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A spinning bike program simulates road conditions and terrain changes on a stationary bike. An article on Ehow.com said that spin bikes originated in 1994, and since then have been snapped up in more than 80 countries around the world.
Pedaling a spinning bike will build your endurance if you work at it regularly. It will also increase your heart rate which will provide cardiovascular benefits. You will find yourself breathing harder which will benefit your lungs.
At the same time that you are giving yourself a workout, your body will be thanking you that it's a low-impact workout. Many people who used to run or jog, or who used ellipticals, treadmills or stair steppers have been happy to turn their attention to the spinning bike. Your knees and feet will not be put under the same strain and pressure with the spin bike, and people with arthritis will be better able to use this piece of equipment.
Your abdominal muscles will be strengthened by the upper body workout. Your central abs and your obliques will benefit. Legs, calves, hamstrings and thighs will be strengthened.
If the idea of riding a bike indoors, without the breezes and changing scenery sounds boring to you, there are ways around this. If you're at home, you can place your spinning bike in a location that allows you to look outside or watch TV. If you're in a gym, and you have a TV in view while you pedal, your problems with boredom are over.
Any exercise program requires observance of sensible safety precautions. It's always a good idea to begin any exercise program at your doctor's office. If you are older than 35 years of age, if you are pregnant or if you are in poor health, spin biking may be contraindicated. If you are new to exercise, proceed gently and carefully.
If you have a bike at home, before you climb onboard, make sure everything is secure, to the last nut and bolt. Make sure that the surface under your bike is solid and level. Your handlebars and seat should be adjusted so they are a proper fit for you, to protect you from hurting yourself. This will also make it possible for you to get the most out of your workout.
You are in control of the level of difficulty you'll deal with on your spinning bike as you set the level on your bike's resistance control knob. You will probably start at a gentler resistance in the beginning, and gradually increase your resistance level as you have continued to train over time.
Jody Smith is a freelance writer for EmpowHER.com.
Sources:
Spin Bike General Safety
http://www.ehow.com/about_7219769_spin-bike-general-safety.html
Ten Benefits of Spinning Exercises
http://www.coloradoadventure.com/node/945
Related Links:
An In-Depth look At Exercise Bikes
http://www.empowher.com/obesity/content/depth-look-exercise-bikes
Find the Best Fitness Routine for You
http://www.empowher.com/fitness/content/find-best-fitness-routine-you
Baby Boomers Set Sights On Fitness
http://www.empowher.com/fitness/content/baby-boomers-set-sights-fitness
