Have you been wondering why indoor cycling is so popular? People who take the classes can’t seem to stop talking about how pumped they feel once they leave, and it’s for a good reason—indoor cycling classes can boost your physical and mental fitness. If you’re interested in taking indoor cycling classes near you in Southern California, you should know all about the physical and mental benefits you can receive from indoor cycling.
The Physical Benefits of Indoor Cycling Classes
Contrary to popular belief, the world of indoor cycling isn’t just about fancy bikes and overzealous fitness addicts. Cycling classes are a great form of low-impact, high-intensity cardio. As you consider signing up for an indoor cycling class in SoCal, learn more about the main physical benefits below:
- Reduced strain on your knees: Many weight-bearing cardio exercises like running can put a lot of strain on your joints. Because cycling is non-weight-bearing, you are at low risk for injury, and it’s easier on the knees than running. As joints go, the knees are usually the first to show signs of aging, so any workout that allows you to get the heart pumping without putting stress on the joints is welcome.
- Increased fat and calorie burn: Indoor cyclists also burn a significant amount of fat in a short period of time. The intensity of the workout leads to it being a rapid calorie burner, which is needed for weight loss. Short and sudden bursts of energy are required in this exercise, which means an increase in your stamina, speed, and endurance. And, because you maintain a high heart rate during the workout, cycling improves cardiovascular health.
- Improved cardiac and pulmonary function: Speaking of the heart, did you know that indoor cycling also improves cardiac and pulmonary function? When the heart beats faster, it starts pumping more blood, and you begin breathing more air in and out. Essentially, you’re training your heart and lungs to work more efficiently, thus improving their overall condition.
- Lowered risk of certain health conditions: Once you get into the groove of a regular cycling routine, your risk for heart disease decreases. If type 2 diabetes is a concern, then hopping on a bike frequently will reduce the chances of it developing. Cycling lowers the LDL or “bad” cholesterol and raises HDL, the “good” cholesterol levels, resulting in a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Greater lower body strength: Have you been searching for an exercise that will sculpt your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves? Are you looking to develop toned, well-defined legs and reduce cellulite? Then indoor cycling is the way to go. The constant and consistent pushing and pulling your legs go through while pedaling will increase your lower body strength and make small movements like standing from a sitting position or squatting to pick up something you’ve dropped much easier.
- Decreased stiffness in the back: If you’re looking for a way to improve your posture, the answer is indoor cycling. Stiffness is usually the cause of bad posture, but cycling can help correct this issue. When you take a cycling class and adjust the bike so your form is right, you’ll position your back correctly and keep the muscles loose.
The Mental Health Benefits of Indoor Cycling
"Members often tell us how group fitness classes have not just improved their physical health, but their mental well-being too."
- Ron Hurzog, Gold's Gym SoCal Director of Group Exercise
Did you know your body produces a natural painkiller in response to increased stress or physical pain? They are called endorphins and are secreted by the brain. So what’s the connection to indoor cycling? Well, cycling gives you an endorphin boost, causing you to feel good even after an intense workout. Find out more about the mental benefits of indoor cycling below:
- Reduced stress: The endorphins produced by cycling reduce stress levels and improve your immune system. Many cyclists experience a ‘cycling high’ similar to the euphoric feeling runners have while exercising. Since your blood is pumping through your body at a much faster rate, the good substances secreted by the brain can spread quickly. In addition to endorphins, these substances include dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—all of which can help reduce stress.
- Improved mental health: If you’re experiencing issues with low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety, cycling can help. It’s one of the most effective exercises for improving these conditions, and the community aspect of cycling classes can also help. Additionally, cycling helps memory function as the exercise builds new brain cells.
- Greater calm: The calming effect cycling has on your brain puts you in a relaxed state, which is why many use cycling as a form of meditation. They focus on their movements and breathing as a mindfulness and awareness practice. During the ride and afterward, cyclists who use cycling as a meditative practice can feel more calm and centered.
Sign Up for an Indoor Cycling Class at Gold’s Gym SoCal
If you want to receive the physical and mental benefits of indoor cycling and are looking for cycling classes near you in Southern California, Gold’s Gym can help. With our many Gold’s Gym SoCal locations and group exercise classes, we’re confident you can find a Gold’s Gold gym close to your SoCal home. Click here to find your local club, and you can check out their class schedule, check membership pricing, and request a Trial Pass to try our club for free! Please note not all clubs offer cycling classes.
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