I teach Spinning at Gold’s Gym on the weekends, and I love it! I’ve been a certified cycle instructor since December 2006, and received an additional Spinning certification this past May.
What’s the difference between indoor cycle and Spinning, you ask? Good question. They are very similar, but have differences. I like to compare it to Kleenex. All Kleenex are tissues, but not all tissues are Kleenex. Spinning is a branded name, and is actually the original indoor cycle fitness program (created by Johnny G). It is one of the most recognized names in indoor cycling. According to my manual, it is taught by over 130,000 certified instructors and thousands of facilities in 80 countries worldwide. Similar to the other certifications out there, Spinning instructors have a specific format and method to follow. Other certifications in indoor cycle include: AFAA, M3 Trainer, Cycle Reebok with Robert Sherman, and Les Mills’ RPM, and more.
I keep a cycle listserv for my class so that I am able to keep students posted on my personal cycle schedule, as well as any updates in the cycle world. I find that “Ride On” (a monthly email Spinning resource) provides me with great articles that I can send out to my students. It is very interesting and informative from teaching proper bike setup to explaining how to beat the heat.
I highly recommend giving indoor cycle a try! You never know, you might get hooked. I fell upon it during my sophomore year at Boston College. As much as I love BC, I do have to say that their fitness facility (nicknamed The Plex) was extremely lacking. With no sign-up system in place and few cardio machines (something every girl needs!), it was nearly impossible to get a good workout in within a decent amount of time. With so much homework, studying, and extra-curricular activities, I didn’t have time to watch others work out while I stand and wait for a machine. I discovered that The Plex offered indoor cycle classes, in which you could sign up ahead of time and be guarenteed a bike. I thought this would be perfect…1 hour of cardio, and I’m done. It was so much more than that! My first cycle class was so challenging. I was covered in sweat. But I loved it! The one hour class flew by, and I realized this is something I want to get really involved in.
In case you are still wondering what indoor cycling is really about, here is a good video clip to give you an idea. As you can see, the combination of music, atmosphere (usually black lights or a fairly dark room), and instructor really contribute to the mood and the overall experience for the cyclist.
