There are about 500 helicopters in São Paulo, Brazil. That means there are also lots of helipads. Helicopters land on and take off from these platforms. Many are on the roofs of tall buildings. Locals are finding another use for those spaces. They hold spin classes on them!

“Spinning” is cycling on a stationary bike. (That’s an exercise bike that stays in one place.) Most spin classes are indoors. But now Brazilian fitness coaches are hosting outdoor classes on helipads.

Spin coach Rodrigo Gusman is one of the people behind the idea. Several years ago, Mr. Gusman started thinking of new places to hold classes. He organized workouts at a skating rink. He taught classes at a circus. He even hosted exercisers at a pet shop.

Then he thought of helipads. Since 2021, he has held spinning classes at seven different helicopter landing sites. They all have big views of the big city.

“This is about trying out something different,” Mr. Gusman says. People like to feel the wind on their faces. They enjoy the view from the rooftops.

Local officials say about 700 helicopter flights buzz through the city every day. There are more than 250 helipads in São Paulo. Some of those can be used for spin classes.

Usually, Karina Conrado rides her bicycle on the streets. She tried cycling on a helipad for the first time last week. “Watching and enjoying what is happening below is so cool,” she says. 

Stelio Belchior runs a fitness company. He says exercising outdoors can be more fun.

“If you’re in a spinning class outdoors with your friends, listening to nice music on the top of a building with an amazing view, you get more motivated,” Mr. Belchior says. 

He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. — Psalm 18:33