I love to run outside and I will do it all year around to avoid the “dreadmill”. Even with the challenging DC weather, there are only a few days that we can’t run outside with proper clothes. As much as I love to run, I also appreciate the benefits of cross training. I’ve learned that I need to keep my running to 3 times a week to avoid injury. In the summertime, you will find me riding my bike to cross train but in the winter I take it indoors.
My favorite way to cross train in the Winter is indoor cycling.
Top 5 reasons to give indoor cycling a try
1. It’s warm-
You don’t have to worry about dressing in layers or wearing gloves. You just need to get there.
2. Minimal equipment needed
Sure having cycling shoes and shorts helps but they are entirely optional. All you really need is your water and a towel.
3. It’s social!
You all know that I love to run with my BRF’s but we also like to spin together. Having friends to go with makes it so much more fun.
4. Low impact Cardio & Psychological benefits: You are getting 45-60 min of pure cardio & increasing the strength of your heart and lung capacity. Your metabolism is increasing by the moment. There is no impact so great for runners. The psychological benefit of endorphins rushing through your body is a great stress reliever.
5. Sweaty Mess-How else can you burn 600-800 calories while sitting on your ass?! I love leaving class dripping in sweat and feeling great.
I’m linking up with Cynthia, Mar & Courtney 
and Jill so please check them out 
What do you like to do in the winter? Do you change it up?
I used to love teaching spin class. When I took a new job I had to quit. I miss it. I need to get back into it. It is a great workout. I would always say if you are not leaving the class dripping with sweat, you are not working hard enough.
I used to teach too! I loved it until you just kind of get burned out. It’s a great workout
Ooooh I like the last point, but i am not sure the rest of them can convince me. I think indoor cycling is my least favorite exercise in the world! Hopefulyl I do not need to come across that situation, and can just keep running. I would rather brave the storms 😛 BUT I give you HUGE kudos for this, and I can see why you enjoy it….maybe I just need some cycling buddies 🙂
Really you don’t like it at all? What do you do on your off days? I can’t run that many days a week although I’d like to. And yes you need friends to join you!
The only time I cycle is when I’m injured. I think I would enjoy it with a buddy though!
It’s much more fun with friends and great cross training 🙂
I love spin classes but haven’t been to one in years (since I started running more seriously). I would love to start going again. You’ve inspired me!
ha ha thanks! We all need to cross train right?
I love cycling as well, especially when its an instructor with a playlist you will like. Hot yoga is also a nice winter activity (for the obvious haha).
Hot yoga is my other fave-I couldn’t decide which to write about. You’re right the music selection makes a huge difference in whether the class is good
When I read the title, this was my answer! So glad I discovered spinning!
It is a great cross training activity isn’t it?
LOVE indoor spin. If I had unlimited funds, that would be a biweekly occurence for me! Have a great weekend!
Thanks you too! Spin is a great way to cross train. It is pricey at some of the private studios. I’m thinking of joining back the gym just to get the spin classes in this winter.
Love love indoor cycling. Probably the only thing I miss a home gym. Have a fabulous Friday friend!
You too! I don’t like riding the bike myself-I need the class and the music and someone yelling at me 🙂
I have been steady with my yoga class and I am loving it but maybe I need to add a cycling class. I will have to recruit a friend because it looks painful! My ass is not built for a bicycle my friend!!!! LOL! TGIF!
It does take a little to get used to the seat. I wear padded indoor cycling shorts. Always more fun to go with friends.
I follow the same 3 day a week plan. It has worked well for me for years!
Awesome! I have to change this up a bit in the winter since I don’t like to ride my bike outside when it is so cold.
I’m a certified spin instructor and I absolutely LOVE to spin! It’s such a great compliment to a runner’s training too!
I’m actually asking for a Spinner bike for the house for Christmas.
have a great weekend!!!
I taught for a few years too and loved it! I got kind of burnt out and needed a break. It’s a lot of work to come up with new classes all the time
I’ve always thought that looks like a great workout (especially when really cold or really hot) but would need to find a good place to go for the social aspect.
It’s all about the social aspect for me! I love working out with my friends.
I love spin classes! I haven’t been to one in a long time, but it really is perfect for the winter. I really want to run outside but the dark, cold mornings have been deterring me.
ugh it is getting kind of dark and dreary out there isn’t it? I need to cross train so spinning is perfect for me. Happy Friday!
