Enjoyment of spinning exercise performed in a group session as compared to an individual session

Introduction: The degree of perceived enjoyment of performed physical activity
may be a key aspect with relevance for the effort to get people to be physically
active. Spinning, or indoor cycling, is a widespread physical activity that can be
performed in a group or individually. The effect of the group element on the
enjoyment of spinning remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of the present
study was to test the hypothesis that enjoyment was greater during spinning
exercise performed in a group session as compared to individually.

Methods: Twenty recreationally active persons (56 ± 6 years, 1.74 ± 0.09 m,
81.0 ± 14.7 kg, and BMI of 26.5 ± 3.7) performed 44-min group and individual
instructor-led spinning sessions. Values of power output, heart rate, and
cadence were recorded during the sessions. Perceived enjoyment of the
exercise was determined by means of a questionnaire (PACES-8) after
the exercise.

Results: Values of power output, heart rate, and cadence were not different
between the two sessions. Enjoyment was statistically significantly greater by
1.4 ± 2.1 points (p = 0.005) during spinning performed in a group session as
compared to individually. As a reference framework, 56 points is the maximal
sum score.

Conclusions: The difference in enjoyment between conditions was modest and
clinically insignificant. In other words, the group element of the spinning session
was considered to be of minor importance for the participants’ perception of enjoyment.