FORGET long bike rides in the country - the trendy way to get into shape is spinning!

According to council bosses, Spinning is one of the latest and most popular fitness activities.

And it doesn't involve sweating it out in aerobics classes, or working out in a gym.

A cross between aerobics and cycling, the new activity is instructor-led, with participants using specially-adapted, fixed-wheel bikes to pedal their way to fitness.

Like aerobics, music is used to determine how fast they pedal. A dozen of the bikes were introduced to West View Leisure Centre, in Ribbleton, two years ago.

Now the exercise has finally taken off, with locals desperate to get fit in the trendiest way possible. Twelve classes a week are pencilled in for Fulwood Leisure Centre, providing leisure services chiefs give the go-ahead for £7,280 to be spent buying 13 bikes for the centre. A council spokesman said: "Spinning is a vigorous, enjoyable and beneficial activity, which can be pursued by a wide age range.

"The activity is important because it does not damage joints and tendons while the heart and lungs are given a good work-out.

"It is easy to keep interest and motivation levels high."

He added: "In the leisure industry, it is vital to move with the times and new trends to maintain and increase income.

"Spinning has undoubtedly added interest and spice to the health and fitness programme.

"Loss of interest in other classes, such as Step Aerobics, will be counteracted by the expansion of spinning."

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