I’m having a little work injury set back this week, and I was literally sitting here a few minutes ago thinking I should break out the bike. Although I’d love to try a spin class sometime, maybe I should go to the fitness center today and see if they have any classes I can afford right now while I am taking a few days off activity on my feet:)
When I had my stress fracture last year I did tons of spinning. It’s a great way to get it done without impact. hope you are feeling better soon
I keep it simple and usually just use the treadmill. The small “fitness center” that I have access to doesn’t have the spin bikes. I also incorporate weight training and pilates! I would love to try a spin class some day!
I love doing my strength training too. I can’t run everyday so I need to get that sweat on in other ways.
Ah it’s a great workout! Spin and body combat are my two favorite classes to go to at the gym!
We have body combat too but I haen’t tried it yet. I think I will like it-need more time!
I was soooo intimidated when i went to my first spin class! But now i love it and yes, it’s awesome as a winter workout. That said, I need to get back to mine!
yes go right now! LOL
I really loved the spin class I took last month! I am definitely going back, it was a great workout!
It is isn’t it? It is a nice way to cross train for me so I don’t run too much and it certainly kept me in shape when I was injured.
Love that bad a$$ feeling too after a hard workout.
Me too! It’s the best love to be covered in sweat
Spinning has always been something I wanted to try– ! I plan to get into it post baby if time allows. The Dailey Method where I was doing regular barre classes pre massive belly offers a Dailey Spin where you do barre for 30 minutes and spin for 30– it could be a great way for me to get into it!
That spin/barre combo sounds like a great class. Hope you check it out. I am sure you will bounce back in no time at all.
I wish I loved spin–I tried it earlier this year and found it to be difficult and painful. Maybe if I had padded shorts? I’ll have to try it again. I do like the group motivation aspect of it!
My favorite winter workout is downhill skiing, although that’s not really a workout unless I’m skiing in deep, ungroomed snow, or in the bumps… which doesn’t happen very often because I don’t want to get hurt and ruin my marathon training. 🙂
Skiing is a great workout. I used to love it until I had little accident 10 years ago requiring surgery. Sorry your spin class wasn’t good for you-sometimes it is simply having someone help you set the bike up correctly for you.
I haven’t tried a Spin class yet but I’m sure it’s great! I like indoor workouts too and follow DVDs.
I need to have someone yelling at me to go faster and harder!
Love a good spin class!
It’s a great winter workout and an awesome way to sweat it out with friends
oh indoor cycling:) such a love/hate relationship haha
It’s such a good workout though huh?
I love indoor cycling, especially spinning. I don’t get to do it much because I don’t belong to a health club. The crossfit box where I train has a computrainer class and I’ve done that a few winters. I met one of my friends there, Sandy, who was training for an Ironman. I credit her with my pursuit of endurance! She’s so inspiring!
I’ve thought about doing the compu trainer but it doesn’t seem as fun
I generally keep my running to three times a week too. I still haven’t tried a spin class, I’ve got to give it a try!
oh you should! It’s a great workout without the impact. You have to find someone who has music you like.
I’ve not thought of trying indoor cycling, but I am in need of some low impact cardio…
It’s such a great workout! Find a class with music you like and go for it!
I have yet to actually push myself hard on my spin bike. Don’t get me wrong, I love having it to cross-train on, but I really need to pull up an intensive spin workout on my laptop, and follow along.
I am not so good at doing it on my own with my bike I need to be pushed in a class.
Ooh I have a love/hate relationship with spin. So good that you found a winter indoor activity you love though! #wowlinkup
It’s a great way to burn a ton of calories while not running.
I’m getting an error message when I try to go to your blog?
Love these reasons! I went to a cycling class recently and was so jazzed up about it, I love classes. I need to start getting to the one at my gym more often again!
I know I saw your Soul Cycle post. It is just a little too far for me to go on a regular basis. It’s really expensive too huh?
I’ve thought about giving cycling a try, especially with my hip injury! I have to see my PT this week and then I’ll know if I’m cleared for that. But it seems like a great low impact workout that, like you said, helps with lung capacity and cardio!
When I was recovering from my injury last winter, spinning saved me from losing my mind. Hope you check it out
You know how I feel about spinning….LOVE, great workout!
me too! Always a sweat fest.