What is a Spinning workout?

Spinning is the trademarked name for the original indoor cycling class workout. Invented by Johhny G, former professional road cyclist and martial arts black belt, in the 1980's, it soon became quite the aerobic training rage at fitness centers around the USA. Of course, a slew of similar indoor cycling workouts ensued. While they cannot legally be referred to as Spinning, most people tend to use the term to describe any such workout, just as most people refer to a facial tissue as a Kleenex.

The Spinning workouts use exercise bikes specially designed for the rigors of hard workouts. The heart rate based workouts integrate music, camaraderie and visualization in a complete mind/body exercise program and may emphasize endurance, sprinting, intervals, strength, or a number of other fitness goals. It's said that participants in a 40 minute class burn an average of 500 calories.

While the majority of people who participate in Spinning workouts do so in an organized class in a commercial setting, a growing number of exercisers are purchasing the spinning bikes for their own home gym, as they usually feature a durable heavy duty construction, but are still easily moveable due to attached wheels. While the bikes are adjustable, the basic position approximates that of a road racing cyclist.