{"id":45093,"date":"2019-11-24T20:33:36","date_gmt":"2019-11-24T20:33:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/uncategorized\/2019\/11\/24\/army-officers-spin-classes-boost-morale-in-afghanistan\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T03:41:23","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T03:41:23","slug":"army-officers-spin-classes-boost-morale-in-afghanistan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/news\/your-army\/2019\/11\/24\/army-officers-spin-classes-boost-morale-in-afghanistan\/","title":{"rendered":"Army officer\u2019s spin classes boost morale in Afghanistan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

BAGRAM, Afghanistan \u2014 Under a domed-style tent in Bagram, Afghanistan, filled with thumping music and rows of bikes, Lt. Col. Joseph Swindle turns into a spin instructor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s his way of offering a sense of normalcy and home three times a week to troops stationed in what he calls a \u201csafe\u201d combat zone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen folks come in, I see them giving high fives and hugs and my intent is to make it more than a cardio class,\u201d says the 46-year-old Army aviation officer, who commands a 1,200-member unit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding the power of camaraderie comes from not only serving in the Army \u2014 two tours in Afghanistan, one in Saudi Arabia and two in South Korea \u2014 but also as a spin instructor at the CycleBar in Hattiesburg. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou know we all have rank but when teaching, we leave all that macho stuff at the door,\u201d Swindle says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI want to create friendships, trust and relationships that will stand over time.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\t