You Might Be Spinning Too Much If This Happens To You

Cycling can be addictive. With indoor cycle studios like SoulCycle and the surge of popularity in Peloton bikes, it appears to quickly be becoming America's favorite cardio activity. In fact, at the end of last year, The New York Times reported live rides with Peloton have been known to pull in more than 20,000 users at a time. Even the most on-demand cycling classes have tens of thousands of rides completed. 

We understand the draw. The burning in your legs, the music, and sweat dripping from your pores makes finishing a cycling class feel equal parts liberated and exhausted. It's a great feeling and a great workout, but it is possible you can be doing it too much. Here's what can happen if your love for cycling becomes an addiction. 

If you are on the bike too much and using it as your only source of cardiovascular activity, then it may be possible you could gain weight from the undertaking. We know — we were just as surprised as you likely are now. How could all those intense sweat-dripping workouts lead to weight gain? Fitness expert Michael Mantell explains to Today why this is. "People do cardio as a main way that they're trying to lose weight, and the problem with this is 60 percent of the weight they lose is fat, and 40 percent is muscle," he says. "And we don't want to lose lean muscle, because lean muscle burns more calories per pound, per day, than fat does."

Another way cycling could raise the number on that scale is the justification it gives to treat yourself after, explains Today. Jumping off the bike and right into a three-course brunch is not uncommon. And we all know that post-workout cocktails and beers taste the best.

In addition to unwanted weight gain, cycling too much can lead to worsened moods and an increased risk of injury. Total Women's Cycling claims that depression and increased mood swings, along with a weakened immune system are all signs that you could be over-training on your bike. Even more insidiously, it is easy to see these signs an indication that you are not training enough. An increase of rides would only worsen these symptoms.

We love cycling as a workout! And it appears America agrees. Just be aware that your love doesn't become a harmful addiction, and that those fun sweat-inducing rides aren't your only source of cardio.