Yes, you read that correctly: spinning class may actually be making you gain weight. Despite the fact that BC’s spinning classes are consistently the most popular of the Plex classes (requiring you to call in advance to reserve your bike), they may be making you gain weight—particularly in your thighs.
According to fitness expert Michael Mantell, as people practice cardio exercises such as spinning, “sixty percent of the weight they lose is fat, and forty percent is muscle.” Such loss of muscle is problematic, “because lean muscle burns more calories per pound, per day, than fat does.” Thus, the best way to lose weight is to implement the 50/50 plan: a balanced ratio between cardio and resistance training. It is essential to exercise all the muscles in your body even after a hot and sweaty spinning class to ensure that you are not losing those muscles.
Of course, spinning helps burn calories, but if that is the only exercise you are doing, you are going to see weight gain. In the short term, spinning is great. But eventually, your thighs will bulk up. To note, Gwyneth Paltrow’s physical trainer, Tracy Anderson, said, “I have women who come into my office after spinning exclusively for six months wondering why they can’t fit into their jeans.” While it feels good to be logging in extra hours at the Plex, doing the same workout over and over again will eventually bore your muscles. Since spinning involves natural muscle movement, your body quickly can begin to slack the workout. Spinning is a fun way to exercise, but be sure to add in that resistance training in order to build new muscles that will keep burning calories even when you’re off the bike.
The key to keeping the calories down and your muscle tone up is to spice up your workout as much as you can!
Photo Source:
http://www.bc.edu/content/bc/offices/rec/about-us/spin.html
Article Sources:
http://www.today.com/health/your-spin-class-addiction-may-be-reason-youre-gaining-weight-2D11899301