Injured Rangers Pitcher Recovering While Spinning

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ARLINGTON (CBS11 SPORTS) - While Rangers starting pitcher Derek Holland recovers from an injured shoulder and is still a month away from returning from the DL, he's found an interesting way to stay in shape.

Holland has been taking an hour long spinning class at the downtown Dallas YMCA that starts at 6 o'clock in the morning.

The class is taught by 105.3 The Fan's host Mike Bacsik, also a former major league pitcher. Bacsik says he wants to make the class as difficult as possible, with the understanding that students can always ease up and go at their own pace.

Holland says he draws inspiration looking around the room as what he deems are his competitors, but as long as he gets the best of Bacsik, it's all good. Bacsik also says he keeps an eye on Holland, wondering who has burned off the most calories during the workout.

Even some of the other students have gotten a kick out of Holland's competitiveness. One student said Holland started a level above everyone but he's getting there quickly. Another says Holland chooses the bike in the corner because it's near the fan. When asked if he has a major advantage because he's a professional athlete, Holland said, "I love that….if that's what they believe."

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