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What Is a Spin Class at the Gym?

Looking for a fun, fast-paced workout that burns serious calories? Gym spin sessions are a great option. Here are some key facts to know before signing up for your first cycling class at the gym.

Discover your new favorite gym workout

Whether your goal is to burn calories, work on your cardiovascular health, or become leaner and stronger, spin classes can help you get there. But what is a spin class at the gym? Below, we’ll answer common questions about this popular workout and explain where you can find a spin session near you.

What is a spin class at the gym? 

Let’s start at the beginning. Spin classes – also called spinning or cycle classes – is a low-impact, high-intensity workout that takes place inside an indoor cycling studio. Cycling-based group workouts are commonly found at gyms, fitness clubs, and spin studios.

When you join a gym spin class, you’ll jump onto a stationary bike and follow your instructor’s lead as they guide you through challenging exercises, such as sprints and climbs – all set to a lively soundtrack of heart-pumping tunes.

Cycling targets all major muscle groups, including your quads, calves, glutes, and core. Like boot camp, cardio classes, or other high-intensity interval training sessions, spin can easily burn hundreds of calories in a single class, most of which last between 45 minutes and an hour. 

What are the different types of gym spin classes?

As indoor cycling sessions have gained popularity, different types of spin classes have started to emerge. For example, Columbia Association (CA) offers a music-driven spin cycle class (called MyMusic) that’s built around today’s top hits, as well as a class that incorporates weightlifting (known as MyCycleStrength) to help attendees get a full body workout from the bike.

CA’s complete offering of spin cardio classes includes: 

• MyCycle
• MyCycleStrength
• MyMusic
• MyRide
• Aqua Spin
• Aqua Spin & Strength

What should I do before joining a cycling class?

Preparing for your first gym spin class? Make sure to bring a water bottle and towel, wear breathable clothing, and eat a small meal about an hour or two before your session begins. 

Also, we recommend coming to class about 10 or 15 minutes before the session starts. This gives you enough time to meet your instructor, learn how to set up and use your bike, and get acquainted with the exercises that you’ll be performing in class. If you’re feeling particularly social, you could also use this time to introduce yourself to your fellow class-goers.

Are gym spin classes the same as studio spin classes?

As we’ve mentioned, some gyms (like CA) have a diverse selection of cycling classes – but are they the same quality that you’d find at a dedicated spin studio? In CA’s case, yes.

We’re proud to host several types of indoor cycling classes every week, including studio-based and pool-based spin sessions. Each of our three Columbia gyms has its own spin studio with state-of-the-art bikes and equipment. Plus, our talented team of qualified fitness instructors will inspire and motivate you, helping you accomplish your fitness goals one ride at a time.