectable cadence which elevates your heart rate and works the leg muscles.
Running shoe soles will flex under intensive pedaling strain thus causing a lot of energy loss per stroke. To work the leg muscles, you should ride a bike which has toe clips or a pedal system which locks your cycling shoes onto the pedals. I highly recommend getting yourself a pair of cycling shoes. The stiffness of the sole converts into energy to the pedals and by locking your feet in, this allows you to pull up on each stroke. This will give your legs (especally calf muscles) a better all round workout than if you're just pushing down on the pedals with running shoes.
If you're in the Downtown Toronto area or Oakville, check out Quad, a gym specializing in spin classes ranging from beginner to 3 hour endurance rides.The instructors will keep you motivated with well picked music mixes that sync nicely with each class. Live DJs and musically themed classes are a common occurance.
Quad | 580 King Street West Toronto, ON. | quadspin.com
