Soon after joining my local health club late last summer, I began to look for an appropriate cardio workout to help me shed some excess weight that added up over the last few years. My goal was to find something lower impact that I’d enjoy and stay with. At the same time, I knew that my high impact style from 20 years ago was a thing of the past. While I can still jog and climb the Stairmaster, it was important to seek out a lower impact alternative.

A very important consideration for my workout routine was, very frankly, not to hate it! After years of bone jarring jogging and climbing Stairmasters, I knew I could go back to those routines, but I wouldn’t stay with them long term. Yet, it was important to burn fat, develop and maintain cardiovascular fitness, and hopefully enjoy myself at the same time.

A week or so into my membership, I noticed a rather exhausted but seemingly happy group of my fellow health club members exiting an indoor cycling class. After chatting a few of them up about the class, I decided to take part in the next available class the following morning.

The next day, I participated in my very first indoor cycling class. The instructor referred to the class as spin class and announced it to be one hour in duration. Truth be told, that hour flew by. I found the spin class to be challenging, enjoyable, and a very efficient cardio workout. Best of all, months later spin classes are an important part of my fitness routine. I’ve stuck with them, as they are low impact and actually an enjoyable way to spend an hour.

Indoor cycling or spin classes have been around for a while, despite my recent discovery. They are intended for people of all fitness levels and ages, and eliminate any problems associated with excessive impact. A typical one hour spin class workout will burn a few hundred calories as well.

The structure of a spin class is much like any other aerobic class. There is ample time to warm up, reach peak workout levels, and cool down. The main goal is to reach a level of exertion called the fat burning zone, which is dependent on age and heart rate levels. During our class, the levels are closely monitored, which is helpful to know how hard we are (or aren’t) working.

Upon entering class, you’ll adjust your spin bike to your height and comfort level. A spin bike is basically a type of stationary bicycle formatted specifically for these classes. The class is set to music, with slower songs at the beginning and end for warm up and cool down. Music during the bulk of the class is typically high tempo and energetic, designed to encourage higher effort and full benefit of the class.

In talking with other class members, many have pointed out they appreciate being able to work out at their own pace. Instructors are trained to emphasize this point. Part of an instructor’s training is to help motivate the class, while recognizing the varying fitness capacities of participants.

Spin classes have proven to be an ideal addition to my fitness routine, and they’ll likely appeal to you as well. No matter your age or fitnes level, these classes or any type of indoor cycling will give you an excellent cardio workout in a motivated, supportive setting. If you’re looking for a great low impact cardio workout, consider trying a spin class at your local health club. Hopefully you’ll enjoy it as much as I do!