It’s January, also known as the busy season for most gyms.

Six-year spin teacher Amy Haygood said everyone sets a goal to lose weight at the beginning of the year, but somewhere along the way, they tend to lose focus.

“I think if you have a support system, then you can make things happen,” she said. “Group exercise is always fun because you build relationships and they hold you accountable.”

Haygood describes her classes as fun and upbeat.

“Don’t be intimidated, but we do workout,” she said. “It can be challenging, but my thought on that is you should continue to come because the first two times are the hardest, then it gets a lot easier.”

It’s really all about getting over that initial hill, Haygood said.

“If you feel as though you can’t keep up or you can’t stand or do the movements that we’re doing, because it’s not just pedaling, then you need to get out of your box and keep burning those calories,” she said. “Don’t not come because you can’t stand up or do the movements. It’s one step at a time. As long as you’re moving, you’re making progress.”

Haygood’s love for spinning started when she wanted something new and fun to do at the Y.

“Spinning is not real hard on your knees, and outside of running it’s one of the best exercises you can do to burn the max amount of calories,” she said.

Sometimes people will come into a class feeling intimidated, but they really shouldn’t, Haygood said.

“They’ll find that the more they come — just the relationships they build and they encouragement they get — will drive them to continue the process of losing weight if that’s their goal,” she said.

Haygood said the bikes at the Y are fantastic.

“You put in your age, the amount of hours you workout in a week, whether you’re male or female, your weight, and it configures how many calories you burn in a session,” she said.

The classes are upbeat, high tempo and feature great music, Haygood said.

“I have fun with my class,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun, and everyone looks forward to seeing each other every week.”

Haygood’s class is at 5:45 p.m. on Monday nights, but there are other indoor cycling classes at the YMCA.

Haygood also serves as a personal trainer and the exercise coordinator for the YMCA, scheduling workout classes such as water aerobics, steptacular, yoga, circuit and Pilates. Classes are offered for Y members, and they are free. Free childcare is also provided at the YMCA for members while they workout. For more information, call 601-638-1071.