Cycle, or ‘Spin’ as it’s also known, is a high-intensity low-impact workout done on exercise bikes which helps to support your heart health, endurance, lower body strength and coordination. No matter how many miles you put in, one thing’s for sure: when you sign up to a spin class, you’re going to get sweaty.  

Here’s everything you need to know to decide if Cycle is right for you.  

What are the benefits of Cycle? 

As a cardio exercise, Cycle is just as good for you as brisk walking, running and swimming when it comes to the benefits for your cardiovascular system. It strengthens your heart muscles, lowers your blood pressure and can reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 50%.*  

But it does all that without impacting your joints. Because you’re seated on a stationary cycling bike for the majority of your ride and you’re not sending shocks through your joints, they stay protected for longer, free from excessive wear and tear. So if you’re looking to keep them healthy, this is the class for you.  

Cycle will also help you build up a lot of strength. Not just in your legs either. You’re using your core for stability, your upper body and back for balance and then glutes, quads, hamstrings and calf muscles for the rest. This is a full-body workout, don’t be fooled.  

What are the benefits of spin compared to gym workouts? 

The main benefit of Cycle compared to a regular gym workout is that you’re working on cardio and strength building at the same time. In structured classes, you’ll turn up the tempo, breaking into a solid sweat each class. It’s brilliant for releasing endorphins so expect to walk out with a glow and, seeing as you’re cycling in a group, maybe some new friends too.  

What happens in a Virgin Active Cycle class? 

In a Virgin Active Cycle class, we dim the lights, turn up the tunes and put pedal to the metal. We’ve got three classes to choose from: 

Cycle Foundations 

Cycle Foundations is our go to class if you've never stepped on an exercise bike before. It’s all about grooving to your own rhythm while getting to grips with proper cycling technique. 

Cycle Tempo  

Cycle Tempo turns things up a little and focuses on good vibes and high energy. You’ll ride to the beat with the help of your instructor and if dancing is your thing, there’s a few upper body moves thrown in there too.  

Cycle Power 

Cycle Power is all about performance and bringing the euphoric highs of riding outdoors into the studio. Track your stats and level them up week-on-week.  

Is Cycle good for beginners?  

Cycle is a classic workout that’s perfect for beginners, especially if you start with a Cycle Foundations class. It’s low impact and easy to learn which means you can get a good workout in, even as you’re getting to grips with the technique.  

Is Cycle right for me? 

If you’re looking for a cardio workout that combines strength, particularly in your lower body, and includes dynamic routines set to music, then this is the class for you. It’s also great for people who want to protect their joints and those who want to build up a serious sweat.  

Ready for your next workout? Check out all the group exercise classes available at Virgin Active.

Not yet a member? Find your nearest club and start your membership today.

FAQs 

What are the benefits of cycling? 

Cycling is great for cardiovascular health, building lower body strength, activating your core stabilisers and giving you a good surge of endorphins.  

What happens in a Virgin Active Cycle class? 

In a Virgin Active Cycle class, having a good time is as important as getting your sweat on. In Cycle Foundations, it’s all about learning the technique, in Cycle Tempo, it’s about riding to the beat and in Cycle Power, it’s about tracking your stats and giving it everything you’ve got.  

*‘Association between active commuting and incident cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality: prospective cohort study’ https://www.bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j1456