Spin Versus Indoor Cycling - What's the Difference?

Since opening Wholey Fit I've had a lot of people tell me they can't find me when they google 'spin classes'.  (If they googled 'indoor cycling in Kits' I'm second on the list).  The word spin, or spinning is a name that's trademarked and can only be used when describing indoor cycling classes that are done on the actual 'Spinner' bike (I have Keiser bikes so I can't advertise my classes as 'spin' classes).

'Spin' classes and indoor cycling classes are basically the same thing: an instructor lead ride on a stationary bike that's specially designed to mimic an outdoor bike feel.  The classes are set to music and your instructor is there to lead you through a safe and challenging cardio workout that hits your legs just right!  

Unfortunately some people think that 'indoor cycling' is only for serious riders who are looking for technical rides that will improve their outdoor rides.  While there definitely are some indoor cycling classes that do just that (such as iRide at Wholey Fit), there are also many indoor cycling classes (such as any of my other Cycle classes at Wholey Fit) that are just fun, high energy, heart pumping workouts.  We do sprint drills, hill climbing drills and everything in between using music and our enthusiasm to motivate you to keep on pushing!

There are 'Spin' courses and 'Indoor Cycling' courses that instructors take (some studios only hire instructors that have done the 'Spin' course), but there are only so many things you can do on a bike, so what you learn in either course is quite similar - though there definitely are some differences.

The main difference between any class is your instructor.  We all have our own unique styles - some of us are super peppy, some a little on the technical side and some of us just love to provide a new and exciting workout each class and watch our participants get a great workout - as an instructor there's nothing more satisfying than knowing that my participants had a great time in my class and can't wait to come back for more!

So the next time you're looking for a spin studio remember to check out indoor cycling studios too.  Ask if they offer a free trial class (Wholey Fit does) so you can try it out and make sure it's the right fit for you.