High-tech immersive spin class experiences

NEW YORK (WABC) -- It's a popular form of exercise, and now there's a new twist to spin class.

How about an IMAX or other immersive experience while you're spinning?

This is a trip to where indoor cycling hasn't gone before.

Ride with Les Mills and you're going places.

"You kind of immerse yourself in the experience and these different worlds that you go through, so you kind of forget that you're working out," said Jesper Magnusson, the CEO of Les Mills.

All the images are created digitally and projected onto a curved screen that's 40 feet wide and 12 feet high.

Les Mills started years ago in Australia, but this is the first time it's available on the east coast.

It's only offered at TMPL, a new gym in Midtown by David Barton.

Each quarter a new ride is created with new worlds and vistas, you even feel the curves of the road.

"If you have experience riding you'll feel very comfortable and confident, but you'll be taken to a different place because of the look, the feel, the sound, the storytelling," said Justin Thomas Sanchez, an instructor.

IMAXShift opens this week in Dumbo and it's like watching an IMAX movie while riding a bike.

The screen there is 44 feet high and the ride is a mix of digitally created components and actual IMAX clips.

"You might have a really cool ride through the cosmos. There might be some digital reactive elements that keep you on the beat; you might be flying over the coast of Alaska. There's all of these different elements that come together to create a cohesive workout experience," said Bryan Marcovici, CEO of IMAXShift.

It's those flyovers that are really captivated. Who wouldn't like to be flying through the surf? During the IMAXShift class, the instructor sits off to the side so that your focus is really on the big screen.

"There are a lot of different things going on here that aren't going on in your typical spin class...the sounds system is incredible, not only are you looking at so many incredible visuals, but the sound is also immersing you as well," said Emma Belluomo, an instructor

But that doesn't mean it's going to be an easy ride; at both IMAXShift and Les Mills the trip, you still ride hard, but the pretty scenery makes for a nice distraction.