Torquay United take a spin on new bikes

Published - 25th Jan

Torquay United football players Billy Bodin, Lloyd Macklin and Danny Leadbetter, who are all Members at Lifestyle Health & Fitness Suite, have been invited to have the first spin on Lifestyle’s brand new Cardio Cycling bikes in their newly extended Cardio Cycling room.

Cardio Cycling also known as ‘Spinning’ is a group aerobic workout on a stationary bike. It began in 2000 and has revolutionised the cycling world as it is a safer alternative to road cycling, highly motivational with upbeat music and suitable for all fitness levels. Due to the continued popularity of Lifestyle’s Cardio Cycling classes, which launched in 2005, Lifestyle has acquired 18 new Star Trac Pro Bikes to replace their existing 12 bikes. The Cardio Cycling room was also extended at the beginning of January 2013 to accommodate the new bikes.

“We offer a selection of different aerobics and fitness classes, however Cardio Cycling is by far our most popular class,” said Colin Pemberton, Lifestyle Health & Fitness Suite Manager. “We currently run 13 Cardio Cycling classes run by 3 different Instructors and our peak time classes are regularly fully booked with a waiting list. This extension will open up more spaces that we desperately need to cope with the demand.”

Colin recently celebrated his 25th year anniversary working at Lifestyle so has amassed considerable experience of fitness trends. “Over the years I have seen many different classes and techniques that have gained and quickly waned in popularity, however our Cardio Cycling classes continue to gain in popularity with no end in sight.”

One of the reasons for a surge in interest in 2012 has been seen as a result of the Olympics. The British cycling team may have missed out on an Olympic gold medal in the men's road race; however the race was the most watched event in the first full day of games which included 19 different sports. Cyclist Bradley Wiggins also significantly contributed by winning a Gold medal in the time trial at the Olympics, the 2012 Tour de France and the 2012 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Colin said: “We have seen a significant boost following the Olympics in 2012 and Bradley Wiggins successes which have not only raised the profile of cycling but inspired many to try new activities.

“Cardio Cycling can compliment road cycling to improve cyclists aerobic fitness or it can also be seen as a safer alternative that is not vulnerable to the elements. Plus typical results from Cardio Cycling classes include burning 500+ calories, toning muscles and relieving stress, so perhaps it’s not difficult to see why the class is popular.”

Classes are £4.40 for Members and £5.40 for non Members. To find out more about Lifestyle’s Health & Fitness’ Cardio Cycling classes click here or call 01803 206345.