Exercise bikes have been around since the middle 1980s. They were first introduced as indoor cycling. The overall concept initially was to provide winter training sessions for cyclists. The regular bike sits within a firmly constructed framework. Although the frame is heavy and sturdy, it also has been designed to offer a certain amount of mobility. The reason for this is that bikes can be placed in tandum or at random across the floor of the gymnasium offering flexibility.

There is a large wheel at the front end with a flywheel which is adjustable. This allows for pressure or tension as required. Any adjustments can be made by turning a knob on the side of the machine. This adjusts the pressure between the wheel and pedals. On the pedals there are straps to hold the feet safely in place. The cyclist can reposition his arms due to the fact that the spin bike bar is shaped in the former of a letter W.

Spin cycling offers a tremendous amount of benefits which are a boon to the fitness-conscious. One of the major ones is the fact that one can ride day or night without being concerned about bad weather. Added to this is a further benefit of a low impact workout, easing stresses on the body.

Spinning bike exercise, unlike a lot of other forms of keep fit exercise is not stressful to the joints and muscles. This is not the case with, for example, running or jogging. This exercise produces a very beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. One can say that these benefits alone place this workout equipment at the very top of any other form of indoor workout. It is alleged that the spinning bike can help one to melt off hundreds of calories in an hour of exercise! Not only that but you will receive a full body exercise to boot.

You won't find as a rule your spin bike offering much in the way of comfortable features. They are usually very basic. The basics of the sport are easy to master and one can progress very quickly -- indeed if you are gifted and hard-working you could even reach professional standard if you wished. A question that is often asked is how does one keep one's mind focused and unclouded by tedium? The answer usually given is to take your MP3 player along to the sessions. You will then have an opportunity to listen to music, an audio book, or even learn that language you promised yourself -- Italian, Spanish, French etc. Why not exercise your brain -- after all it is part of your body!

If you enjoyed bike riding as a child there is no reason why you cannot get the same exhilarating feeling, sense of accomplishment and improved health as an adult with regular spinning bike exercise. It is not costly to start; you could treat yourself to a water bottle or a nicely padded seat, which is a gel pad that slides over the saddle, or a useful moisture - wicking sports top.

There are numerous spinning bike clubs and associations around today. So you have no reasons to not get started right away. A quick surf on the Internet will be helpful. Your constant motivation will come from the boost in health and fun you will receive from this great sport.