Dim the lights, sit on your seat, and ride to the music.
This is no ordinary fitness class.
It’s part aerobic exercise, part new age meditation, and part endurance test.
Spinning® has gained a fanatic following during the past 12 years. It’s become more than a workout, developing into a philosophy, a way of life. The concept is simple. Assemble 10 to 30 people in a room, place them on specially designed stationary bikes, and lead them through grueling exercises for up to an hour. “The great thing about Spinning is everyone can work at their own level,” says Julie Migliaccio, a personal trainer and Spinning instructor at Exxtreme Westport in Connecticut. “A champion cyclist can sit next to a beginner and they can go at their own pace.” Migliaccio’s class begins with a theatrical touch as she lowers the lights, closes the door, and pops a techno CD in the stereo system. Her soothing voice on the PA urges you to loosen up and stretch while you pedal the bike.
This can’t be too hard, can it? Not so fast. Now she cranks up the stereo, blasting Fatboy Slim’s “Rockefeller Skank.” The great thing about Spinning is everyone can work at their own level,” says Julie Migliaccio, a personal trainer and Spinning instructor at Exxtreme Westport in Connecticut. “Turn the resistance up two rotations!” she says – and the class does as she bids. The 50-year-old guy sitting next to you hardly seems to notice that it’s a lot harder to pedal the bike now. A moment later Migliaccio orders, “Now stand up straight and stick your chest out.” Somehow this wouldn’t be so difficult if you didn’t have to keep pedaling the whole time. But the fellow next to you is spinning like he’s spent his life on a stationary bike, so you try your best to keep up with him. After what seems like 40 minutes, Migliaccio allows you to turn down the resistance and rest on the seat once again. Then, just when you start congratulating yourself, she announces with a sly grin, “That was the warm-up.” Indeed.
The success of a Spinning workout has as much to do with group psychology as individual mental conditioning. After all, not too many people would be willing to poop out in front of a class full of spectators. So you keep going. And best of all, you can turn the resistance down half a turn when your neighbor isn’t looking. “It may be an intense workout, but anyone can do it,” Migliaccio says. “You have the ability to alter your level without looking bad.” Everyone has a different threshold. Even the middle-aged genetic freak next to you finishes the workout with a puddle of sweat under him.
The bicycles designed for Spinning use heavier wheels than ordinary stationary bikes, which help the rider, sustain their momentum. The system was designed by endurance cyclist Johnny G. 14 years ago and has since become a national phenomenon at fitness clubs. Some trainers instruct cyclists to close their eyes and imagine a journey over hills and valleys. Others incorporate videos in their routine.
Say goodbye to shin splints and damaged knees from jogging – you don’t even have to wear a helmet for this bike ride. “It may be an intense workout, but anyone can do it,” Migliaccio says. The trick is to keep moving-and that’s why Spinning workouts are so successful. At the end of a 45-minute routine a person may typically burn 500-800 calories.
Whatever your needs, Spinning can help push you to your limit.
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