Exercise bikes are one of the key parts of any commercial or home gym. One of the best types is a spin bike. You may of heard a gym regular mention something about spinning? So what is a spin bike?
A spin bike is a bike that is designed to mimic the movement of a real life bike. Due to how they are used they do not usually have a console built in.
Due to it’s design, a spin bike allows you to sit and stand in your pedals giving you the flexibility for a long sustained cycle or a sprint.
What is a Spin Class
A spin class is a class held at a gym where a fitness instructor has a group of people spend between 45-60 mins on a bike. Music and the encouragement of the instructor allows you to take part in a class that is designed to leave you exhausted by the end.
If you have trouble pushing yourself to the max when training, maybe this is the type of class for you. They usually come free as part of a gym membership.
I like them because you come out feeling like you’ve put in a really good shift. Everyone is there for the same reason and you can make some good friends through spin classes.
If you fancy the sound of a spin class inside the comfort of your own home then there are some solutions. Such as the very popular Peloton.
Key Points
So now that we’ve answered the question of What is a Spin Bike? We can look at the key points of the bike and see if it’s the tool for you.
- It’s very similar to an outdoor bike. Perfect for people who want to train for their outdoor cycling. (See our beginner training plan here!)
- If you enjoy intense short workouts (like Spin classes or the even faster Sprint classes) then a spin bike could be ideal for you.
- There is a big variety in prices, from under $200 all the way up to $2000.
- It can be slightly uncomfortable for long sessions so getting some cycling pants can help!
- Perfect for anyone wanting to lose weight and improve fitness. A good session will guarantee lots of calories burned and a good workout for your leg muscles and heart!
- Lack of console for many bikes makes tracking metrics like heart rate and distance difficult. (You could use a heart rate monitor to track heart rate and calories.)
If you want to see a review of a spin bike, then maybe have a look at our premium choice, a state of the art magnetic spin bike – the Keiser M3i.
Risk of Injury
As the spin bike is designed to be like riding a bicycle the chance for injury is very low. It’s very easy on the joints so you don’t have to worry about messing up your knee, sore ankles or those nasty shin splints runners get.
Like any sport, listen to your body and don’t push yourself way past your limits – that is when you can get injured.
Conclusion
If you want the ability for a workout that is like cycling indoors then a spin bike might be the bike for you. Some other bikes like a stationary bike might be more suitable for people who just want a comfier and slow paced form of exercise.
If you want a solid workout in a short space of time then a Spin bike will be more useful.
If you have trouble motivating yourself then I highly recommend joining a gym and attending their spin classes. You’ll find yourself feeling super proud by the end and you will of burned so many calories.
You’ll be super fit in no time!
