Sobczak goes for a spin

Michael Sobczak teaches Spinning classes at Highlander Elite Racket and Fitness in Brookfield. Photo by Brett Solberg

No matter how hectic his schedule might be, Michael Sobczak sees the value in taking time for a good spin.

For those unfamiliar with workout terminology, Spinning is an exercise routine licensed by Mad Dogg Athletics. It started in the 1980s as an endurance athletic program using stationary bicycles, and it has since grown into a popular draw at many health clubs.

“It behooves me to take care of myself,” said Sobczak, a partner with Milwaukee-based Plunkett Raysich Architects. “There are days when I go into the gym and don’t feel up to it at all, but you feel so good after, and that’s what gets you coming back.”

Sobczak started Spinning more than two years ago and has been working out at Highlander Elite Racket and Fitness in Brookfield at least three times a week for years.

“For me, it’s a great stress reliever from work,” he said.

But Sobczak, 42, doesn’t just take the Spinning classes; he teaches them. He had been involved in indoor-cycling classes regu-larly for a few years when the club’s staff members asked him if he wanted to teach.

He took them up on the offer about a year ago.

“When they asked if I was interested, I made it a point to take a class with every instructor in the club,” he said.

While some instructors are more conversational, Sobczak really likes to focus on the task at hand. When members sign up for Spinning with him, they know what they’re getting right off the bat.

“I really try to focus on why it is we’re doing what we’re doing,” he said.

At the start of every class, Sobczak sets a goal for the day. Then, as the wheels begin spinning and the music starts playing, members adjust the resistance on their bikes to reach that goal.

“It’s not a competition in the room,” he said. “We are all doing the same goal but reaching it differently because of conditioning.”

To help motivate participants to work harder and stay focused in his classes, Sobczak chooses a variety of rock music to encourage different intensity levels.

“For me, the music is huge,” he said. “It’s a big motivator to what you’re doing in the class.”

Recently, Sobczak took a break from teaching to celebrate his family’s newest arrival. With new baby Will in the mix, Michael and his wife, Annette, have their hands full with five children.

But, Sobczak said, “some day they will all be in the spin class with me.” — Brittany Nelson