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Indoor Cycling: 3 Steps To Build Your Aerobic Base

By: Jim Hofman

Once you reach a point in time where high impact aerobic activities leave your joints aching, you'll want to consider something equally as effective but less bone jarring. While jogging and aerobic classes are great workouts, they're stressful on your joints. If you're considering other alternatives, you might enjoy indoor cycling or spinning classes.

One major benefit I've noticed after adding indoor cycling to my workout regimen has been an increased energy level. If you've ever gotten drowsy at your desk mid afternoon, you know exactly what I mean. Another significant benefit has been decreased tension and much more restful sleep. And yet, it wasn't easy to consistently commit to these classes. In fact, I almost quit just after I started.

If you're just getting back into working out aerobically after a long layoff, you'll need to reacclimate. A key element is a concept called aerobic base building, which basically means establishing a base level of aerobic fitness. Just as it's important to build a solid foundation for your house, it's equally important for your fitness level.

Three Steps To Build Your Base

There are considerations you'll need to accept as you build your aerobic base. With indoor cycling, you'll typically have display monitors telling you how hard and how long you're working, which is quite helpful. The same is true with spinning classes, as most instructors provide specific instructions during the class to monitor exertion level. Here are the three factors explained:

Step One: What Is Your Target Heart Rate?

First, you'll need to know your target heart rate. Your target heart rate is a range that's 65% to 80% of your maximum heart rate. Determining your maximum heart rate is easy -- just subtract your age from 220. Then, multiply that rate by 65% to get the lower end of your target rate, and by 80% to get the upper end. As an example, a 50 year old would have a maximum heart rate of 170. 65% of 170 is 111, and 80% of 170 is 136. That means a 50 year old should strive to pedal at an exertion level that makes their heart beat between 111 and 136 times per minute.

Step Two: Commit To A Time Frame

Expect to build your aerobic base over a 6 to 8 week time frame, possibly longer if you've been inactive for a while. Plan to gradually challenge yourself so you can maintain your target heart rate for a longer period of time. Remember, the longer you work out at your target zone, the more fat you'll burn.

Step Three: Increase Your Endurance And Intensity

Once you've built your aerobic base and know your target heart rate, it's time to challenge yourself. Add to the length of time you work out, and push yourself a bit harder. You'll find as you become more fit, you'll need to challenge yourself to reach your target heart rate. That's good, because it means your heart is healthier, you've attained increased cardiac output, and you're more fit overall.

After a few weeks at most, you'll begin to notice the positive effects of indoor cycling. You'll have more energy, you'll sleep better, and if you watch your diet you'll lose weight as well. If high impact exercises cause your joints to ache, you'll find spinning classes and indoor cycling to be a very viable and challenging alternative.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
Jim Hofman recently added spinning classes to his workout plan, and the results have been very positive, including weight loss and increased energy levels. If you want to get maximum benefit from your aerobic workouts, be sure to visit Jim's resource site devoted to indoor cycling .

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