Patrick Beeson

Ringing in the new year means a new emphasis on exercise for a lot of folks. At least until March.

But if you're one of those that wants to make a substantial difference in your well being, and your waistline, beyond the Spring drop-off you might want to give Spinning a try.

Spinning is basically a group exercise class in which an instructor barks RPM and heart-rate changes to a class all riding stationary bikes to pumping music.

The bikes are not your typical plastic mongrels found in Wal-Mart.

They feature adjustable seat-posts, bars, stems, saddles and allow for clipless pedals. This allows you to customize the fit so as not to harm your body during exercise.

The only other adjustment is resistance. And that decides how much you're going to sweat (hint: a lot).

I've been taking the spin classes at Fort Sanders Health & Fitness Center in West Knoxville at least three times a week since early December. In each 45-minute class, I burn approximately 500 kilocalories and maintain an average heart-rate of 150 to 160 (my max is 180ish).

The classes are broken down into different levels: intervals, strength, endurance and free-spin. They're offered two to three times a day at Fort Sanders, with a special "Tour de Fort" class beginning Sundays at 2:30 p.m. this month.

The special Sunday class is sure to kill: One and a half hours of spinning that mimics the route of the Tour de France.

But the best thing about spin class for me is the ability to maintain my cycling fitness for the upcoming Knoxiecross cyclocross series, not to mention winter as a whole.

If you're interested in taking a spin class, you'll need the following: heart rate monitor (Fort Sanders provides this in classes), towels (for sweat), cycling shorts (optional), SPD-compatible cycling shoes (optional) and a water bottle.

West Knoxvillians should visit Cedar Bluff Cycles for all of these items; folks further east should hit up Piney Flats Bicycles and Fitness.