Imagine a damage free workout with pumping music and environment suited for a party. Now imagine working out without the worry of traffic, pollutions or even neighbourhood dogs. This is what Indoor Cycling boasts to offer. Popularly known as “Spinning”, it is a high energy cardio workout coupled with endurance training. It brings the pleasure of outdoor cycling, indoors with minor enhancements. Creating a melange of competition, self-improvement, endurance training, heart rate and pulse monitoring along with fitness, has made Indoor Cycling easy to fall in love with it. Some of the best cyclists only have words of praises for it.

Imagine a whole bunch of stationery exercise bikes lined up inside a studio. Riders on each one, spinning the pedals at a pace determined by the trainer, the lights are turned down and a music set to lift your mood, fills the air. What you are witnessing is an indoor cycling class – a cardiovascular, butt-kicking workout. Each session lasts for an average of 30 to 75 minutes and can burn up to 900 calories, all credit to the constant changing body positions, pedal speed and resistance. A real ride of indoor cycling takes you through the simulated feels of climbs, sprints and coasts while tracking mileage, pulse as well as the calories burned. To get your whole body into the fitness move, workouts are even mixed with upper body training, resistant bands or a themed adventure.

No one said that this workout is a ride in the park. But it definitely guarantees a magnitude of health benefits:

·         Upping your oxygen retaining power

·         Toning up muscles

·         Working your quads, hamstrings, glutes, calves and core

·         Shed all the unwanted weight

·         Potentially ward of migraines

“An injury free workout – cycling! An what is better than making it pollution free as well” – Baqar Nasser

This rising star in fitness was brought into India by Baqar Nasser – A world renowned cyclist, with several medals to his credit, with the brand Topspin in 2003. An indoor cycling program which is done at various speeds to maintain a certain level of heart rate with pumping music, psychedelic laser lights and an electrifying atmosphere, that falls nowhere lesser than a lounge. The trainer looks after the individual’s exercise while maintaining a choreographed synchronization in class.

This energy filled workout, has some pointers to it as well. Whether you’re a spin class newbie or simply brushing up on the etiquette, here are some tips for a successful joyride:

·         The body will definitely work up on your sweat, so throw on some of the best moisture resistant clothes that can help you stay cool and dry

·         Create a perfect fit of the bike, adjust it to the optimum height. The right height on the seat is when one leg is at a 30 degree angle at the bottom of the pedal stroke

·         Know your workout numbers, heart rate count and oxygen count at the tip of your tongue

·         Towel is a must to keep your sweaty self at bay

Indoor Cycling or fondly known as Spinning puts things in full gear with its awesome tunes, control over resistance and speed, and overall intensity. Whether you are in Mumbai or Pune. Hop on the nearest bike and give this class a go!