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I like spin class. But it's included in my gym membership.
When I saw "spin class" I thought it was a how-to for Whirling Dervishes.
Too much PBS TV for me I guess (free OTA TV of course).
Didn't know that stationary bikes had a "class" and was a thing.
THAT's what spin class is? Stationary bikes? I assumed it was some sort of dance-based exercise program like Zumba.
Yes, that's what it is.
I'm not sure how long they've been around, really. I remember starting some time before I was pregnant with my first child, so 10 years ago.
Like Zumba, or boot camp, or any new "class" type thing - when they are fresh and new, they cost $$. Gyms installed spin class rooms, but you had to pay extra - they were not included in your membership. And of course anyone wanting to do the "new thing" would have to pay extra.
I of course always wait until they are "included" in the gym membership. Even my YMCA now has "new" classes (I don't actually know what the latest thing is right now - maybe some water aerobics?) that you pay for. But Zumba, and boot camp, and spin are included.
I actually like spin classes (and so does my husband). Generally my 2x a week at the gym I swim laps, but occasionally sub a spin class (because I get to sleep in an extra 15 minutes).
Advantages:
1. I work out at 5:30 am. It's dark. The spin room has lights.
2. It's a pretty hard workout.
3. Depending on the teacher, it's fun - people and music (I love group fitness, I feed off others). Some teachers do more dance-y things, and some are more "cyclists". I prefer the "cyclists" myself - these are generally men and women who cycle outdoors for fun and race and such. So their classes are like that - you pretend to do a race, or a particular climb, or whatever.
4. No chance of falling off. I did spin during both pregnancies. Only stopping with #2 at 8 months when I simply couldn't climb on the bike anymore. Also, the bike was equipped with a heart rate monitor, which was important for me during pregnancy.