Spinning Shoes and All Things Spinning

Hopefully you’re like me and you have realized the exhilaration of a wonderful spinning routine and are interested of the value of spin shoes to enhance your spinning class. After trying nearly every other aerobic types of workout, spinning finally got me started. Getting obsessed on spinning has kept me in the shape I’d like to stay. For me, spin shoes got me hooked.

Although, I thought spin shoes were only for the ‘advanced’ spinners, I soon found out that spinning shoes are a very nice addition to your spinning classes.

One thing I’ve found while raising a dozen kids (ok, 4 kids) is that no matter what activity they are involved in, for some reason the shoes seal the deal. Once you get wrapped up on spinning, your spin shoes are what give you that feeling that all the sudden you are serious about it.

Spinning classes are all the rage right now and for good reasons. Probably what really has taken it to the next level is the ability to lose the last 5 or 10 pounds that most thought were impossible to lose. The targeted heart rates make this possible. It is very easy to adjust your spinning cycle to match the heart rate your instructor tells you is ideal for your workout.

The positives of having spin shoes are the same as they are for the benefits you get with regular cycling shoes on a bicycle.

• Cycling is meant to not only use a down force on the pedal, but an upward pulling motion as well. Clip-in spinning shoes allow this motion. For spinning, this uses muscles you would not normally use without the upstroke. More muscles used means….you guessed it…more calories burned and more weight loss.
• Even though the spinning cycle is stationary, there are safety issues with having feet slip off pedals. Most of these issues are magnified when standing up on the spinning cycle. Clip in spinning shoes secure your feet to the pedals ensuring no pulled muscles, bruised shins, and various other pedaling injuries.
• Spinning shoes are designed with a rigid layer near the balls of your feet to allow maximum power from your legs to reach the pedals.

I had no idea there is a difference between cleats (the part that clips in) from one spinning shoe to the next. But, you’ll find that most spinning bikes have pedals that are designed for the “Shimano SPD” clip-in mechanism. The majority of spinning shoes you’ll find are compatible with the Shimano SPD clip. Many shoes even say so right on the outside of the shoe.

Spinning classes are generally held in a workout club and in conjunction with some other form of workout. I’ve found that the spinning shoes with a standard looking rubber sole double as great shoes for using weight machines and other equipment throughout the gym. You won’t want to run on treadmills with spinning shoes due to the rigid toe. But, do yourself a favor, and look for a pair with rubber soles and with slightly recessed cleats. You’ll be happy you did. You can walk on carpet, tile, and all types of flooring due to the clips on your shoes being slightly recessed.

There is nothing like the feeling of getting in to a workout routine that works for you, is fun, and keeps you going back. Spinning class is that for many people. Remember, spinning shoes are not only for the advanced spinner. They are an excellent addition to your spinning routine at any level.

Most people I know swear by what they are doing. I swear by spinning of course.  They are certain they are doing the exercise that is burning the most calories and it works best for them.  I always have people telling me I should change from spinning to some other form of exercise.

So what is the truth? Am I wasting my time spinning? Is it time to sell the spinning shoes in a garage sale?  Not so quickly.

Everyone can benefit from exercise.  No everyone is perfect for spinning.  Not everyone can box or do aerobics.  By all means, everyone should be doing something.  Not child should be sitting in the couch all night long. Even older people should be doing small things such as arm raises and leg raises while sitting.

But what actually burns the most calories?  Here is a look at what exercises burn what amount of calories for 1 hour of activity:

The winner is….step aerobics. Step aerobics burns about 900 calories every hour.  Very good exercise.  Spinning, running and cycle racing come in a close second. Nearly 800 calories per hour can be burned in any of these exercises.

I prefer spinning over aerobics simply due to control.  I can control my heart rate very easily when spinning.  Workouts can be tailored to hit certain heart rate zones that can provide a variety of benefits.  Although aerobics are a very good exercise, it is more difficult to control your heart rate in to a specific zone.

Again, any exercise is better than no exercise.  If you want the best heart rate control in a class that is really enjoyable, spinning is your answer.