Spinning classes are all the rage lately, their benefits lauded by everyone from Kelly Ripa and Julia Roberts to Calista Flockhart and Katie Holmes. But what exactly is a spinning class? Is it for you?

While riding a stationary bike may not generally appeal to you, a spinning class is a very different experience from just pedalling on your own. Guided by an experienced instructor in an energized, motivating atmosphere, each class simulates all of the experiences of outdoor cycling with the benefit — especially at this time of year — of being indoors and out of the elements.  A class can provide an up to 800-calorie workout with 40 minutes equalling an hour and a half on the road. The classes combine an endorphin high with group therapy and a mental journey.

Not only are spinning classes ideal for burning calories, they are also a great benefit to your cardiovascular health. Regular spinning classes will help to build muscular endurance; they are also a great way to improve your heart health, lung capacity, and ability to control your breathing, which is instrumental in reducing anxiety. Since you are able to adjust the level of resistance on your bike and since no one knows at what level of resistance you are spinning, the classes are a great way to progress at your own pace without feeling as if you are falling out of step with the rest of the class or embarrassing yourself. For this reason spinning classes are ideal for everyone from beginners to elite athletes, as you are able to control the intensity of your workout on your own by changing the resistance on your bike, your pedal rate, and the position of your body. Your instructor will guide and motivate you through various workout phases from a warm-up, to sprints, climbs, and a cool down, but ultimately it is up to you how hard you push yourself. That having been said, the fast pace and constant change in challenges means that pushing yourself comes much easier than if you were to work out on your own, and it also means that time flies!

Spinning classes don’t just result in shapely, firm, toned legs. The instructors will offer guidance when it comes to position and posture so that you will reap the maximum benefit, and over time you will see your entire body tone up, especially your abs.

Once you start, you won’t want to stop. Spinning is totally addictive. Just ask Kelly Ripa … or anyone else who’s tried it.

Reasonably priced at only $3 for each spinning class, and available at the Coquitlam , Maple Ridge , Delta &  Tsawwassen Fitwells locations, all you’ll need is your usual workout gear, tennis shoes, water bottle and towel.