FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - One of the first things Sgt. 1st Class Rose Ryon wanted to do after giving birth to a baby girl in November was shed the 50 pounds she gained during her pregnancy.
After losing the first 25 pounds, Ryon decided to take the new spinning class at Gaffney Fitness Center.
"I take it twice a week." said Ryon, a vocalist with the Soldiers' Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band. "It's a really good workout. ... I'm losing weight."
Ryon was one of 10 people enrolled in spin instructor Amber Rustad's 6:30 a.m. class on March 3.
As 1980s music blasted from a boom box, participants spent an hour pedaling on specialized stationary bikes that can be adjusted for speed and the amount of resistance applied to the pedal.
The Soldiers, civilians and lone retiree were drenched in sweat as they followed Rustad's instructions to sprint and climb simulated hills on their spin bikes.
"Come on gang!" Rustad yelled above the music as she forcefully pedaled her own spin bike at the head of the class. "This is your time. What will you make of it' Where's your smile'"
For the past two months, scores of people from the Fort Meade community have stood in line at Gaffney to take what is now one of the fitness center's most popular classes.
"It's been a great response, and the class has been very well-received," said Everette Carr, facility manager at Gaffney. "It's taken off like a ball of fire."
Five certified spin instructors, including Rustad, teach spinning weekday mornings and evenings and Saturday mornings. Carr said the demand for the class is so high, an additional Thursday morning class may be offered.
To take spinning, participants must first get a number at the front desk for one of the 20 spin bikes. Carr said the number system prevents people from saving bikes for their friends -- the class is first-come, first-served.
Spinning is an effective low-impact, aerobic exercise that strengthens the heart, lungs and abdominals. It also decreases the risk for several chronic diseases such as diabetes, stroke and even some forms of cancer, according to the website of professional road-racing cyclist Lance Armstrong,
Spinning helps with weight loss as well. Depending on an individual's spinning speed and resistance on the bike, a 145-pound person can burn more than 450 calories in an hour.
Julie Yates, lifeskills education and career counselor at the Navy Fleet and Family Support Center, is also a certified spin instructor who teaches a 5:30 a.m. class Mondays and Wednesdays.
Yates said spinning attracts people of all ages and fitness levels.
"My class is filled with everybody from everywhere," said Yates, noting that beginners should not be intimidated by the intensity of the class.
Beginners can pedal at their own speed and at a low resistance until they feel comfortable enough to increase both, said Yates.
"For the first two to three weeks, your legs, thighs and calves will be sore, but hang in there," she said, noting that endurance and strength build over time.
Sgt. Tiffany Brown, of the 310th Military Intelligence Battalion, was one of the first to enroll in Rustad's class.
"I've been coming faithfully," Brown said. "It helps me run faster during my physical training, and I've lost five pounds. It's a challenge, but I push myself through it. ... It's fun."
Rustad said the class has been a great way for her to give back to the military community.
"It's wonderful," she said. "The military spirit is here and kicking every morning."
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