By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Johnny G, creator of "Spinning", exhorts class
participants. The 40-minute workout uses visualization
and seven different pieces of music to simulate
a bicycle journey through different terrains.
Gym cycling takes
By Tim Ryan
different spin
Star-Bulletin"Spinning" is the great equalizer of exercise programs because participants control their own level of play, decrees world-class cyclist Johnny G, who created the regimen popular at gyms nationwide.
"In "Spinning" there's no competition to be first, only cooperation to keep going. And no one is last, ever," G said before conducting a 40-minute demonstration with about 50 volunteers yesterday at the Honolulu Club.
""Spinning" allows people of all ages and fitness levels to take a stationary bike and transform it into a powerful workout. People can experience road cycling without all the associated dangers. And the program is a great choice for the cyclist who wants to take his or her outdoor program inside especially during inclement weather."
The "Spinning" program created by G -- formerly Goldberg -- is an indoor stationary cycling workout that uses general exercises, combined with heart rate training and motivational techniques. The goal, G said, is to enhance both an individual's physical fitness and their sense of mental well-being.
G was brought to Honolulu for two days of demonstrations by Hawaiian Natural Water Co., one of G's sponsors. The water company's latest label has the "Spinning" logo attached, said Marcus Bender, Hawaiian Natural Water Co. president.
After a life of what G, a South African, described as being "an ultra distance cyclist," he started thinking about a way to keep people healthy physically and mentally but in a nonconventional way.
"There's been a gap in helping the average person stay fit and healthy because they start their diet Jan. 1 and three months later is off track," he said. "The trick is to get people to keep going."
After cycling more than "150,000 kilometers" G said he began to use his time on a bike to visualize "the future, rather than just what's up ahead."
By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
The "Spinning" exercise program uses special Schwinn
stationary bikes equipped with 40-pound flywheels and
fixed gears. At right, Johnny G, creator of "Spinning",
exhorts class participants. The 40-minute workout uses
visualization and seven different pieces of music to simulate
a bicycle journey through different terrains.
"I wanted to incorporate the pursuit of happiness as a prime supplement of my program," he said. "I started thinking about riding a bike to nowhere except to places created in my mind. If I closed my eyes while riding a stationary bike I could essentially get off that physical road but still be on it."The 40-minute workout guided by trained "Spinning" instructors includes seven pieces of music ranging from new age, to rock, country and reggae. During the class the instructor has riders close their eyes, raise their arms, standing up to pedal, increasing tension on the front wheel to simulate a mountain, or enjoying a sip of water.
"The most boring thing in the world in exercise is just sitting on a stationary bike pedaling and thinking of nothing," G said.
With the specialized $800 Schwinn bikes and their 40-pound flywheel and fixed gear, participants create their own mountains and valleys.
"Part of the magic is that everyone can find their own level and no one else in the group will know or care," he said. "If you want to push yourself then do it, because the instructor won't force you. You work with resistance but you control it."
Class sizes range from 10 to 35 students; G recommends three classes a week. "Spinning" burns 500-800 calories a class, he said.
The "Spinning" program at the Honolulu Club has become so popular in the last 18 months that club officials ordered more than 30 additional "Spinner" bikes by Schwinn to accommodate increased class size.
For the person new to the training, "Spinning" offers a "soft platform," both physically and mentally, G said.
Physically, the bike can be adjusted to make all of the movements accessible for even the most inexperienced rider without the pounding and stress of most indoor workouts. Mentally, the ride under the instructor is structured so anyone can participate in the entire journey at their own pace.
And to the experienced cyclist looking for a time-efficient method of maintaining and improving fitness, "Spinning" can be the most intense 40 minutes they spend on a bike all week, he said.
"When the journey calls for a hill, just turn the resistance knob to the right, get into the rhythm of the climb, set your heart monitor and go for it," he said. "Flats? No problem, take a few turns off, spin your legs up and rock."
The essence of the "Spinning" journey is that a mother of three with a full-time job can train next to a bicycle racer with a dozen years of experience and both can have a fulfilling workout, G said.
"Both reach their goals, both enjoy the road together but at their own levels."
Take a Spin
"Spinning" is offered at:
Honolulu Club: call 543-3900
On Maui, call 874-8000
