What Are the Dangers of Spinning?

Spinning class is a way for cyclists to come together in a group and push their bodies as far as they can in a 40-minute time frame. Spinning helps raise endurance, burn calories and get fit. Much like any form of exercise, there are some downsides to spinning cyclists need to be aware of. Knowledge of the dangers of spinning helps prevent injuries such as bruises, pulled muscles and other obstacles.

  1. Dehydration

    • If you do not drink enough water before, during and after the class, you can quickly become dehydrated, which can cause muscle cramps, stomach upset and make you feel lightheaded. You can also overheat from dehydration.

    Saddle Sores

    • Going into spinning classes, you may not realize you can get saddle sores along your bottom and private area if you do not wear the right clothing or use the equipment properly. Request from your teacher that your stationary bike be fitted for you. Do not wear clothes that bunch up or are to tight, because the clothes can cause bruising and rashes from the seats.

    Bruising

    • Bruising can occur from improper setup of the bike, wearing clothing that doesn't protect you during the class, and by accidentally hitting your leg against the handle bar or frame of the bike. Large black and blues are not uncommon the first few weeks of class while the cyclist gets used to the class.

    Muscle Pain and Injury

    • The next day, you may feel muscle pain due to the intensity of the workout. Some cyclists feel intense pain after a spinning class due to being a beginner in an advanced class, pushing to hard, or not using the equipment properly. If you feel discomfort in walking or using limbs, make an appointment with your doctor to get checked over for injuries.