13 Benefits Of Spinning For Your Physical And Mental Health
Nobody doubts that physical exercise is good for our health. In the last decade, gyms have been gaining more and more popularity, and although the goal of some is to improve body aesthetics, practicing physical exercise is a healthy habit as long as it does not become an addiction. Did you know that there are people who are addicted to running? You can read the article “Runnorexia”: the modern running addiction” to learn more.
In sports centers, a new trend has taken off and its practice has proliferated in recent times: It is “spinning”, an indoor cycling method which provides a series of benefits, both physical and psychological.
Three days after arriving in the United States from South Africa in 1979, Johnny Goldberg was the victim of a robbery at a Santa Monica hotel where he was staying. Virtually penniless due to the incident, he found himself out of work. Johnny Goldberg, better known as Johnny G today, persuaded the owners of a gym to give him the opportunity to work as a personal trainer, as he had been a personal trainer for years at a gym in Johannesburg. He was lucky! And shortly after arriving in the US he was already working on what he liked.
When his situation had stabilized, He began practicing cross-country, a specialty of mountain biking, and competed in several events. Goldberg spent hours and hours in his garage doing workouts with his bike on a roller; However, this method seemed boring to him. To motivate himself, he played music to make his workouts more enjoyable and fun. He noticed that his physical condition improved at the same time that he was having a good time and he mentioned it to his friends, who began to meet in his garage and all trained together to the rhythm of the music.
But Goldberg found fault with the trainer, so, in 1997, he had a stationary bicycle built similar to the bicycle he used for competitions, which he would call the “sprinter.” This is how this fitness phenomenon was born which quickly spread throughout the entire West Coast of the United States, and eventually to the rest of the planet.
Aerobic or anaerobic training?
Spinning is an activity that is done in a group and that is directed by a monitor. This training program is carried out on stationary bicycles, which are different from the classic stationary bicycle, as it has an inertia disc that means that, even if we stop pedaling, it continues moving. This feature helps make pedaling more natural and prevents our knee from getting stuck when pushing.
It is common to talk about spinning as an aerobic work; However, sessions of this sport may contain cardiovascular resistance work, speed training and interval work, so anaerobic training is also part of this method
Spinning is engaging, mainly because you sweat and work a lot, it is fun and motivating, each person regulates their resistance depending on their physical condition and the movement is quite mechanical and simple, unlike what a step or step session can be. aerobics.
The benefits of spinning
If you are thinking about starting this practice, pay attention to the following lines. Below you can find a list of the 13 benefits of spinning.
1. Low impact on joints
Spinning is considered a low impact sport, so it is possible to benefit from training without the joints or knees suffering. Its practice is even recommended for those people who suffer from arthritis, according to a study carried out by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
2. Reduces the risk of injury
Unlike, for example, running on asphalt or practicing CrossFit, low-impact modalities are less likely to cause injuries. Studies show that these types of activities are still just as beneficial for improving fitness levels, cardiovascular health or improving sleep quality. Furthermore, being an exercise with a repetitive movement pattern, It is safer than other guided classes such as aerobics
A good way to make your heart work healthier is by spinning. Studies show that helps improve cardiovascular fitness considerably and, in addition, strengthens our vital organ, improves heart rate and reduces blood pressure.
4. Reduces stress
Spinning helps reduce stress and relieve tension, so It is ideal to practice it after a hard day of work Likewise, like any form of physical exercise, daily spinning reduces levels of cortisol, a hormone that is released in response to stress. This sports practice improves our body’s ability to deal with tension and the negative consequences of this phenomenon.
5. Helps lose fat
spinning It is an ideal workout to burn calories, because depending on the intensity it is possible to burn up to 700 kcal in one session. In addition, interval training causes us to not only burn calories during the session, but also after exercise.
6. Increases self-esteem
Physical exercise can make you feel good and help you look better, which means that the perception you have of yourself will be positive and, consequently, can increase your self-esteem. According to the First Barometer on Movement in Spain carried out by ‘Rexona, physical exercise makes us feel physically good and allows us to feel more secure and confident. Of course, without obsessing.
7. Produces happiness chemicals
Spinning releases a series of chemicals in our brain, like endorphins or serotonin Endorphins are responsible for making us feel energetic and lively after playing sports; and low serotonin levels are associated with depression and negative moods. Studies show that physical exercise increases levels of these neurochemicals.
8. Helps you sleep better
Serotonin not only improves mood, but promotes the production of melatonin, which is the hormone related to sleep. Therefore, practicing physical exercise also helps you sleep better, as revealed by a study from Duke University. Thanks to spinning, we achieve a peaceful sleep and we will improve its quality and quantity. Of course, it is advisable not to practice it shortly before going to sleep.
Spinning strengthens the immune system and protects against certain types of cancer. A group of researchers found that sports practice increases the number of cells in the body’s immune system and although the effect is only temporary, regular physical exercise protects against viruses and bacteria that can cause complications for our health.
10. Improves resistance
Although many factors influence sports performance, it is evident that endurance plays an important role in sport. Being an interval training, spinning improves both aerobic and anaerobic resistance Even if you are not an athlete, you will notice this in everyday life, for example, when climbing stairs or walking to work, as you will be less tired.
11. Tones legs, glutes and abs
In spinning sessions you not only work on resistance, but also also improves muscle tone, especially in the core, glutes and legs area. When we increase the resistance on the bicycle, the same effort is made as if we were going up a hill, which favors the development of the muscles in these areas.
12. Improves interpersonal relationships
Spinning is done in a group, something that can be very motivating. Besides, This is a good opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. As our self-confidence improves and we have more contact with some people, the more we relate. The music of the spinning classes and the fun, active atmosphere stimulate social relationships.
13. Strengthens bones and joints
With spinning, not only will some muscles such as the glutes or hamstrings be strengthened, but the bones, tendons and ligaments that surround these muscles will also be strengthened. This is also positive if other sports are practiced as it reduces the risk of injuries.
