Are You Ready for Indoor Cycling?

Indoor cycling classes are unique. What sets them apart from plain stationary cycling is the imagery and motivation provided by the instructors. Participants are led on an exciting road trip with hills, valleys, flat areas and the much awaited finish line. These classes are so popular you often have to reserve your spot well in advance. Before you decide to try one of these incredible classes here's a few tips and questions to ask yourself:

*Am I in shape? Often the intensity of indoor cycling classes is high. You need to be in good cardiovascular conditioning.

*Getting in shape. If you're not quite ready yet that doesn't mean you can't be ready soon. Do some cycling specific training and spend some time on the stationary bike. Do some interval training, which simply means hard-recover, to help prepare you for those hills.

* Wear the proper clothing. Don't show up in sweats or regular running shorts. Invest in some bike shorts which are specially padded to avoid chaffing and discomfort.

*Bring a water bottle. This is definitely a class you can plan on breaking out a sweat.

*Find the appropriate seat height. Your instructor can assist you with this.

* Don't grip the handle bars too tightly as this can increase neck and shoulder tension.

*Exercise at your own pace. There are a lot of hard core enthusiasts in indoor cycling. Don't be intimidated by the high speeds of some of your fellow class mates.

Exertion levels are usually high in indoor cycling classes. Clearly, it's fun, easy to do, effective, low impact and a super workout.

Lanny Schaffer is an Exercise Physiologist and the President of The International Fitness Academy. For more cutting edge fitness and health information go to http//:www.aerobic-exercise-coach.com