If you have taken an indoor cycling or Spinning class you know that it can be the best, most intense experience you ever had in fitness or it can be a long boring hour.  The difference is found in the music, the instructor, or the ambiance. A great instructor is one you connect with and enjoy their style of instruction. You may find the laid back approach more appealing or perhaps you would rather be pushed to your limits by a Drill Sargent type instructor, either way, you can find what you seek at most facilities because each individual is so different and brings that style to their instruction.

Ambiance is really contingent upon the club you go to or you if you cycle at home. A clean room with good air circulation and proper mood lighting is best for an awesome indoor cycling or Spinning experience.

Music is where I feel the difference really shines. A trained instructor may not be your type but you can get by if the music is rocking. A slightly dusty room can be overlooked if you are being motivated by a spectacular tune. Studies have shown that music moves us to work out  harder. Tests were conducted during fitness sessions with and without music and the results were conclusive, when there is a mood altering piece of music playing you will increase your intensity. Of course it has to be music you like so you need to find a Spin teacher with your musical taste.

Some favorite Spinning songs are:

•    James Blunt – Cry – Slow tempo, excellent for warming up or climbing
•    OAR - Shattered (Turn the Car Around) – Love this one, excellent for faster tempo climb and break aways
•    All American Rejects - Gives You Hell – Good tempo but slow enough for a strong climb
•    Limp Bizkit – Rollin' – Great for you rock music lovers, loud and motivating but definitely heavy if you are not a rocker
•    Lady GaGa - Poker Face – Good song for fast work or jumping because of its catchy melody
•    Shinedown – Second Chance – Nice tempo, good melody, good for slight incline
•    The Fray – You Found Me – Good for a recovery after an intense sprint or run up a hill
•    Foo Fighters -The Pretender -This song is excellent because it has so many beat changes, great for hills and watch the end for a last surprise sprint