Spin Class and Weight Loss

Spinning, or indoor cycling, can help burn fat and improve fitness. The American Council on Exercise notes that participants can burn between 300 and 600 calories during a 45-minute spin class, which combined with a balanced diet can shed pounds.

  1. Features

    • During a spin class participants perform hill climbs, sprints and intervals to simulate riding a bike outdoors. An instructor leads the class through an intense routine that usually lasts 40 to 60 minutes. You can adjust the intensity of your workout by altering the bike's resistance.

    Effects

    • Spin classes can burn hundreds of calories per session.

      According to a study carried out by cardiologist Herman Falsetti, M.D. for the Spinning website, spin classes "provide a high heart rate response and high caloric expenditure." The Spinning newsletter advises that to lose weight you have to cut calories and increase activity. Spinning helps shape the lower body by toning the hamstrings and quadriceps.

    Warning

    • A spin class can be an intense workout, so listen to your body to prevent injury. It will take a few sessions to gauge how hard you can work. Position your bike to suit your height and dimensions. Drink plenty of water to replace fluids as you sweat.