It’s a question that gets asked a lot online, “which is better, outdoor cycling or indoor spinning?”. The truth is that it’s down to personal preference, but there are some key differences in both exercises apart from the simple fact that one is inside and one is outside. In this blog we’ll fly through five key elements to consider when choosing which one is for you. So, let’s jump right in!
Convenience
First and foremost, a key variant between both is the convenience of each. With an outdoor cycle you firstly have to have a bike and helmet, plan a route, potentially hype yourself up for some tough weather conditions, plus more, all before you’ve even began to pedal. With spinning, whether in a class or not, you simply have to adjust your bike accordingly and then hop on for your session. While if you’re in a class, you’ll also have the guidance of an instructor and not have to worry about stopping due to traffic or swerve out of the way of potholes, plus it’s a quick way to to fit in a workout during a busy schedule.
Control
This links in with the above point, as when you are spinning indoors you have more control over your workout than when cycling outdoors. On a spin bike, you choose the intensity, incline, timings, etc of your session, while with an outdoor cycle you have factors that can vary your journey, even if you take the same one daily, such as weather conditions, traffic, and so on. The adjustments you might need are not as easy during an outdoor cycle as when spinning indoors, which allows you to push yourself further or through a more difficult incline whenever you like. This is also the case with a spin class, as the instructor will prompt you when to make adjustments to push yourself, or slow down for a minute, which is simply not an option if you are outdoors and facing a steep hill to climb or far away from your house when it starts to rain but you have to make your way back.
Muscles Worked
Undoubtedly, whichever your preference is, both are extremely good at working your muscles, however, there is a slight difference in the muscles that are usually worked. In outdoor cycling the average person mostly works their lower body and in particular their leg muscles such as the quadriceps, calves, hamstrings, glutes, etc. This is pretty much the same in indoor spinning with the addition of more of an upper body workout due the constant use of the handlebars, especially when taking part in a spin class. So, while outdoor cycling might put a small bit more focus on working your lower body muscles, an indoor spin provides more of a full body workout.
Calories Burned
For many, burning calories is a huge part of their workout routine and is something they keep track on. Both methods of cycling are hugely beneficial for burning calories, but it has been shown in several studies that indoor spinning, particularly in classes, burns more calories due to the high-intensity nature of the exercises. While this may be the case, it is important to remember that you might sweat more during an indoor spin as there is a lack of natural cooling from the weather, so it important to ensure you keep on top of your hydration. Pushing yourself is a vital component of reaching your fitness goals but always be wary of overdoing it.
Social Aspect
It’s true that cycling outdoors can have a massively social aspect to it but again indoor spinning makes this easier. While you can cycle in a group outdoors, you will have to move depending on traffic, there can be natural elements that make it harder to hear such as wind, or you might want to cycle at a faster pace which your friend can’t keep up with. However, none of this is an issue when it comes to indoor spinning. Due to the fact the bike is stationary, you can go as fast as you like, while talking to your friend beside you, who might be doing half the speed, there’s no wind to worry about or traffic to avoid either and even better still if you are in a spin class you’ll have the encouragement of everyone around you too along with a motivational instructor.
Final Thoughts
There you have it our five key differences between outdoor cycling and indoor spinning. While both have their pros and cons it is important to remember that the two are highly effective, beneficial forms of a low-impact exercise, meaning that they provide you with the benefits of intense cardiovascular exercise while putting less pressure on your joints as well as your muscles, all while building your fitness. Being in natural surroundings in the outdoors can be fantastic for physical and mental health alike, while being indoors can take away some of the stresses of cycling outside through convenience. There’s no right or wrong option with these, it’s just about personal preferences and staying healthy, who knows maybe a mixture of the two might be what is ideal for you.
How Aura Leisure Can Help
At Aura Leisure we have a range of state-of-the-art gym equipment including spin bikes, assault bikes and more. As well as that we have Aura Spin and Aura Spin HIIT classes available for people of all ages or ability. Whether you want to avail of these on a pay as you go basis or long-term with a membership, we’re here to help. For our members they not only get access to our fantastic gym facilities and fitness classes, but also our swimming pool, fitness programmes, plus much more for no extra cost as we provide everything to build a healthier, happier Ireland.