Let’s face it, not everyone is a runner.
Maybe you’re nursing an injury or are new to exercise. Maybe you just don’t enjoy running.
Luckily, there are many other fitness options available, including spin classes.
“It works your cardiovascular system,” said Tracy Thorogood, a spin instructor at Lifestyles Fitness and Wellness Centre, located at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre. “We have a good population of people who want to do a group exercise class that doesn’t involve a bunch of running. It’s high-intensity training, but it’s low impact.”
At its core, spinning is an indoor cycling session aboard a stationary bike.
An instructor is present to guide participants through the paces, but intensity is determined manually by whoever is on the bike.
The custom-designed intensity ensures participants work up a sweat without feeling overwhelmed by the workload, said Thorogood.
There is a wide range of spin classes available, many of which have participants jumping on and off the bike for a varied workout.
In Thorogood’s spin class, H.I.T. Spin and Fusion, integrates yoga into the 75-minute workout.
“Sure, you can take a spin class for a full hour but, for someone who is new to spinning, that’s a long time to be seating on a bike seat,” she laughed.
“At this facility, we have free use of the track, the mezzanine and the stairs in the arena. We use it as an opportunity to add more varied training.”
For new gym goers, a fitness class like spin may be an un-intimidating way to take their first steps into the sweaty setting, said Thorogood.
With 12 bikes in the room — and two more on the way — classes are small and intimate.
For more information about spin classes offered at Lifestyles Fitness and Wellness Centre, call 403-851-0934.
