Nothing prevents the onset of holiday weight gain like a little workout. And this past Sunday, Ridgewood’s YMCA geared up for a three-hour spinning event that benefitted the Strong Kids Campaign, a program that helps ensure all children and families are able to enjoy YMCA programs.

Jessica Baeza, a spinning instructor at the YMCA, cheered everyone on as they entered their third and final hour of the class. Six brave souls attended the workout for a full three hours of intense spinning.

This is the second year that Baeza has organized the event in conjunction with the Ridgewood YMCA.

“This is such an amazing event because of the calories you burn,” Baeza said, adding that the average amount of calories burned per hour of spinning is between 500 and 800 calories. As a Thanksgiving meal is approximately 3000 calories, according to Baeza, you would almost be burning your entire meal doing the whole event.

Group cheers and music from a DJ put some spunk into the event, giving riders the stamina and support needed to make it through all three hours.

It worked, as all participants that started actually finished, raising approximately $300 for the Strong Kids Campaign.

“It was awesome,” said Jacquelyn Coutre, a local resident and a regular member of the Ridgewood YMCA. Drenched in sweat, Coutre admitted that towards the end, she had to pace herself so that she would be able to complete the event. “But then we ramped up, and we made it!”

Members from other YMCA’s in the city participated in the event. Candice Bastien, a resident of Cambria Heights, came with her friend Jeannette Wood, who belongs to the Ridgewood YMCA. “It was fantastic and insane,” Bastien said. “And I’m glad the money’s going to help out.”

Looking to the future, Baeza is hopeful that the event will take place again next year. “I’m proud of everybody,” she said.