Providence, R.I.--In addition to the state-of-the-art fitness equipment offered in the Concannon Fitness Center, the College has started offering spinning classes in Alumni Hall.

Any student or registered fitness center member is allowed to take the new classes, which are led by a certified instructor and which began in February.

The new "Spin Studio" occupies 627 square feet of the ground floor in Alumni. Along with 15 Star Trac Spin Bikes, the studio is equipped with a 65" Sharp LCD TV, a Sony Blue Ray DVD Player, a CD player, and iPod docking stations.

"The opening of the Concannon Fitness Center in 2007 brought a great deal of focus on fitness programming at the College," said Edward Laprey, director of recreational sports. "Due to its popularity, spinning was always in discussion as a desirable programming option, but it was a matter of identifying an appropriate location.

"Spaces in Peterson Recreation Center and Concannon were considered. However, as renovation plans for Alumni Hall became clearer, the current space was identified."

Laprey added that up to 13 classes are being offered each week and indications are that the classes are quite popular. He said the majority of classes have been full and consideration is being given to purchasing more bikes.

Jaclyn Fontaine, assistant director of recreational sports/fitness, said that along with the bikes, the electronic equipment in the studio is vital for spin classes.

"Spinning is an aerobic exercise that takes place on a specially designed stationary bicycle," she said. "Motivating music plays throughout the class, and the instructor talks you through a visualization of an outdoor cycling workout, simply by adjusting your pace or the tension knob on the bike."

Though stationary, spin bikes are designed to simulate the motions of someone riding an everyday road bicycle, said Fontaine, who added that "the bikes are actually very easy to use."

"Because you stay in one place with the same basic movement throughout, spinning doesn't involve a lot of coordination," she said. "You can finish a spin class, regardless of your fitness level."

- Allen T. Daniel '11

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