Cricket isn't the only sport where you can get an advantage out of a spin. For those who joined the world of fitness, good health and beauty a tad late, welcome to the joys of spinning, the hottest fitness trend burning up glitterati’s calories. Bollywood’s fit ‘n famous are spinning too: right from glam girls Priyanka Chopra (now you know the secret to her hot bod) and Eesha Koppikhar to gorgeous hunks Saif Ali Khan and Neil Nitin Mukesh to the muscle-men Suniel Shetty and Vivek Oberoi. Even Team India's cricketers Irfan Pathan and Zaheer Khan get a dose of this off-the-field spin session. Spinning, the latest craze to hit health addicts, is fast becoming a rage, and why not, for it's got nothing but benefits.

WHAT IS SPINNING?
In simple words, spinning is a stationary indoor cycling workout. So, what makes it different from ordinary indoor cycling, you may ask? "A spinning bike is designed so as to get a real feel of a cycle. And because it's a fixed wheel cycle, there is no jerk effect," says Baqar Nasser, spinning instructor and owner of Topspin, India's first spinning studio. A former national cyclist, Baqar realised the popularity and benefits of spinning when representing India abroad, and decided to get the indoor cycling program into the gymnasiums of India. After doing an extensive course in the same, the former sportsman started his own spinning studio — Topspin — in India.

Spinning isn't just about getting onto the cycle and pedalling, it's a lot, lot more. For starters, there are a host of options available, like sitting, standing, flat road and mountain cycling, depending on individual body needs and training levels. But it's the monitored RPM on the spinning cycle that's of immense significance, says Baqar. Having done a course in cardiology as well, Baqar monitors the heart rate and pulse during the spinning session, to maximise gains. "If accurately monitored, spinning is a great form of cardio as well, besides conditioning and toning the entire body," promises Baqar. Spinning makes the heart pump at a greater rate; this improves metabolism and burns calories. "Spinning is not about training hard, but about training smart," are Baqar's words of healthy wisdom.

PUMP UP THE VOLUME
If you think sitting on a cycle for a routine spin can get monotonous, then how about jazzing up the workout with a little naach-gaana from Bollywood? That's what Topspin offers you: an energy-filled spinning session complete with thumping Bollywood beats.

DO'S AND DON'TS
Pay heed to these points before getting onto that bike:
* It's very important to set the correct position when sitting on the bike. If done in a wrong angle, it could lead to severe back problems.
* Just as in every form of exercise, don't just plunge into the act, always begin with a warm up. Start cycling at a casual speed with zero resistance (there is something called 'resistance' on each cycle; it is manually operated and determines the pressure you need to use when you pedal).
* Remember, when you increase resistance, your cycling speed decreases. Constantly increasing resistance helps melt fat and increase stamina. 
* Don't forget to ease out the spinning session at the end; in other words, don't forget the all important stretches at the end of the spinning session. Stretch your leg and hand muscles.
* Don't overdo the spinning session; this might have the opposite effect.
* Those suffering from knee problems, osteoporosis and back problems should not try spinning.
* Also remember, spinning must be done under proper guidance because if done in an incorrect manner, could lead to back problems and other injuries.

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