This exercise class could injure you as much as a car accident would
I mean, who really likes exercising? Being hot, sweaty and bothered amidst a crowd of veritable bodybuilders can't be anyone's idea of fun, and honestly, the majority of us only do it to stay in shape come the summer months. Yeah, we all know how good it feels after an intense session on the gym floor - thanks endorphins - but if you're anything like me, you'd rather be curled up on the sofa, binge-watching Netflix, with some kind of snack in hand.
Now, if you find yourself looking for an excuse to skip the gym come five P.M every evening, you're in luck. As it turns out, one of the most popular (and gruelling) workout classes could land you with injuries that are comparable to that of being in a car accident.
Renowned for turning the gym space into something that is more reminiscent of a pool, spin class is perhaps one of the most challenging classes out there. As a result, it is beloved by those who are desperate to shed the pounds and be #BeachBodyReady in as little time as possible.
As any gym bunny will attest to - the greater the results, the greater the pain - however, in the case of spin class, the agony could be much greater than what you were willing to put up with. According to new research, spin, which is so popular on account of its fat burning benefits, can cause injuries similar to those that occur following a car crash. In particular, the high-intensity workout, which sees gym-goers cycle on the spot at different speeds, is even more dangerous for first-timers as it can result in something called rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition which is caused by muscle injury, according to a study published in the American Journal of Medicine. It occurs from a lack of oxygen, which can cause muscles to break down and release their contents into the bloodstream. In the most extreme of cases, it can lead to complications such as kidney failure or cardiac arrest.
The syndrome is usually found in victims who have experienced a fall, car crush or crush injury, however, it can also occur as a result of spinning classes, as you are using two of the body's biggest muscles, the quadriceps and the gluteus maximus, at a highly intense rate.
For half of people who develop Rhabdomyolysis, there are no symptoms, and the condition will clear up by itself. However, for those who have suffered severe damage, symptoms that medical attention is required include dark urine, muscle aches, nausea and bodily weakness.
According to Dr Maureen Brogan - the lead author of the study, and a kidney specialist at Westchester Medical Centre - in order for spinning classes to be safe, certain guidelines must be put in place. "Spinning is great exercise," Dr. Brogan said on the Today show. "But people should be aware they need to take it slow in the beginning. There should be some guidelines."
The problem, she continued "[Is] You’re using some of the largest muscles in the body - the quadriceps and the gluteus maximus - at an intense rate."
Well, I guess I'm staying put on the sofa tonight...