‘Get your heart pumping’

With disco balls spinning, and strobe lights flashing, the workout room at the Newport Beach cycling gym Bike2theBeat looks more like the dance floor at a night club than a fitness class.

The gym offers bike aerobics classes, similar to spinning, except the workouts include choreographed dance moves set to upbeat music.

Bike2theBeat is offering Valentine’s Day-themed workouts all next week featuring mood lighting and love-inspired music.

“What we try to do instead of doing the same thing every day is take it to the next level and make it more interesting and more than just a workout,” said Bike2theBeat co-owner Alison Hill.

She and co-owner Jim DeNuccio have owned the gym for about a year.

The couple bought the gym from its from its founder, trainer Alan Harvey, who developed the bike aerobics workouts the gym uses. Harvey also still teaches classes at Bike2theBeat.

As part of its romantic, Valentine’s Day classes, the workouts at Bike2theBeat will feature pink and red romantic lighting.

Cyclists can choose from a soundtrack of romantic songs, or a “done-me-wrong”-themed workout for the lovelorn, Bike2theBeat trainer Leciana Zappala said.

“Whether you have a partner on Valentine’s Day or not, we’ll get your heart pumping,” Hill said.

Hill also does free spiritual, non-denominational workouts Sunday mornings at Bike2theBeat with uplifting music by artists like Amy Grant and Carrie Underwood.

She puts a donation box outside the door for cyclists to contribute money for Olive Crest, a nonprofit organization that helps kid who have been abused or neglected.

“It’s just kind of a way to give back,” she said.

Costa Mesa resident Luann Petix, who calls her self a “spinning addict,” said she comes to Bike2theBeat to have fun as much as work out.

“You get instant positive energy from the staff and other riders,” Petix said. “The lights and the music are going, and everyone is hollering and cheering — it’s just a unique experience.”

If You Go

What: Bike2theBeat

Where: 3928 Campus Drive in Newport Beach

Contact: www.bike2thebeat.com; call (949) 660-4970 to reserve a bike

Information: Individual sessions are $15 and packages start at $56. Beginners tutorial sessions also are available.