We know we feel better after spinning. If we are regular, we start seeing the changes in our body. But why?
Well, to understand it better, we decided to share with you a little of the science behind it all.
Aghhh⊠science??! Donât worry, it is really interesting, and I promise, the next time you are on the bike, you will want to crank it up a little more !
Starting with the basics
When we push hard and work our muscles, they break down. The body reacts to this process by rebuilding them bigger and stronger than they were before.
If we want to get better at a sport or improve our training, we need to build more efficient muscles. To do this, we need to push them harder than they are used to working⊠in other words, we âoverloadâ them beyond their comfort zones.
The post-spinning ârecoveryâ period
The body requires a lot of energy to rebuild the muscles. After a big Spinbreak workout, our body will work harder than normal for a couple of days- burning more calories as it refuels and repairs. This is why consistent spinning will help to increase your normal rate of metabolism.
But why do we feel we get more out of spinning than other sports?
It is simple- the muscles we work during a cycling program are the largest in the body. We also work multiple ones at the same time.
The bigger the muscles worked, and the more muscle groups used, the larger the effect on the metabolism. That leads to the good news: the more calories burned! Not just during the workout, but in the hours and days after it⊠Remember: the body takes time to repair and build new muscle.
What muscles are we using?
The main muscle groups used are: the quads, the gluts, the calves, and the core: these are amongst the largest and strongest muscles in the body. Add to this the hamstrings and our core stabilizers, and you have a very active workout.
I want one more layer of detail!
Good! Remember that we âoverloadâ muscles to build them. Spinning takes it a step further than the average sport, because it manages this overload in a very dynamic way: each class is full of different moves and sequences which consistently work lots of different muscles.
For example, during a super-slow, you crank up the resistance for a long, steep climb during which you move to a more anaerobic heart rate, and your fast-twitch muscles fibres (those quick to get tired) get a special workout- which helps you develop fast action advantage- important if you suddenly need to sprint.
Once at the top of the âhillâ, you release the resistance and pedal faster. At this point, you drop back into an aerobic-level heart rate, and your slow-twitch muscle fibers (those which are slower to get tired) get developed, which helps develop your endurance, allowing you to go further without getting so tired.
All this, while at the same time, pushing your cardio vascular system to healthy new levels!
A couple of classes a week will guarantee you results in terms of fat loss and will increase your leg and core strength⊠as well as help you see huge improvements in your levels of cardio.
Indoor Cycling at Spinbreak isnât just about having a fun time; now you know PART of the reason you feel so great! Book your next session- and crank it up each time you come J
1. Â Spinning Shoes
 Donât panic! We have lovely Shimano cycling shoes for you to borrow for each class. You can also buy your own lovely pair in our shop- we provide the SPD clips with each pair you buy. Why do we cycle with SPD clips? A couple of great reasons: firstly, being clipped in to the pedal helps you maintain your leg and knee at the perfect angle, so it helps prevent injury, while properly building up the muscle around your joint. And secondly, it helps you think of one less thing while you are drifting off to the beat of the music. Being clipped in allows you to push and pull on each pedal stroke, and it very quickly becomes an automatic movement.
2. Water Bottles
To stay hydrated, we have opted to stay away from plastics. We provide aluminum water bottles, which are ready and waiting for you at the beginning of each class. Our staff make sure they are cleaned and disinfected after each use; and will be filled with fresh water just before the class starts. Staying properly hydrated is an essential part of your indoor cycling experience. It allows your body to replace the sweat it loses during the session, and helps with the detoxification that takes place after your muscles break down during the workout phase.
3. Your Outfit
For an indoor cycling session, you have to feel comfortable. Chose an outfit in which you feel good and not too hot. Try to use sweat-resistant workout clothes, as these are developed to eliminate heat and moisture created by the body during the workout phase. We sell lovely t-shirts, bras and tank tops at the studio- don’t hesitate to come check them out!
4. Towels
Before starting your class, grab a nice fresh towel that is waiting for you by the entrance to the cycling room. If you are staying for a shower afterwards, we also provide larger ones in the changing rooms.
5. Energy Bars
To make the most out of your Spinbreak session, it is really important to have eaten something in order to have energy during your workout. Don’t forget that you can burn an average of 600 calories- so to optimise this burn, you should be prepared before you workout.
We know it is hard to find a good source of protein and carbs before a session. Look no more! In our travels, we discovered an amazing small local producer in Crete, Greece who makes bio, raw, vegan, natural bars made with honey, chocolate, almond, cranberries, peanuts⊠try the different flavours, we know youâre going to love them!
6. Bring your smile and your good mood
We are here to sweat, to burn calories, to decompress; and we are also here to have a great time together. Our main goal at Spinbreak is to help you unwind, pedal your stress away and have fun with other wonderful Spinbreakers. Come and enjoy the space!
