Stationary Bike

Spinning is a trademarked name (not all indoor cycling classes are Spinning classes - they have specific guidelines by which a class must adhere, and the instructors must not only be certified but have fulfilled continuing education requirements - Spinning classes cannot be called Spinning classes unless the instructor is a certified Spinning instructor and the location is a certified Spinning location) for indoor cycling. The classes are group classes, typically, (though I once took one as the lone student, just by chance) and take you through various "rides." There are endurance rides, interval rides, strength rides, etc. Each ride takes you through a series of movements that are appropriate for the "terrain," and since you are on your own bike, only you have control over your cadence (how fast your legs are cycling) and the resistance on the bike. (The instructor should never, I repeat, NEVER touch the resistance knob on your bike!) There is a focus on form and heart rate zones to make the ride safe and effective for you. Your heart rate monitor is your best friend during Spinning classes.

As for me, I started Spinning in October and got hooked. I go 4x/week now :happy: Part of that is because I go to a place where they do nothing but Spinning (as opposed to a gym that also has Spinning classes), so the staff is really passionate about it, and the facility is top-notch. It's not cheap, but we work it into our monthly budget because it makes me happy and keeps me healthy (and so says my husband, I promise!). A lot of times, gyms do have Spinning classes, so you can still take classes without breaking your budget.

I know they have videos you can buy if you have a stationary bike at home (you can purchase Spin bikes for your home, but they can be pricey). If you watch videos to see what Spinning looks like, you'll notice that not every stationary bike will do, but if yours will, you can certainly Spin at home!

Anyway, the Spinning site is pretty comprehensive, so I'll give you the link to the page that explains what Spinning is. However, there are plenty of videos on there so you can actually watch what it is (I think that gives you a better explanation - Josh Taylor is not the creator of Spinning, but he is a Master Instructor and is basically the face of Spinning since its creator retired). http://www.spinning.com/en/about_spinning

I highly recommend Spinning but understand that it's not for everyone. Some people will say, "Oh, Spinning is SOOOOO HARD." Well, yeah, it's hard, but it's only as hard as you make it. You can take it easy if it's not your day to push, or you can go all out and work your butt off. The instructor will advise you not to go over the top (ie, don't push yourself until you are dizzy and/or nauseous), but s/he will encourage you to give 100%.

Enjoy!

Any type of cardio that you do not normally do on a regular basis will aide you in weight loss to a point. Get your heart going anywhere from 105+ and your burning. There are 2 theories as to what range works best - Fat Burn (105-120) or Cardio BURN (+120). Try them both for about 2 weeks each and decide which is best for you.

I ride a bike, and it is good for me. My eating has way more control over my weight loss than my bike does though. Unfortunately, it is really easy to out-eat your exercise.

Yes, I totally agree with this. I once read on here that "you can't out-train your diet." Your eating will get you most of the way there, and working out can only help. I can't remember if it was Jillian Michaels or Bob Harper who said it, but one of them once said that food is something like 90% of weight loss, and exercise is the rest.

I use my stationary bike for 60 mins at a time, i am now between level 2, 3 and 4. i'll do level 4 for a few songs then back down to 3 and so on. I also use my treadmill on days i don't want to bike. i also have weights i use.

i usually just listen to the music tv channel or a cd, tried watching an actual tv show and my intensity was lower than with just plan 'ol music. i know a cd ?, but it works for me:laugh:

Good luck in finding what works for you, slow and steady will get you there to the goal you have set for yourself.

Yes for me a combination of the above has lead me to lose weight.