Determined to stem the rising tide of lifestyle-related diseases in Bermuda, fitness instructor Dave Wolffe has opened a spinning studio in Warwick.

Clients of all fitness levels can book classes at Spin4Life on 12 high-tech, stationary bikes, in an air-conditioned space.

“The bikes give you all the information about how you are riding, the speed and distance,” Mr Wolffe said. “They also sync with the television, and are fully customisable for height and range of motion.”

Mr Wolffe’s goal is to help people stay active for life.

“That is very important,” he said. “I am 53-years-old and I want to be fit for the duration of my life. My motto is you don’t have to get ready, if you stay ready.”

According to the Ministry of Health, Bermuda has the highest rate of obesity of any country within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and one of the highest diabetes-related amputation rates.

It is estimated that there is a 15.5 per cent prevalence of diabetes in adults.

“That is crazy,” Mr Wolffe said. “A lot of people do not fully understand the gravity of their health and how they can change course. Movement is so important to our overall health.”

He said some people who go to a gym are focused on aesthetics, developing muscles or losing weight, but to him it is about reducing the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other lifestyle-related health conditions.

Years ago, he was not particularly interested in spinning.

“I got into spinning by accident,” Mr Wolffe said. “I was always more of a runner and was resistant to the idea of spinning because it was indoors and stationary.”

However, when he suffered a slight knee injury, he found that spinning was good for his hamstrings.

“Now I love spinning,” he said. “It is a great workout, and is something that people of different fitness levels can do. It is good for people who cannot do running and are not as active.”

He owns the studio, but shares the space with five other spinning instructors. “I am trying to get a few more,” he said.

He wanted to open Spin4Life at 82 South Road, Warwick, because he saw a lack of fitness options in the western parishes.

“Most classes, whether it is swimming, kickboxing or fitness, are offered in the city,” he said. “I thought if classes were offered here, people would take them in the morning before they went to work or on their way home. That is exactly what people are doing.”

Participants buy an exercise package, and then use the website to reserve their spot in the class for when they want to come.

“There are no commitments and no monthly fees or lock-in terms,” Mr Wolffe said.

He eventually wants to add something similar in the East End, as well.

The fitness buff has been in the industry for about 15 years, and also runs a gym in Hamilton called Fit4Life.

“What I love about doing this is changing lives. I have done a lot of things in my life, but I have found my niche. I do a lot of work in the community and I feel that I am contributing to a healthier society,” added Mr Wolffe.