The Hindu
Spinning is a simple workout but extremely strenuous, says SHAILAJA TRIPATHI TANEJA
For one I was absolutely incorrectly attired for the occasion. Dressed in Patiala salwar kameez, the day surprised me with an impromptu spinning session at Kiddy Kaul’s Club Xcell.
Adding to the apprehension was the fact that in my entire life, I have sat on a bicycle just thrice and spinning is all about cycling so what if it is to be done on stationary bikes indoors. “You don’t need to know bicycling to do this work-out and as a child you must have sat at bicycle and that’s enough,” Kiddy, the only certified spinning instructor told me before starting the session and I was relieved.
In the spinning studio full of stationary bikes, Kiddy put on some peppy music and disco lights. Kiddy does this to make her classes fun. Both of us get on our specialised spinning bikes and begin with the first basic position — seated flat which is just a normal biking position, hands in front of you. Kiddy tells me that unlike the usual exercise bike workout, spinning involves variety of movements and speed.
I don’t get it right. In the mirror, I can see myself in a strange position but Kiddy lets me be since it’s my first session. Kiddy tells me not to exert pressure on my knees but on the waist instead and I am doing just the opposite. “You are getting it there,” she says encouragingly.
Not getting it right, I return to the first position and pedal slowly. One can vary his/her pace. You can pedal as fast as you can and sometimes you can pedal slowly. In the third position, we come a little forward and pedal.
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Every spinning bike has a tension knob through which you can increase or decrease resistance. In standing position, as I turn it clock-wise, I can feel tension in the wheels. The bicycle gets heavier which automatically reduces my pace. This is called standing climb. “Spinning is a challenging workout. We simulate conditions similar to the ones you encounter when on the road.
When you increase resistance, you actually feel, you are climbing up a slope or a hill,” explains Kiddy. It is actually the second position that I haven’t been able to get till now with resistance factor added to it. Kiddy puts on a slow track. “Spinning is a complete mind-body workout. Though, it’s a group activity, it allows you to get into your own space. Sometimes, I ask people to close their eyes and put on a soft number and everyone drifts into a trance,” she says. Voila! I finally get it. Receiving a thumbs up from Kiddy, I increase my pace.
One should not get carried away and go beyond his/her capacity. Spinning burns 800 calories. Bollywood actor Amisha Patel’s new slim look is being attributed to spinning. It works your heart, core muscles and lower body. A person of any fitness level from beginner to an elite athlete can do it.
It works just fine for those who are looking for an uncomplicated but challenging work-out. Also, don’t forget the few initial sessions are going to be tough. From my personal experience, I can tell you its after-affects can be felt for days.
(Club Xcell is located at B-7, G.K.-1. For details contact 011-26285248)