Most gyms offer a variety of classes, including kickboxing, jazz, yoga, pilates and spin, which is one of the most popular and grueling. Spinning usually takes place in a dark room with about 20-30 stationary bikes. An instructor calls out commands  like “Sit down now!” or “Turn up the resistance!” into a microphone while motivating music blares in the background, creating an energizing atmosphere.

I go to Gold’s Gym a few times a week and started spinning three weeks before School started. I originally didn’t want to try it because of all the stories I heard about how hard it was and how people couldn’t even get off of their bike at the end of the class, but now I am completely hooked.

My mom and I were at the gym one night and I was on the treadmill when she came up and said, “Hey, they have a spin class that starts in five minutes. Do you want to try it?” My immediate reaction was “No way.” I was not going into that class, looking like a fool in front of these strangers when I walked out early because it was too hard, but my mom talked me into it.

I walked into the dark room and set up my bike. When the teacher started playing Nicki Minaj, I started to like it already. When the class first started I was really self-conscious and looked around a lot to make sure I was doing everything right, but after about ten minutes I was having so much fun listening to the music and pedaling that I completely forgot that I was working out.

One of the reasons why I love spinning is the group setting. Working out with other people always gives me the incentive to work harder because I know that if they can do it, I can do it. I encourage everyone to spin because it is a great way to get in a vigorous workout, burn tons of calories and keep your muscles toned.