At NYC Gym, Violence Hits Spin Cycle

Indoor biking classes are hot these days

(NEWSER) - Exercising cyclists are gushing so much sweat that two boutique spin chains are releasing new bikes of their own creation, specially designed to prevent rusting metal and soggy handles, reports the Wall Street Journal . In-studio cycling, or spinning, is surging in popularity as gym-goers seek a cheaper alternative to conventional personal training—that's cheaper, not cheap. Flywheel and SoulCycle charge $30 and $32, respectively, per 45-minute class, and both are innovating their equipment as they briskly expand beyond their current footprint of seven locations each. More»

Singer is hospitalized after he's beaten, hit by cab

(NEWSER) - Pop singer Gavin DeGraw had a brutal night in New York City early Sunday morning. The 34-year-old Chariot belter was attacked by a group of men in the street after leaving a bar around 4am. He then stumbled a few blocks away and was hit by a taxi, sources tell the New York Daily News . DeGraw, who has been touring the country with Maroon 5 and Train, suffered a broken nose and facial lacerations and has canceled tonight's gig in Saratoga Springs. It's not known why DeGraw was attacked. Police are investigating. Click for more . More»

Kids attack mailman with ice, fists

(NEWSER) - A vicious attack on a mailman has three New York youths charged with criminal arms possession. Their weapon of choice? Snowballs, the New York Post reports—hard, icy ones. A 16-year-old and a pair of juveniles allegedly threw them at the carrier, then beat him when he yelled back. They also face assault, harassment, and menacing charges, police said. More»

Five potential pitfalls lurking at the gym

(NEWSER) - So it’s almost 2011 and you’re determined to put that gym membership to good use. That’s great, but what about all the hidden dangers lurking in health clubs? The Washington Post offers some tips for how to protect yourself from…

• Skin infections: These can be spread through shared equipment, and you’re especially vulnerable if you have a cut or scrape. Use alcohol spray or wipes to clean off equipment, and put a towel over any mat you’re going to use.

Boston facility sells low-cost memberships in poor neighborhood

(NEWSER) - One Boston fitness center believes that wealth shouldn't keep people from experiencing the benefits of exercise: Healthworks operates a nonprofit women-only gym in a low-income neighborhood. Residents are excited to be able to afford gym memberships, which are based on income and max out at $30 month. Some, like Tamica Toney, have used frequent visits to return from obesity to a healthy weight. "I was 252 pounds," Tamica tells NPR . "Now I am a total of 170 even." More»