Spin for Cardio Benefit and Pilates for Core Strength and Stretches

Who likes Spin/Pilates classes? 

If you want a great combination of cardio exercise from spin, along with core and stretching exercises from Pilates in just one hour, this is the class for you. Men and women ages 18 and up who can get on and off the bike and up and down from the floor can look forward to this great hour of exercise. 

What is a Spin/Pilates class? 

Spin/Pilates is half spin, half Pilates, where you get two great classes in a shorter period of time. You start with a warmup before a shortened spin class. Spin is a sustained cardiovascular activity that is demanding but easy to learn. Most of us learned to ride a freestanding bike when we were young and had good balance. A stationary bike is a safer option away from all the traffic and it can’t fall over. While on the bike, the instructor leads you through sprints and hills. Every participant can adjust the tension of the bike you're on as appropriate for the amount of work you want or need your muscles to do. You also can adjust the cadence of your bike to spin faster or slower, depending on your ability and cardio needs.

After the spin segment that increases your heart rate and warms up your muscles, the other half of the class features Pilates. With Pilates, you'll strengthen your core muscles with floor exercises like planks, rollups, crunches and torso twist variations. Pilates also guides you to stretch your muscles with floor exercises like downward facing dog, cobra stretch, butterfly and an overhead stretch.

Pilates exercises will help you improve your posture and range of motion, increase your flexibility, strengthen your core and protect your back. Improving your core and back makes all other life activities easier and more comfortable. You'll find it easier to lift things to and from a high shelf and your posture will improve. You’ll have better balance and fewer falls. Both spin and Pilates are very appealing to people with any joint issues. Spin is low impact since you’re sitting on a bike. Pilates stretches and mobility movements are also great for your joints.  

The variety of activities requires a lot of motion in many directions, so wear clothes that are easy to move in and absorb sweat. If you have a yoga or exercise mat that you love, bring it. If not, WK Fitness & Wellness Centers have one you can use. You’ll need sensible shoes for spin, but you may want to take off your shoes for Pilates.  

When and where do Spin/Pilates classes meet? 

Spin/Pilates classes are held at WK Fitness & Wellness Centers in Shreveport and Bossier City. Each class meets for 50 minutes one or more times each week, depending on your location. Check the online schedule for location information.  

Why do Spin/Pilates? 

The number one reason to do Spin/Pilates is that you get all the benefits of both classes rolled into one. The number two reason is that this might just be the class that fits into your crazy busy schedule. If that is the case, then you also benefit from all the benefits of both spin and Pilates exercises – two in one is the nature of this class.