Disclosure: I hate spinning. Yes, I realize one can burn upward of 700 or more calories in an hour peddling like a maniac on an indoor bike -- going nowhere, mind you -- but I don't care.
Even back in my competitive swimming days, a great burst of speed was not my specialty. The 50-meter freestyle -- forget it. The 100- or 200-meter butterfly or the 400 individual medley were my events. Endurance and strength, not explosive takeoffs.
That said, spinning has plenty of fans. I knew I'd have to plop down atop a bike and evaluate one of these classes one of these days for good ol' Sweat Equity.
The other day I stopped at my eye doctor's office and Dale Gegerson, the office manager, went on and on about how wonderful Body & Soul spinning instructor Mike Perez is. He wouldn't be boring. He would be fun. He mixes it up. He won't make you spin at warp speed.
He sounded worth a try.
Spinning ***
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY
It's riding a bike. If you can sit on a saddle, strap your feet into the pedals and pump, you're good to go. Mike Perez's version of spinning isn't your average spinning class. His goal isn't to turn your legs into pistons. Instead, he focuses on the cadence of the music, the rhythm and resistance of a bike ride over the peaks and valleys of a mountain road. Plus, he constantly monitors your heart rate for maximum cardio benefit.
FUN FACTOR
I'll tell no lie -- after 45 minutes I had had enough. I prefer wall-climbing, cardio kickboxing and some of the other exotic exercises I've tried for this column. However, that's still 45 minutes longer than I've ever enjoyed spinning. I would happily take Perez's class again. There was almost a hypnotic, out-of-body feeling in this instructor's shrewd use of music and how well its tempo and flavoring paired with our steady movements. He found a throbbing mix of the '80s Eurythmics hit ''Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)'' that just felt so otherworldly as the endorphins kicked. The shifting of rhythms and the envisioning of outside environs worked surprisingly well and kept boredom at bay.
TO DO IT
Body & Soul Fitness, 355 Greco Ave., Coral Gables; 305-443-8688.
Spinning classes are held Monday-Saturday at various times with different instructors; Mike Perez coaches 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday; 5:15 p.m. Wednesday and 4:30 p.m. Thursday. Cost: $12.
RATING SCALE: Zero (Worthless) to Four Stars (Outstanding)
