GET YOUR BODY MOVING: SHE FLATTENED HER STOMACH WITHSPINNING

APRIL 22ND, 2009
By ADMIN

When Mindi Epstein signed up for a Spinning class at a gym near her home in Evanston, Illinois, she had no idea that it would be so hard—or that it would change her life so much.

Spinning is road cycling brought indoors. It’s done on a specially designed exercise bike and is set to music or a series of visualizations.

“During my first class, I suffered,” Mindi, age 37, laughs. “It was hard work. And the idea of 50 bikes whirring in unison seemed very strange to me.” But somewhere near the end of class, Mindi entered what she calls the zone. “The music and the energy from the other people took over,” she recalls. “I felt so exhilarated that I couldn’t wait to come back for more.”

After about 3 months of Spinning, Mindi became one of the strongest riders in her class. She also began to notice positive changes in her body. “Trouble spots—your hips, your butt, your thighs—aren’t so much trouble anymore,” she says. “In my case, my stomach was always a point of contention. Now, it’s flat.”

Inspired by her success with Spinning, Mindi joined a cycling club. These days, she rides three or four times per week, 35 to 80 ° miles at a time. _ <j§’

With the combination of Spinning and cycling, Mindi has lost two dress sizes in 8 months. In return, she has gained a great attitude. “I know that there isn’t a hill too steep or a road too long for me to ride,” she says. “I’m never so happy as I am when I’m on my bicycle.”

WINNING ACTION

Get in the “zone.” It you’re bored by stationary cycling or if you’re looking for an indoor alternative to road cycling, sign up for a Spinning class. Spinning is a blast! This high-energy activity burns a whopping 535 calories in 45 minutes. As a bonus, it tones your abdominal muscles and trims your butt and thighs. Many gyms and health clubs now offer Spinning classes. Check with those in your area.