Some thoughts and discussions from me.
My Top 20 Workout Songs in 2014
Happy Friday! Even though I’mI’ve got a jam-packed work day today, and still have to work tomorrow morning, Fridays just put a pep in my step and a smile on my mug 
One of those work commitments today includes teaching a 45-minute noon indoor cycling class. You guys, I have been absolutely LOVING teaching spin classes. The energy, the music, the sweat – it’s all infectiously invigorating and it just gets me going.
Oh, and it doesn’t make me bulky. If you’ve watched the news this week, you may have seen a story that the media took and ran sprinted with with attention-grabbing titles, like this one:
Yes, Gwyneth Paltrow’s trainer, Tracy Anderson, said too much spinning will bulk up the thighs. Now, I didn’t want to dedicate an entire post to this, because I don’t think it’s worth it. However, as soon as I heard it, my jaw dropped. Blanket statement, anyone? And then when I spoke to a friend who told me she’s worried about her spin class because of what Tracy Anderson said, my blood pressure went up.
Just to clarify, indoor cycling classes will not bulk you up to the point of your jeans not fitting anymore. You may gain some muscle in your legs, but likely only if you’re new to indoor cycling, or have been spinning for strength. If your legs bulk up from taking spin classes, it’s likely not because of the actual spin class at all, but because all of the cardio is making you hungry, and you’re eating back the calories you burned in class, plus some.
I don’t recommend taking indoor cycling classes every day a week, but NOT because I think it will bulk you up. Don’t take indoor cycling classes every day because it will likely lead to muscular imbalance or worse, injury. Oh, and also, you don’t need that much cardio.
Since making this statement, Tracy Anderson has back-pedaled and said that what she meant was that doing too much of any exercise would bulk you up. Of course this is after the celebrity trainer said the head-turning statement in an interview and the media gobbled it up. And I guess, they both got what they wanted. People are talking about Tracy Anderson, and people are watching and clicking on news stories about what she said.
Moving on….
Staying on the topic of spinning, one thing about teaching spinning that I both love and don’t love is putting together my playlists for the classes. On the downside, it’s pretty time-intensive. It takes me about 30-45 minutes to put together a playlist and ride together for a class. However, on the plus-side, I’ve been listening to SO much awesome music. On my profile, it says that I like to play anything with a rockin’ beat and makes you want to dance. Think Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Calvin Harris, Avicii, One Direction, etc.
So far this year, I’ve put together about 5 playlists and subsequent rides for spinning. Of all of those playlists, I created one, big, ultimate playlist with all of my favorites on it for this blog post:
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All of these songs just make me want to DANCE, which, when working out equates to lift/run/spin/push/etc. And I get all of my music on Spotify, so if anyone else out there does, here’s the playlist:
What are some of your favorite workout songs right now?
What are your thoughts on what Tracy Anderson said about spinning bulking up thighs?
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Love the playlist! I used to take 2 or 3 cycling classes a week. At one gym, the classes were focused more on speed and intervals and my legs stayed the same, maybe even thinned out. At another gym, they were more focused on strength and hills and my legs definitely got bulkier. I preferred spin to be faster/higher intensity mixed with a few hills, I really don’t like when the focus is mostly on hills.
I thought of you when I heard that story yesterday and wondered what your thoughts on the matter were. I think it’s really irresponsible for people to make statements like that, and I actually think it goes hand in hand with your post yesterday. Women hear the word bulky and run screaming in the other direction. Having never taken a spinning class, I’m just assuming that the muscle you might gain in your legs will only serve to make them look great not massive.
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted…Help A Girl Out!
Anytime I read or hear anything Tracy Anderson says, my blood pressure goes up! She gives reputable trainers a bad name. I love spinning! How awesome that you’re teaching it – such a motivating way to get your cardio done! 🙂
Carly @ Fine Fit Day recently posted…Fit Mama Friday – Meet Alaya
that lady! geez. i just read an article on popsugar (i think) about how spinning will NOT bulk you up bc of the different types of muscle fibers you are using. i have been spinning 2-3x a week lately (like binging haha) and my legs have thinned down! so boo ya to that lady
christina recently posted…The Friday Five: Wintergirls, Yuna, Luna Protein Bars, Tom Kha Gai, and GIFs!
here’s the article…http://www.self.com/blogs/flash/2014/01/fitness-spinning-doesnt-bulk-thighs-exercise-physiologist.html
tell me more about spotify….how much does each song cost? or is it like a monthly fee?
Lindsay @ Lindsay’s List recently posted…friday confessions
Spotify is the BOMB! It’s only 9.99/month and you can download as much music as you want. There’s also other qualities, like seeing other people’s music, popular playlists, etc. But it’s great for GFI’s who have to use their own music, too. (and I’m not affiliated in any way.)
Oh that’s just too funny! I think that’s ridiculous. And she’s a professional?
Courtney @ Don’t Blink. Just Run. recently posted…Face The Music Friday #17
Love the playlist!
Jackie recently posted…Boutique Gyms
As soon as I read the title, I said ‘yah any exercise done to excess can cause bulk’. I’ve been spinning at least twice a week for over 3 years and HAVE NOT noticed any more BULK added to my thighs then any other class (pump, shred, step class). Plus how many people did this just scare off from spinning which is a great low impact choice on the joints for people who cant run?
Moving on..favourite workout songs range from Aviccii (Wake me up) to Lady Gaga featuring R. Kelly for some reason that song is my JAM right now.
I have no words for that article/interview. No words! I agree about planning spin and playlists being super time intensive…but it definitely makes or breaks the class. Happy Friday, friend!
Natalie recently posted…Pasta Pasta
Love the playlist! You’ve given me some new songs to add to my workout/cardio playlist!
T.
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hahaha….Why do famous trainers say things like this? Crazy town. GREAT list! I still love anything from Pink!
Favorite song, “Under the Radar” that only the RPM instructors who have been teaching for YEARS have on their playlists. On vacation this December, I requested it, and one of the instructors at the Sarasota, FL Y played it two times for me:-) We have about 7 or 8 spin instructors at our gym, and their thighs come in all different shapes and sizes. I love spin classes, and go from 2 to 3 times a week depending on whether I can get in the class; it’s so popular.
LOVE THIS, Work B*TCH is on my pumped up playlist!
Kelly @ Cupcake Kelly’s recently posted…Five Things Friday: Yoga, Athleta & Salad Fun
Have you ever considered getting Les Mills RPM certified? If a lot of gyms carry their license in your area it would be worth looking into. I teach a few of their formats as well as my own freestyle classes and it is so nice to just be able to learn their choreography and not worry about picking music and putting a workout together!
Yay! I love Spotify! Thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!
And I’m used to people saying crazy things about bulking… it’s all the buzz when you’re a girl who CrossFits!
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