Spinning is currently one of the most popular ways to help trim off those unwanted body fat. It is easy, simple and effective. However, setting up your spin bike to meet your comfort zone and using proper form or posture when doing the exercise is vital in order to make the most out of this highly recommended exercise.

Setting It Up

The most important first step would be to set up your spin bike to accommodate your body. Each individual will need a different setup to make the most out of their workout routine. It might sound complicated but it is actually quite simple as long as you remember the following guidelines:

1. Stand beside the bike and check the seat height. The seats must be at your hip level.
2. Try the pedals. When pushing down to its lowest position, your knees should only be slightly bent.
3. The handlebars should be far enough that your arms are only slightly bent when holding them.
4. Beginners can elevate the handle bars higher to offer them more comfort. As your body gets used to this exercise you can slowly lower the handle bars. Work your way to the point when the handle bars are at the same level as the seat. This is the optimum height the handle bars should be when using the bike but is sometimes too strenuous for beginners.

Setup is easy but to fully gain the maximum benefits of spinning you should also follow the proper posture when doing this exercise. This is the key ingredient to doing a successful spin class routine. Conducting proper sitting posture throughout the exercise might feel difficult at first but remember the old adage, “No pain. No gain.”

Proper Postures

It cannot be stressed enough who important posture is when it comes to exercises. Using this exercise equipment also comes with its own set of rules in regards to conducting a proper workout routine. It is not merely like riding a bicycle, well it is, but you must keep in mind the importance of form or posture to make the most out of every minute.

Using the spin bike focuses on five standard positions:

• Seated Flat – This is the basic form when doing spin class. It is basically your body posture when riding a bicycle. However, it emphasizes on sitting straight and with both arms close together while holding the handle bars.
• Seated Climb – Similar to the Seated Flat but this time around your arms should be wider apart when holding the handle bars.
• Standing Flat – This requires you to pedal while standing with both arms wide apart holding both ends of the handle bars.
• Standing Climb – This also requires you to stand up while pedaling but with both hands holding on the upright part of the handle bars.
• Jumps – You will be alternating between sitting and standing position while keeping your arms wide apart from each other while holding the handle bars.

Final Thoughts and Safety Reminders

When it comes to spin bike exercises it is important to focus on creating fluid and consistent movement. Remember that the pedals should offer some resistance. Do not try to push your body to its limits by going straight to the fastest speed. You should also avoid excessive upper body movement when using the spin bike as it might be counterproductive and could cause some harm. Take it slow and steady and you will be able to not only make the most out of spinning but also enjoy every minute of it.

Are you interested in purchasing workout equipment and already have an eye on cycling as your main form exercise? If so, you might have already heard of the spin bike, you may have also heard about bike trainers as well. As a beginner in this field, you might get confused by this two exercise machines that may look similar but can be quite different from each other in terms application and benefits. To help you get a good grasp about these two popular workout equipments we will discuss the differences between the two and the strengths and weaknesses each present.

Bike Trainer Advantages

Affordability – One of the biggest draws of a bike trainer is its low cost. You can purchase secondhand equipment at around $100 while brand new ones are available at $200 to $600 tops. You can also find modern bike trainers which uses computerized controls a little over $1,000. This makes it ideal for those looking to save some cash.

Comfort – As you will be using your own bicycle you can expect the experience of using a trainer to be quite comfortable. Your bike will already be adjusted to fit your seat height, arm length and stem length, Fact of the matter is nothing can compare to the comfort of riding your own bike.

Lightweight and Compact – Compared to an indoor bicycle, a bike trainer is a far more space saving option. You can easily fold it and throw it in the back of your van, in your closet or under your bed and can be just as easily set up.

Bike Trainer Disadvantages

Potential Damage to your Bike – These things will clamp down hard on your bike and the chances of it actually chipping the paint on bike’s frame are quite high. There is also the risk of the trainer breaking your quick release levers.

Wear and Tear – Expect your rear wheels to truly take a pounding whenever you are using a bike trainer. In this regard, we suggest you replace the rear wheel with a cheap one whenever you are going to attach the bike trainer.

Spin Bike Advantages

Higher Resistance during Workouts – If you truly need exercise equipment that offers a great workout experience then this indoor bicycle will give you that in spades. While the bike trainer does a relatively good job in helping you in the fitness department, it lacks the resistance that can really put your body to work. If what you need is optimum results in a short amount of time then the spin bike is your go to equipment.

More Calories Burned – You can expect to burn off at least 600 to 800 calories per one hour workout sessions on a spin bike. That is significantly more than what you can lose by using a bike trainer.

Access to Spin Classes – This is one of the most popular workout machines today and as such you will find that almost all the gyms today have incorporated this machine. You can enroll on special spin classes that will teach you the best way to use this machine or simply watch videos online if you plan on working out in your home.

Spin Bike Disadvantages

Some Requires Power – Some stationary bikes will require it to be plugged in. These are the ones with the digital readouts and controls. In the instance that there is a blackout then you won’t be able to use this machine to its full potential.

It is Easier to Cheat – Since you have full control of the level of resistance you might get tempted to lowering it which practically makes you session all but fruitless in terms of losing weight.

