YWCA of New Britain Begins New ’Spinner Pro’ Program
By Robin Vinci at July 4, 2024 | 9:30 am | Print
Have you tried the latest exercise fad called “Spinning”? The YWCA has purchased a fleet of ‘Spinner Pro’ Bicycles and has begun new classes this summer.
Valerie Rodino, YWCA Fitness Director, said a full range of exercise classes are at the YWCA already and this new one is meant to keep up with the ever changing trends.
“We decided to purchase 15 Spinner Pro spinning bikes and open a new class called Indoor Group Cycling,” said Rodino. “Spinning has peaked, but it has held strong. It is so popular because there are people who mountain bike and rode bikes.”
The YWCA will have four instructors who are certified with an indoor group cycling certification from the National Exercise Trainer Association (NETA).
“It is another form of fitness for both men and women,” Rodino added.
People can drop in for one class for free. Classes begin at 6:15 a.m. and there are noon classes and four evening classes.
“For the summer we have babysitters for all of our evening spin classes,” Rodino said. “If you are registered for spinning or any group exercise class you can come in the evening and we have someone who will babysit your children for free while you exercise. We have a lot of parents who were dying to get into these exercise classes to stay fit during the summer and weren’t sure what to do with their kids now that the kids are out of school.”
The babysitters are CPR certified volunteers needing community service hours. Some are from New Britain High School.
Classes are 45 minutes long. Each instructor has a different style from alternative music to Spanish music to hip-hop.
“All the classes are styled differently and people should try all the different instructors to see which they like,” said Rodino.
Unlimited classes are available for members that last eight weeks for $70. Access members, who already take other group exercise classes, will be charged an additional $5 a month.
“Spinning is a sort of stationary bike with a coach that guides you through varying levels of resistance,” said Rodino. “You can higher or lower the resistance for different heart rate zones. It increases stamina, strength, burns calories while listening to great music and using a lot of energy. Many times we spin in the dark. We have disco lights. It is really cool.”
Even those who are not active or haven’t ridden on a bike like this, are encouraged to join.
“Instructors will bring you through an introductory clinic and show you how to adjust the bike to your height, be sure your knees are safe, make sure you have the right hand positions and more,” said Rodino. “It is good for beginners as well as advanced people. You control your own resistance and your own effort.”
The program began last week and will go on indefinitely.
For more information call 860-225-4681.
