What is spinning? Created by Johnny G., a world-class ultra-distance cyclist, it’s a stationery bicycle program primarily aimed at achieving maximum energy output. By adjusting the seat, hand position and the resistance on the flywheel, a rider can simulate the feel of riding outdoors. A person can burn an average of 500 calories in a 40-minute spinning session.

This philosophy of being mentally and physically fit is the basis of spinning. Coupled with mental empowerment and discipline techniques, spinning uses proven athletic training principles to create a workout that is both physically and mentally invigorating and challenging.

Spinning emphasizes everyone's individual needs, regardless of athletic ability, taught in a group atmosphere with a motivational instructor. Spinning instructors are required to partake in a nine month course of instruction before they become certified spinning instructors.

Spinning is just as much an inspirational workout as a physical one. Participants are encouraged to explore the journey of health, fitness and imagination-- to experience the reality, not just the theory, of the mind-body connection.

Riders are encouraged to wear a heart rate monitor to measure their heart rate throughout the workout. According to Johnny G, the heart rate monitor may be the most important piece of training, teaching, and cycling equipment one can own. "It takes the guesswork out of training and gives the participant a way to monitor and manage the intensity of their workout," he says.

A spinning class consists of a warm-up, a 40-minute moderate to high intensity cardiovascular work out, a cool-down and stretching. Typically, the cycles are set up in a separate room and the instructor vocally guides riders through various levels of difficulty, describing a mental journey for the participants to visualize. For example, an instructor may ask the riders to increase the resistance on their cycles and visualize a ride through the foothills of the mountains or reduce the cycle’s resistance and picture riding along the coast of the ocean. Throughout the class, riders listen to music that conveys the emotional messages for the various parts of the journey. Musical selections cover the spectrum from blues and jazz music to New Age and rock n’ roll.

With spinning classes being offered in nearly every state in the country, and in 30 countries worldwide, people at all fitness levels are putting the pedal to the test and finding the champion within.