Final Thoughts

Those are the biggest differences between the two. It will all depend on what you hope to gain. Are you looking for cost effective way to train your body for a marathon? Take the trainer bike. If you are looking for an all around machine that will really give your body a great workout then the spin bike is your go to machine.

Introduction

We all wish to stay healthy and fit always, and getting into the best shape and having the best health is easily achievable these days. If you are wondering how this is possible, well it asks for only a simple investment and that investment is the key to your good health and a fit body. Investing in a spin bike becomes more like investing in your health. In addition to this, you can reap all its benefits at the comfort of your home rather than spending thousands of bucks on gym fee and other health centers.

If you are wondering as to what a spin bike can do to improve your health, here are a few helpful pointers on how to improve your health with the help of a spin bike.

• Warm Up

First things first, you must make sure you get a good warm up before you go in for proper cycling. Often it has been noticed that some people who jump straight into intense workout can experience some discomfort, maybe with their muscles. However, warm-ups before proper workout gets you into a good rhythm and its direct impact lies on your health, making it better than before.

• Easy Progression

One of the things with spin bikes is that it can get many of us excited overs its mechanism where people simply enjoy the pedaling experience. But, as a matter of fact, you must work your way through the challenging levels and progress wisely. The lower impact workouts may not seem like you have worked out enough but while you progress sensibly, it only gets better for your health.

• Target Strength Moves

A spin bike is not all about cycling and toning your lower body, you can get a full body workout with such bikes. In fact, one of the reasons why people opt for spin bikes is because they get the much-needed workout for their entire body, and in turn improvises their overall health as well. Thus, make sure you work on your arms, abdominal and back muscles to keep them fit as well.

• Enhance Cardiovascular Activity

While you are busy pedaling, not many realize that you are in turn aiding your cardiovascular system as well, allowing it to become healthier. In fact, for people who have problems with their lungs and heart, and need good cardio exercise, they are recommended to opt for a spin bike to benefit this aspect of their health. It enhances your breathing and pulse rate leading better and improved heart and lung functioning.

• Make Sure You Use the Adjustability Feature

Every model and design comes with their own set of features and the reason why they instill the adjustability feature because they want every user to workout at their own comfort. Something as simple as a seat needs to be adjusted as per your comfort, so that you do not strain your back and face any health concerns. While the idea is to improve your health, make sure you use the adjustability features to your benefit.

Conclusion

Spin bikes are indeed one of the most useful means to get into the right shape and improve your health as well. While you think you are toning your leg muscles and thighs, you are in turn working on your upper body and most importantly your heart and lungs as well. You breathe well while working out and in turn leading to improvised heart and lung health. As mentioned above, there are multiple reasons why a spin bike is a good means to improve your health. Thus, invest in a spin bike and make the most of it.

Introduction

Kicking start any workout regime for the first time requires basic knowledge about it, and the same applies to spin bike riding. While spin bike exercise is a simple form of exercising, you have to keep some basic pointers in mind before indulging deeply into it. In case, you miss the important details, it can lead to unforeseen circumstances, causing some kind of an injury. Spin bike riding is similar to outdoor cycle riding, but some features on spin bike that can be altered to make your workouts intense and challenging. All you need to do is choose a suitable spin bike for yourself.

• Know About Spinning

It is always wise to start with the basic mechanism or procedure of spinning, allowing you to get a decent insight on what you are getting into. To begin with, spinning is an energy generating process that will allow you to work on not just your lower body but aids upper body movements as well. Spin bike riding allows you to burn your calories and enhance your cardiovascular activity as well. Many people these days are opting for spinning because they get the desired results just by a short time on the bike, rather than investing more time on different exercises.

• Set Up Your Bike

While the bikes come in a dismantled condition, we are expected to set it up with the available tools and doing it correctly is the key. You can ask the supplier to send their technician to do it for you or you can do it yourself provided you run through the instructions on the manual correctly.

• Dress Right

When you opt for any form of exercise, you are expected to dress in an appropriate manner to deliver the much-needed comfort to you during the process. The same theory works for spin bike riding as well, while you are on it, you must ensure that you wear right kind of clothes and most importantly right set of shoes. Opting for any footwear and clothing will not help and can act as a barrier in the entire process of riding.

• Position Yourself Correctly

When you are on a spin bike, you have to make sure you are sitting right as that is amongst the first few things to note. In fact, the feature of adjustable seat exists so that you can adjust the height ensuring you are placed rightly on the seat. Secondly, keep your chest in an open position with shoulders set right, and stretch your arms to the ends of the handlebars to start with the hand and leg coordination. While your legs are paddling, your arms will move as well, this is how your lower as well as upper body can benefit.

• Use the Resistance System Wisely

Riding is fun but many like to work on making it more or less challenging to keep the momentum going, which is why resistance systems are installed in these bikes. But, as a beginner, you must understand that your body needs to get used to such workouts, which is why you must start low and keep it low intense. Over the course of time, you can work your way to make it more challenging.

Conclusion

Spin bikes are very useful in giving your body the much-needed workout, however, as a beginner you need to keep a few points in mind. Right from knowing all about the procedure to keeping a few basic points in mind, you will definitely make the most of such riding. Placing yourself rightly on the bike and by dressing appropriately are a few basic aspects that should not be overlooked.