In spinning classes, for example, it is already common to get your adrenaline pumping as you spin amidst blaring energetic music while the instructor prods you to spin some more. For some, a spin class a week is not enough, that they got to reserve two to three more classes just to quench their thirst for this workout. Spinning really has gotten a long way since its first conception.

Do you know how spinning came about? Do you know who invented this amazing workout? Probably some of you who are active in this workout have no idea how it came about. Who are the pioneers in this kind of fitness workout? How long really has this workout been enjoyed by many health buffs? What are the new developments in this workout craze?

This history of spinning article will answer these questions one by one and by the time you are through reading, your spinning workout will never be the same – what with all the background information you have about this great workout.

Johnny G During the 80’s

Some of you probably would not think that spinning came from one person – Johnny Goldberg or Johnny G to most people. Spinning could not be what it is today without him.  That is why he is considered to be the father of Spinning. He was an immigrant from South Africa who happened to work as a professional personal trainer in a California gym.

During this opportunity to live in the United States, Johnny G came to actively participate in different endurance cycling. He was also competing in marathons around the country. During the period, when he could not train, he thought of a way to continue cycling when the weather would not permit it. He thought that he should develop something that could mimic the cycling experience when spinning indoors. The contraption should emulate the hill climb, rolling hills and flat road experience.

Thanks to this contraption, which became the indoor or stationary bike, Johnny G was able to set a world record of riding a bike non-stop for more than a day. This record still stands up to the present.

First Spinning Center

Due to the success Johnny G due on his personal indoor bike, there came a huge demand for a workout to train cyclists and health-conscious people. Johnny G then opened the first spinning center in California. In these spinning classes, cyclists were taught how to ride in groups.

Unlike, spinning that you see today, spinning classes during those days incorporate many aspects that can make you a total athlete. Johnny G’s spinning classes usually incorporate motivational coaching, urging each spinner to try to attain their full potential, both in body and mind. More than this, breathing awareness was also taught so each participant could last several hours cycling.

Madd Dogg Athletics and Spinning Programs

In 1992 Johnny G also made a business partnership with John Baudhuin, an accountant and avid cyclist during weekends, to form the Mad Dogg Athletics. Their main goal was to design and create an indoor bike that had similarities with real outdoor cycling bikes. They were able to manufacture more than a hundred of these stationary or indoor bikes in three years’ time. These bikes were placed in different spinning centers around the world.

These two knew they were not good manufacturers of indoor bikes.  So they decided that they should make a partnership with real bike builders. During those times, no company showed interest in their idea. But, in 1994, they were able to make a deal with a Colorado-based company named Schwinn. On this date, Schwinn is able to sell almost 2,000 Spinner bikes a month.

The two were interested in manufacturing indoor bikes.  However Johnny G came to focus on developing spinning programs for more than ten years. In 1995, his company began giving instructor certification for those who want to teach his program.

The History of Spinning – the Most Interesting Exercise circa 1993

During the time when Johnny G and John Bauhuin were struggling to be successful in their company and had been busy giving certifications on new instructors for their cycling programs, Rolling Stone magazine tagged Spinning the “Best Exercise” in 1993. This was a turning point as when the news broke out. A lot of people came to have an interest in Spinning Bikes as many wanted to try this new workout.

Spinning Became Popular and Even Became Virtual

These days, no gym is complete without stationary bikes or spin bikes to complete their fitness offerings. More than this, the spin class have been popping up in different places that it seems everybody is into this workout. The spinning classes evolved from motivational coaching and breathing training.  Virtual spin classes have loud, fun of music that urges participants to spin as they mimic cycling through hill climb, rolling hills, and flat roads.

There are even spinning classes these days when virtual reality is incorporated. Just recently, a start-up company in New York introduced group spin biking wherein their progress during the workout can be seen in widescreen wherein participants are represented by avatars.

Conclusion of the History of Spinning

Spinning has come a long way since it was developed during the 80’s. Our brief exploration into the history of spinning is an interesting story.  Spin classes are sprouting everywhere that it seems everybody gets fit because of spinning. This workout has really come a long way.

You're reading History of Spinning: From Johnny G to the Present by Samantha, originally posted on SpinBikeLab.com. If you've enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Samantha on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+!