With all the sweat, huffing, and puffing involved, it’s easy to hate on cardio. But indoor cycling may be the most enjoyable way to hit your weekly quota. Unlike running, this low-impact workout style won’t leave your joints aching and, when synced with a killer playlist, can feel like a dance party — not a workout. Plus, indoor cycling has been found to improve aerobic capacity (the ability to use oxygen to fuel exercise activity), reduce blood pressure, and increase bone mineral density, research shows. (Not to mention, you get all the other general benefits of exercise.)
That said, you don’t need to attend a pricey studio class to score those benefits. Enter: YouTube cycling classes. The social media platform is chock-full of free, online cycling and Spin® classes that vary in length, style, music choice, and difficulty, including options for beginners, HIIT enthusiasts, hip-hop lovers, pro cyclists, and folks running short on time. As long as you have a stationary bike at home, access to one in a gym, or even a road bike with an indoor trainer, you can partake.
So which virtual workouts are actually worth tuning into? The next time you’re craving a sweaty cardio workout, press play on one of these 15 best YouTube Spin® or cycling classes.