Why did you start taking Spinning® classes?
I’ve been connected to the bicycle all my life, for me it’s a way of living. I fell in love with the Spinning® classes and the program from the first moment when I did a class with Johnny G at the 1995 IDEA Convention in San Diego, CA. After being in the fitness Industry for about 36 years and on the rollers “alone” for such a long time, for me this was like a breath of fresh air, bringing the cycling concept and methodology to a group class was awesome. Thanks Johnny G for this opportunity.
What inspired you to become a Certified Spinning® Instructor and then a Master Instructor?
For me becoming a JGSI and MI was a must because I wanted to transmit the concept to others. And as a cyclist and instructor I like the science behind the program and all the methodology applied.
What do you love about teaching Spinning® classes?
The mind body connection, and of course, the results.
What are your top three favorite songs to play during your Spinning classes and why?
- Vangelis - "Last of Mohicans," tells a story, it’s strong and makes you dream.
- Faithless - "I can’t get no sleep," lots of rhythm, lots of power.
- Hans Zimmer – "Black Hawk Down," very nice melody, strong, perfect for concentrate on what you are doing.
What makes Spinning® such a great workout?
The methodology/science, the safety, the mind body connection, the results and all this with lots of fun.
Share a memory from your experience as a teacher/coach/presenter that embodies the value of being a Certified Spinning® Instructor or Spinning® Master Instructor.
One of my best memories was giving the Spinning certificate to four very special persons, all of them with some kind of physical “limitations’ “, two of them legally blind and the others two with neurological/muscular problems. And for them there are no limits they are the best in and out the bicycle, true heroes.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a Certified Spinning® Instructor?
After being certified you get to show to people the true meaning of being the instructor of the original and best organized indoor cycling program. You need to show what it's like to belong to a group of well-educated fitness professionals that have the tools of the trade to get the job done. All this being yourself and not try to change the world, you got to be flexible and face life as it is and first of all, Pedal Smart.
What’s one of your favorite motivational quotes?
“ Do what makes you happy!”
Do you have a hero in the Spinning® community, someone who deserves recognition for their leadership?
In the Spinning® community as in life and depending on the circumstances we are all heroes!
Is there anything about you that would surprise people?
Maybe after long years trying, became the 2014 24H Solo World Mountain Bike Champion in my age class.Pedro Antonio Lima Pinto Maia - Pedro Maia (55 years old) is a Fitness Instructor and Presenter, Mountain Veteran Biker specialist in Ultra-Distance events, Portuguese Spinning® Master Trainer, Cycling Coach and Personal Trainer for more than thirty years in the Bike and Fitness Industry. I started racing in the '80s in XC and nowadays I race for Specialized throughMOVEFREE the biggest bicycle store chain in Portugal. After all these years, I almost “ride to live and live to ride” and became a 24 Hours race addict. I’m married to my beautiful wife and supporter Tina and have two daughters and three grandsons (15, 14 and 2). I teach Spinning classes in two Gyms in Lisbon (Holmes Place & Clube VII) and as a Master Trainer I coordinate together with MI Dino Pedras, the Portuguese JGSI doing courses and continuing education. I also support and sponsor young and not so young athletes with instruction and workouts prescriptions for cycling and other kind of sports. And the charitable relationships extends to people and animals in needs with the organization of Master Classes to raise funds in the official Spinning Clubs throughout the country.
