Fitness cycling, commonly known as spinning, is one of the hottest aerobics trends. It involves an instructor leading a group of people on stationary bicycles while music plays. The leader talks the group through an imaginary route, sometimes referring to hills they are about to descend or smooth, flat stretches where they can pick up speed. The classes are fast-paced and choreographed with many of the moves coming straight from the latest Britney Spears or Janet Jackson video. The class, which is new to Wake this year, has broad appeal.
Participants use their own set of weights and work through a series of moves set to energetic music.
The recreation department at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers similar fitness classes. The weight room is packed with students about 3 p.m. each day, said Cindy Hardy, the director of the recreation department. It's well-known that physical strength helps you daily. UNCG's recreation center is an elaborate free-standing building that operates independently of any other university department. Free-standing recreation centers, most of which are paid by student activities fees, are popping up all over the country, Hardy said.