Mayor Al Litman has been keeping mostly the ladies and himself fit for the past ten years in a “Spin” class he has been instructing since shortly after he arrived in Mesquite.   He has had the same dozen or so participants for that same amount of time.  Litman is a certified Spin Instructor.

Al Litman has been instructing a morning spin class in the city of Mesquite for 10 years and these six individuals have been with Litman from the start.  Front row: Jo Merrill, Cecil Donoho. Second Row: Phyllis Litman, Tomata Edwards Last Row: Michele McNichol, Vivian Thacker. Photo by Teri Nehrenz.

Al Litman has been instructing a morning spin class in the city of Mesquite for 10 years and these six individuals have been with Litman from the start. Front row: Jo Merrill, Cecil Donoho. Second Row: Phyllis Litman, Tomata Edwards Last Row: Michele McNichol, Vivian Thacker. Photo by Teri Nehrenz.

Only about half a dozen of his Spinning enthusiasts are in town all year; Litman says the other half are snow-birds who just haven’t returned to Mesquite yet.

Everybody in the class expressed how much they love the class and how beneficial it is to their health and fitness.  Litman told the MLN, “I’ve got the most in-shape ladies in town here in my class.  Spinning has been age-defying for them.  I’ve had them in the class for the past ten years from the very beginning and they haven’t aged at all. They’re in the best shape ever and look like they’re getting younger.  I don’t see any evidence that these folks have aged one day since I’ve met them.”

Litman began Spinning back in the mid-nineties when he lived in Hawaii and loved the benefits of the workout.  There wasn’t a spin class when Litman moved to Mesquite so he went to the city right away and spoke with then-Mayor Bill Nichols. Together, they got things moving.

Spinning benefits people in a variety of ways in a low-impact way.  It’s easy on the body’s joints and therefore not as age restrictive as some exercise programs. There isn’t any special equipment you need to buy unless you’re a serious “Spinner.” Shoes specially designed for spinning can be purchased at any bike shop and average around $100.  The shoes have a special cleat that hooks into the pedal to keep the foot from slipping.  You can still wear regular tennis shoes because the pedals also have straps for those who don’t want to or can’t invest in the specialty shoes.

Another benefit is the cardio workout that will help you burn about 600 calories in the 45 minute class if you’re a woman. Sorry girls, men just burn more and they can expect to burn about 700-800 calories in that same amount of time.

The class members all agree that Litman’s class is the best and they don’t “hurt” the same way they do after other workouts.  Of course, there’s going to be a bit of pain at the very beginning because you need to condition the muscles first, especially those used to keep you on the seat. But everyone confirms that it doesn’t last long and will go away if you just push through.

Phyllis Litman shows how “Spinning” is not just for weight control or toning your legs.  Here Litman shows the muscle tone in her arms from an up and down movement they call “Jumping” and riding the cycle while standing on the pedals. Litman says, “Spinning” has enormous cardio benefits as well. Photo by Teri Nehrenz.

Phyllis Litman shows how “Spinning” is not just for weight control or toning your legs. Here Litman shows the muscle tone in her arms from an up and down movement they call “Jumping” and riding the cycle while standing on the pedals. Litman says, “Spinning” has enormous cardio benefits as well. Photo by Teri Nehrenz.

Jo Merrill said, “I play tennis after class and feel great.  It takes about two weeks to adjust and get into things.  Some people quit after one or two classes without really given it a chance.  If they would stick it out for just two weeks, that would give it the chance it deserves.”

There is still plenty of room available in Litman’s class which is very reasonable and you don’t pay for what you don’t use.

A punch card with access to 12 classes is available from Litman. It allows you to join the class whenever you want. The card which doesn’t expire costs $50. That averages out to about $4 to $5 per class.

Stop in and check out the class Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings from 7:45-8 a.m.  Litman says he invites people to try the first class free and see if it’s for them.

Classes are held at 150 N. Yucca St. right next to the Mesquite Community Theatre.

Spin bikes are equipped with a special pedal with a built-in cleat slide that locks your feet to the pedal if you’re using special bicyclist shoes. The pedals are also equipped with straps that allow you to spin safely, without slipping, even in regular tennis shoes. Photo by Teri Nehrenz.

Spin bikes are equipped with a special pedal with a built-in cleat slide that locks your feet to the pedal if you’re using special bicyclist shoes. The pedals are also equipped with straps that allow you to spin safely, without slipping, even in regular tennis shoes. Photo by Teri Nehrenz.