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| - Have you ever thought, "Gee, I LOVE going to the club, but what's really missing from there is a stationary bike"? (No? Just me, then?)
Well. Prepare to have your mind expanded, because you're going to wish that every dance club had stationary bikes after your first trip to Cyclebar. (Okay, I know this review is getting WEIRD fast, but just bear with me.)
Cyclebar brings you a spin class that feels like a (really healthy and really sweaty) night out. The music is pumping, the lights are low, and you are free to let loose and forget all the cares and worries of the outside world.
Here's how it works: first, you create a login on their website. This is how you sign up for class. You have to register for each class that you attend so you can secure a bike. You choose which bike you'd like for the class, so if you have a particular bike that you prefer (get your hands off of lucky #13, that one is All Me, btw), you can sign up for that. You can even set your preferences so that your fave bike is automatically selected if available when you schedule a class.
When you arrive, you log in on the iPads by the wall. Underneath the iPads are numbered cubbies. In the one that matches your bike number, you'll find your cycling shoes (free rental each class, so you don't have to commit to buying a pair unless you want to). Pick up your shoes and head around the corner to the lockers. Your locker number matches your bike number as well, and there's no need to bring your own lock, you set the code on the door each time. Make sure to leave your cell phone in the locker - the studio is a distraction-free zone!
You get a free water bottle at your first visit, and you can refill it each time you come in. They've also got complimentary ear plugs if the studio is too loud for you, and always a bowl of fresh fruit - your legs are gonna be grateful for that banana after your ride!
Once you enter the studio, you find your bike and get settled in. Each bike has a slot to hold your water and a clean towel. (Seriously, this place remembers EVERYTHING for you!) Once you adjust the settings on your bike, lock your shoes in to the pedals (the CycleStar instructors will help you with all of this if you need), and get ready to go.
The classes are generally 50 minutes long, and the awesome instructors take you through a solid warmup, a hill or two, maybe a race, a little bit of upper body workout, and then a cooldown and good stretch in each class. The music selections vary from class to class - sometimes there are even themed nights like Throwback Thursday and Mashup Monday. And, each class has its own individual playlist, so if you love what you hear, you'll get a link to the Spotify playlist so you can listen to it at home. Most classes I've attended have a mix of music, from dance and pop, to 80s and 90s, to hip hop, and even rock. But everything keeps you going from start to finish.
Throughout class, your instructor will guide you through intervals. Sometimes, you'll ride to a really laid back beat and a slow RPM, but you'll have a ton of resistance on your bike. Other times, the resistance will be really light, but the song will be super fast. You ride to the beat of the song, so each song brings something new. During the races, the board at the front of the studio will light up and show the top riders, so you can push yourself to be your best.
At the end of your ride, staff members will be waiting by the door with cool towels so you can clean off a little. Trust me - you will be SWEATY. There's also a small shower area in the back if you need to clean up enough to go out into the world after a class. They also have all sorts of promotional days - like Wine Down Wednesday, Happy Hour Ride on Friday, and Mojo Coffee Rides in the mornings, so you can sip on some good stuff after you put in your 50 minutes of hard work!
And after your ride, you'll get an email of your Cyclestats. You can watch yourself progress from class to class as you improve and get stronger. You can compare the current ride to past rides, and get the link to the playlist you heard during class.
I had an opportunity to try a free class when the studio first opened, and it was Love at First Ride. Unfortunately, the rates are a little pricey, but look for deals on classes (and you can get a free preview ride if you've never gone before). Personally, I love the experience so much and I find it so fun, I don't mind throwing in a few extra bucks for something I enjoy so much that is also such a great workout. But I would say that's really the only area of improvement I could think of (and the rates are still quite honestly cheap compared to other spin studios). They have monthly packages and multipacks that don't expire (but cost a little more).
So what are you waiting for? Come on down and race me some night! (Just keep your bike shorts off of Lucky #13.... ;)
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