Made Simple... ... Spinning

The Sunday Age

Sunday November 5, 2006

Alexandra Roginski

The scene in Bridget Jones' Diary where Renee Zellweger famously collapses from her exercise bike is more plausible than you think: a session of group "spinning" or studio-cycling is one of the most punishing ways to burn calories. No wonder then that it's a regular on the training menu of many professional sporting clubs, although anybody can slip into the pedals of an indoor bicycle. Spinning's meteoric rise to popularity over the past five years is tied to its simplicity and adaptability, with the instructor adjusting each bike's resistance to suit the fitness level of each participant in the class.

"Often the instructor will talk about heart-rates and rating yourself from one to 10, so there's not too many risks. It's safe on the knees, so it's good for overweight people because they're not carrying their body weight. It's actually quite a safe class," says Carol Syer, group fitness co-ordinator at Fitness First, Victoria Gardens.

Syer stresses the need to work within reasonable limits on your first visit. And posture is crucial, particularly if you have lower back problems.

Within each 45-minute class, the instructor will tickle your imagination as he or she leads you through a "visualisation ride through a set terrain", with participants tackling geographic challenges such as seated hills, standing hills and flat roads.

Pick shorts that won't gape when you bend your knees up, pack a towel and get set to sweat. -- Alexandra Roginski

WHERE TO TRY

Fitness First RPM classes at various studios. Visit www.fitnessfirst.com.au for nearest location.

Melbourne University Sport, Tin Alley, Parkville Campus. Nine classes each week in the gym's cycling studio. Tel: 8344 5405 or visit www.sports.unimelb.edu.au.

The Arena, 854 Nepean Highway, Hampton East. Three studio-cycling classes each week. Tel: 9555 1320 or visit thearena.com.au.

MIND GYM

MEMORY BANKING

Before you go to sleep each night, slowly and deliberately recall the day's events, using as many vivid details as possible, and working to recall both images and sounds instead of deadlines or squabbles.

What it does The relaxed twilight time just before you go to sleep is the best time of day to register sights and sounds in the brain, making it easier to recall them later.

© 2006 The Sunday Age

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