Spinning is not exactly my favorite activity, but I am convinced that it's hugely helpful to my running. I absolutely believe that every runner will benefit from adding spinning as a means of cross-training. So, here are the benefits:
- Strengthens ankles, all the muscles, tendons, ligaments, the whole ankle, and it moves them in a natural rotational movement.
- Intense workout, yet easy on the joints when compared to running
- Develops faster cadence (turnover). I had my fastest 5k last summer, a few weeks after adding spinning to my workout regimen.
- Great prep for triathlons (helps to maintain bike fitness)
- Cardio workout (This is as intense as a speed workout; therefore, do not do it on an easy day. Let me say that again. DO NOT do it on an easy running day. Do it before or after your longer run - but not your longest weekly run - or after your speed work.)
- Weather (never a consideration)
- The rider is always completely in control of resistance (Oh, the instructor will tell you when to turn the knob to increase the resistance and how much, but, come on, we all know how to fake a turn. I'm not saying to go easy on yourself, but you are in control, and you never have to push yourself to a level beyond what you think is good for you.)
- Builds strength in all leg muscles (A variety of different hand positions change the angle of effort, but most of all, instructors will have you stand while pedaling for prolonged periods, a great way to build quad strength.)
- Burns LOTS of calories, so great for weight loss
- Builds endurance (Personally, I find running 6 miles in an hour much easier, but that's me. Spinning is intense; it pushes me, and that's always good.)
- Motivational instructor (Visit several different class, and find an instructor you like.)
- Camaraderie of group (It's always a group activity. When you find a class you like, you'll look forward to seeing the same people each week and suffering through - oops, I mean challenging yourselves during class.)
- Low impact, no pounding
- Very safe (Last week I tripped while running outdoors in the dark. That makes me appreciate the safety of spinning. It's hard to fall off that spinning bike, and even if I did, the floor is carpeted. That concrete was hard. I still have the skinned knees to prove it.)
If you haven't tried spinning, I'll tell you, that first class is tough, but, you'll improve with every week. I highly recommend a beginner class the first time, but even if you can't arrange that, most instructors will be a great help if you get to class early and tell them that it is your first class. It's very important to get the bike setup correctly, and the instructor will help with that.
Always make sure to bring a full water bottle and drink it all during class. Also, bring a towel; you'll need it.
Then enjoy faster times in your future races.
Comments