By Amanda White

In the beginning, there was spinning, and now, it’s a high-intensity, low-impact cardio workout that has evolved into something so much more effective. It’s known as indoor cycling— or by other creative names like Ride-to-the-rhythm, Soul-cycle, Sweat-cycle, and The Ride – but the effectiveness is the same.

I fell in love with this workout after losing 199lbs in a year, as I was looking for a cardio class to keep me motivated, to not regain weight, and to stay healthy. I decided that I was going to try the spin class. I was intimidated at first, thinking that I was not going to make it through the entire class as I had not been on any kind of bicycle or cycle since my teens. However, I enjoyed that first class so much that I walked out drenched in excitement and promised myself that I would teach this class one day. A short three months later, I was fully certified to teach, and now, I teach this amazing, fun, calorie-torching low-impact class at Crunch Burbank. 

I find that this workout is especially ideal for people with Arthritis, specifically in the knee, or with other knee issues, or recovering from knee surgery. I speak from personal experience as I suffered from Arthritis (mainly hereditary) for many years, and this is the workout that kept me active. Even after two knee replacements, this is the one workout that I could start very soon after surgery and continue to enjoy without discomfort.

This workout can be enjoyed by anyone, at any age, or any level of fitness. The intensity can be controlled by the rider. The workout will target the following areas and will leave you on an endorphin high which will boost your mood and keep you on your toes for the rest of the day.  

• Quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes 
• Upper body and core
• A great Aerobic workout 
• Lose fat by burning tons of calories
• A repetitive motion that builds muscular endurance
• And best of all, it will chase the blues away!

With the holiday season here, it is so easy to pack on those calories but it is not so easy to lose it, and it gets harder the longer you wait. You can get ready to enjoy the holidays and celebrations by starting early so that you can have a guilt-free season of fun! Even a newbie on average will burn up to 600 calories in a 45-minute class. 

You will feel the energy long after you finish the class and it will work on your mind body and soul because the atmosphere is like you are at a party – dancing the night away! Did I say dancing? I mean “riding which feels like dancing“ to some amazing music to keep you coming back for more!

Amanda White is Group Fitness Instructor with Crunch Fitness.

Crunch’s group fitness classes promote a culture of fun with no judgments. It’s an environment for all types of individuals with various goals. Find a Crunch gym near you to try our free trial membership, or join Crunch now. Your goals are made to be crushed. With Crunch, you’ll have the tools, resources, and support to make it happen.