Pedal power: 1st TSC sergeant major leads from the front

Photo By Master Sgt. Josephine Pride | Sgt. Maj. Rodney Macon, a spin instructor at Hercules Fitness Center at Pope Army Airfield, leads his class through a workout, April 26, 2014. Spin classes are held six days a week at the fitness center open to service members and their families, Department of Defense civilians and guests.  

FAYETTEVILLE, NC, UNITED STATES

05.05.2014

Story by Staff Sgt. Josephine Pride 

1st Theater Sustainment Command

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Being a Soldier and a leader requires dedication and a commitment to live the Army Values. When noncommissioned officers are promoted to the rank of sergeant, they vow to uphold the NCO creed.

In 1994, Sgt. Maj. Rodney Macon became a noncommissioned officer, reciting the NCO creed and accepted the responsibility to take care of Soldiers and lead by example.

Macon, 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) Support Operations sergeant major, still takes his leadership to heart not only by leading his Soldiers on a daily basis, but also takes the time to teach spin class on Fort Bragg six days a week.

Like many, Macon, a native of Houston, found spin as an alternative to heavy impact running after multiple knee injuries. Spinning, also known as indoor cycling provides a high intensity cardiovascular workout with less impact on the joints.

Spin class takes its principles from outdoor cycling which is what you see with Tour De France or other major bike races, said Macon. The same principles used in outdoor cycling are brought into a spin class room.

In a typical spin class, a person can expect a full workout on a stationary bike while taking commands from the instructor in front of the class while music plays in the background. The instructor gives commands on how much resistance to add, certain movements everyone should be doing, and how fast to pedal.

Not only is spinning a great alternative to running, it can also help maintain and increase fitness levels.

“I can burn anywhere from 600 to 1000 calories in one session depending on what type of workout I am doing,” said Macon.

Macon has continuously received a lot of positive feedback about his classes. Within a 30-day period some have attested to seeing a loss of up to 20 pounds, and inches off of their waist, he said.

Just as Macon leads by example with his Soldiers, he does the same in the gym.

The same thing I am encouraging them to do I am doing right there in front of them, said Macon. I am working and sweating as hard as they are and I think that above anything else encourages them to not only participate in the class but to come back.

While participating in Macon’s spin class, everyone stays motivated through his encouraging chants and upbeat choice of music. Macon states his music is by far the best out of all the classes.

Class attendees can expect to hear a mixture of top 20 Dance, County, Pop, R&B, and Hip-Hop music with an occasional splash of oldies from various genres.

Macon is a certified spin instructor and plans to continue teaching spin class at his next assignment through MWR or off post fitness centers.

A novice to spinning can also attend any of the classes available. There is no beginner, intermediate, or advanced level, said Macon. Everyone pedals to reach the same goal.

Macon’s classes are held at Towle Gym on Mondays and Fridays at 6:30 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., and Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. He also has a class on Saturday at Pope Gym at 11:30 p.m.

The classes are open to all Department of Defense ID card holders. A person attending should wear proper workout clothes and be sure to bring water to the class.

For those who would like to try spinning class, visit www.fortbraggmwr.com for more information.

• Date Taken: 05.05.2014
• Date Posted: 05.05.2014 17:10
• Story ID: 128804
• Location: FAYETTEVILLE, NC, US
• Hometown: HOUSTON, TX, US