As more individuals attempt to lose weight, more and more are participating in indoor cycling classes because they can burn a ton of calories. But there is more it than just weight loss. This is an activity that requires no skill or complicated movements. You can also participate with friends, and an instructor leads the class so you can get the most out of your workout. Not to mention that cycling builds strength as well in the lower part of the body.
What I enjoy about indoor cycling is that you can adjust the intensity to what works for you. No matter what physical condition you are currently in, you can participate in class and not have to worry about keeping up.
One of the big disadvantages with other types of classes, such as aerobics and dancing, is that beginners may fall behind the steps and feel out of place. You tend to focus more on what others are doing instead of getting a good workout. With cycling however, you are on equal footing with everyone else because they bike doesn't move. You can't fall behind the other participants and feel bad because of it.
Throughout the course of an indoor cycling class, the intensity changes. At some points, the instructor will tell you to up the resistance quite a bit, and that will typically be followed to a bit of a recovery period.
While buying your own indoor cycling bike has its advantages too, some would rather workout in a group setting instead of their basement. Pushing yourself during a cycling session isn't always easy, so having an instructor their to motivate you during the tough moments is certainly advantageous.
Instructors can make the activity fun with commentary and playing music that gives you more energy. This type of environment can't really be replicated from home.
On the other hand, some people would rather just exercise from home. You can purchase cycling DVDs that will make the workout more interesting.
One of the downsides of an indoor cycling class is being able to find the time to go. Unfortunately, we can't decide the times that these classes are offered. The benefit of cycling from home is being able to do it whenever most convenient for you.