YMCA Spin Class builds strength and community

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Every Thursday at the YMCA, a dedicated group of riders gather for spin class, pushing through intense workouts and life’s obstacles one pedal at a time.

For instructor Susan Hackney, spin is about more than just fitness. “Like to me, this is the hardest part of the day. If I get through this, the rest of it—it’s easy, she said.

Many participants say the class provides not only a great workout but also a sense of community and motivation. Al Villarreal, who has attended for over two years with his wife, describes it as more than just exercise: “So we’re kind of like a family now.”

The class focuses on short bursts of effort, increasing heart rates while keeping strain on the body low. More importantly, it teaches a mental strategy, breaking challenges into smaller, manageable steps.

“You break something down to small amounts of time, like in a spin class, two minutes on a hill, then two minutes on a flat… You can do it. And that’s the same thing in life,” Hackney explained.

For these riders, the energy, camaraderie, and post-workout endorphins make it all worth it. As participant Regina Lynch put it, “The music, the instructor, the friend, the way you feel when you get through it, you’ve accomplished something.”

If you’re looking for a new challenge, become a member of the YMCA to join a spin class!