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In their approaches to fitness, Pilates and Spinning® are far from a perfect match. Pilates is based on controlled movements where quality is more important than repetition. Spinning, on the other hand, is cardiovascular training at its most extreme. Yet, thanks to veteran trainer Melanie Danza at APOGEE’s Bedford Hills center, they’re in perfect synch in a new class that is quickly becoming a club favorite—Pilates/Spin. “It was rare to see a serious Pilates student on a bike or a dedicated Spinner on the Reformer,” says Melanie. “I was determined to open their eyes to the possibilities.”

Pilates/Spin begins with 15 minutes of classic Pilates mat exercises to warm up the body and tap into the core as the catalyst for movement. This sets participants up for 30 minutes of non-stop, heart-pounding Spinning, where the instructor emphasizes working from the inside out—stabilizing the abdominals so you can cycle with greater ease and efficiency. Then it’s back to the mat for exercises specifically designed to stretch and lengthen the spine, which can compress and tense up from hovering over handle bars. In contrast is some extension work (bending the spine backwards) to challenge the abdominals with the downward pull of gravity, open up the chest and stretch the upper back.

Students end the class standing–feeling thoroughly lifted, challenged and invigorated. “It’s been exciting to apply Pilates principles to the unusual position assumed by a cyclist and to see how they make Spinning easier,” Melanie says. “I’m teaching, but I’m learning as well, which I love.”

The new Pilates/Spin class is one of the first of its kind–anywhere. Given the waiting list at Bedford Hills, that won’t be for long.