For years, I thought indoor cycling was reserved for two groups: hardcore triathletes who own way too much spandex, and the extremely perky instructors in spin class who shout motivational quotes over EDM. But this month, I gave it a go myself—thirty days, me versus the stationary bike at Planet Fitness.
Day one, I hopped on the bike all bright-eyed and motivated. Day two, my butt staged a full rebellion. No one tells you the hardest part of cycling isn’t your legs, it’s the seat. (Cyclists call this “saddle soreness.” I call it cruel and unusual punishment.)
That said, once I got past the awkward first rides, I realized how low-impact cycling is. My knees, usually cranky after running, were totally fine. Indoor cycling is gentle on joints but still gives you a solid cardio session—kind of like tricking your body into working harder than it realizes.
By the second week, I found my groove. With music blasting, indoor cycling started to feel less like exercise and more like a private dance party on pedals. The time flew by. Although, I admit I weirdly count the number of rotations per minute I do. Don’t judge me.
I also noticed I could push myself harder. On a bike, there’s no fear of tripping or face-planting—you just crank up the resistance and pedal. According to the Cleveland Clinic, indoor cycling is excellent for building endurance and cardiovascular fitness while still being safe for beginners.
Here’s the thing: indoor cycling makes you sweat buckets. I’m talking towel-on-standby, puddle-on-the-floor levels. But weirdly? It felt amazing. My mood improved after every ride, and I noticed my stress levels dropping. Endorphins are real, and cycling seems to hand them out like candy.
Research backs this up—studies show indoor cycling can lower anxiety, boost energy, and even improve sleep. My brain went from “ugh, I can’t” to “heck yes, let’s go” in about ten minutes flat.
By the final week, the changes were clear:
- My stamina was way up.
- My legs felt stronger, especially quads and calves.
- My undercarriage didn’t hate me as much as it did in the beginning! YAY!
I even tried an interval ride (switching between sprinting and resistance climbs) and wow, that turned indoor cycling into a full-body challenge. Apparently, high-intensity intervals on a bike torch calories and boost metabolism long after the workout ends. My post-ride hunger confirmed this.
Would I recommend indoor cycling? Absolutely. Here’s why
- Joint-friendly: Perfect for people who can’t run or hate impact.
- Customizable: You set the pace, resistance, and intensity.
- Huge calorie burn: Cardio + strength = sweaty payoff.
- Mental health boost: Great for stress, energy, and focus.
The only downside? The seat. (Pro tip: padded shorts exist for a reason.)
So yes, I’m officially on the indoor cycling train—or, well, bike. And honestly? I think I’m staying.
If you are looking for a spin bike to use at home, here ya go.
Or if you are looking to join a gym, here is a referral for only $1 down at Planet Fitness
Sources
- Mayo Clinic – Aerobic exercise: How to warm up and cool down
- Cleveland Clinic – Benefits of Indoor Cycling
- Harvard Health – The hidden benefits of exercise
- American Council on Exercise – Indoor cycling and interval training
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