body & soul THE FANTASTIC SPINTASTICS

By Liz Biggs

Nonstop since 1995, Babette Bell is the driving force behind the Fantastic Spintastics, a dynamic group of ladies who have been exercising together for over 27 years. According to Ginger Holland, they are “the nomads of spinning,” starting out at Pensacourt, then moving to Tammy’s Fitness, then to Anytime Fitness and finally landing at Pensacola Fitness Club.

Initially, Pensacola Fitness Club didn’t have bikes for a spinning class but Bell was determined to keep her class together, so she brought over 20 bikes from Anytime Fitness.

Locally owned and operated by Elizabeth and Brad Taylor, Pensacola Fitness welcomed the Spintastics to their club and thankfully agreed to buy the bikes from Bell.

“Pensacola Fitness embraced us, the owners are nice people,” Holland said.

In addition to camaraderie, commitment to fitness and loyalty to their fearless leader, the group’s favorite thing about the class is the music. Bell has created over 100 playlists and never uses the same one twice. Songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s are on heavy rotation. According to Bell, music gets in your muscles and makes them move.

Ann Kleckner, a retired Navy Master Chief, will be 93 years old in July and has been a Spintastic since 1998.

“It keeps me going, my doctor says it’s good for me,” Kleckner said. “We are like family. We like each other. We hug. We worry about each other. I was two minutes late and everyone was worried!”

Jean Wallace trains and works with therapy dogs at the airport and is 87 years old. She had hip replacement surgery but was back in class after one month.

“It is such a welcoming class; they are all so encouraging and helpful. I never feel like I’m under pressure to keep up,” Wallace said. “I quit for a while to do Kung Fu, but at 80 I decided I was too old for Kung Fu.”

Holland, who coached basketball at Pensacola Catholic High School for decades, was a runner but she is thankful that Bell “got her off the road.” Bell convinced her that low impact cycling is easier on the knees and joints.

“Babette cares about us so much. Her diligence and commitment to us is why we’re here,” Holland said. If someone misses two classes in a row, Bell will text them to make sure they are OK.

Joyce Cobb, 65, is a newer member of the group. One year ago, she had a foot injury. She joined the group and has completed 150 spins in the past year.

Beverly Vannoy, one of the youngest members of the group, had knee replacement surgery 10 years ago as well as lower back fusion five years ago.

“This class helps me maintain my mobility and keeps my energy up for life,” Vannoy said.

According to Bell, Kleckner and Holland are the glue of the class.

“They are our anchors, they hold us together,” Bell said.

Bell recently honored Kleckner with “National Ann Day”and a playlist that featured all Elvis Presley and Cher – Kleckner ‘s favorites.

Sharon Moore and Holland agreed the group is kind of like a cult.

“To get into the cult, you have to show up five times,” Holland laughed.

But get there early, for there are only 21 bikes.

INTERESTED?

The Fantastic Spintastics have been spinning together for over 27 years. Check the schedule on the website for “Cycle Class with Babette.”

• Pensacola Fitness Club, 6933 N. 9th Ave., Pensacola; 850-474-0477; pensacolafit.com.