What is RPM?

Another Les Mills program that I love is RPM. Many of you know it as Spinning. Let me tell you a little bit about it.

What is RPM™?

RPM™ (Revolutions Per Minute) is the indoor cycling workout where you ride to awesome, powerful music. You have an instructor or "leader of the pack" who leads you through hills, flats, mountain peaks, time trials and interval training. Average calorie burn is 675 calories for 45 minutes! It is moderate to high intensity indoor cycling that improves heart and lung function while increasing strength and endurance.

Equipment:
An indoor cycle (duh!) that is available as part of the group fitness class. You need to wear comfortable workout clothes. Cycling shorts are recommended to make the ride more comfortable but they are not essential. Wear gym shoes but cycling shoes are recommended. Bring your water bottle and a towel.

What to Expect - Class Basics (45 minutes)
There are 9 tracks total starting with an easy pace where resistance is light to get your legs warmed up. Then the speed and intensity increases as you work towards your own top personal pace. You'll use your climbing muscles then hit a series of full-on hill climbs that will test your strength and endurance. Recovery is always given just enough so that you can push through to the next challenge. Then you ride home together with a recovery track and the all-important stretch.

What to Expect - Class Results
RPM™ increases your cardiovascular fitness while burning fat. It tones and shapes your legs, hips and butt. It increases leg strength and muscular endurance without building bulk. It also releases endorphins that leaves you with a natural high.

Pros:

• Great and fun group fitness class.
• Awesome music.
• You have the ability to control the intensity of the workout.
• The more you ride, the fitter you'll become.
• Instructors switch choreography about every 2-3 weeks so you never get bored with the same tunes.

Cons:

• You can't do it at home (unless you have access to your own indoor cycle).

My tips:

• Come early to class and let the instructor know that you are new so he/she can show you how to set up your bike for the class.
• If you're a beginner, stay with the low resistance until you've taken about 4-5 classes.

Here's an RPM™ video promo:

If you have any questions on finding an RPM™ class near you or if you want to become a certified instructor or learn more about RPM™, head to the Les Mills RPM™ website.

Have you taken an RPM™ class? What did you like/dislike?