First and foremost, let me just say that I never EVER saw myself attending a spin class in my entire life. While I have been into fitness for a few years now, encouraged by my husband who has been an avid bodybuilder for the last ten years, the very thought of being stuck on a bike for almost an hour with no method of discreet escape was less than appealing to me. In fact, it scared the heck out of me!
Enter: Cyclebar. When this location first opened a few months ago a co-worker informed me that they would be running a special of free rides for the first week and suggested that I try a class. I was hesitant to say the least. Luckily for me, she caught me right at a point in my "fitness journey" where I had decided to challenge myself by trying something that pushed me out of my comfort zone (read: scared me senseless). Yaaaayyyy...
I took some time to look at the website which was very informative and user-friendly. They actually had information detailing what to expect for your first spin class which helped ease some of my anxiety. After running myself out of excuses for about an hour and convincing both my very supportive husband and very cardio-resistant sister to join me on the adventure, I signed us all up and hoped for the best. I also need to add that I was completely impressed with the registration process. You create a customized profile with all of your personal specs (height/weight/shoe size, etc.) and preferences. You actually reserve a spot by viewing the layout of the class and selecting a specific bike which was a particular comfort to me... knowing that I was guaranteed a secure spot tucked away in the back where no one would be able to see my inevitably brilliant failure.
With my heart in my throat I stepped through the doors early Saturday morning and suddenly my fear began melting away, somehow replaced by inexplicable excitement. I was blown away by the design and the energy I felt as soon as I walked in. With almost 50 people swarming about and a few instructors standing by to assist, I was impressed with how well we were all taken care of. Because I had read through some of the info on the website, I had an idea of what to expect regarding the shoes, water bottles, towels, "clipping in," etc. Figuring out the locker situation was pretty common-sense to me, but I could tell that some others were a little confused. If you have any questions at all, you literally just ask someone and a VERY FRIENDLY person will help you right away.
I had expected a few hurdles/rough patches getting everyone set up considering this was one of the first classes for this location with a lot of first-timers like myself, but I was surprised with how informative, friendly, and helpful all of the staff were. We quickly made our way into the studio right on schedule and again my expectations were blown out of the water. The room was nothing like I had imagined...I felt like I had stepped into a music video or something. The atmosphere was what I can only describe as "electric," and I was suddenly anxious to begin. Our instructor was Julie. She was extremely sweet and patient while she made the rounds helping everyone adjust their seats and clip in to their bikes. The clipping-in part was a little tricky, but with her help, we figured it out. The music started, Julie greeted the class with more energy than I ever expected out of anyone that early on a Saturday morning, and just like that...we were off!
By the end of the class, my husband and I immediately rushed to the front desk and bought a package for more classes. It was AMAZING. The music was great, the energy was incredible, the instructor encouraged us throughout the ride to push ourselves but also constantly reminded us to just do our best. She had great control over the room, kept our excitement up the entire time, and I can honestly say that I have never had so much fun while sweating SO MUCH. The technology they use is actually pretty innovative and I loved how they used our profiles to show where we placed in the class. The added friendly competition helped me to push myself a lot further than I ever thought possible. They use your stats that you enter when you register so that they can measure your personal best against everyone else's... That way the people who could put out more power (my husband) weren't at an unfair advantage/disadvantage compared to those who excelled at speed (me). For the record, I beat him by 4 places :).
Overall, our experience was beyond anything we could have hoped for. We've been back since, and will be there this weekend! Lengthy review, I know, but if anyone out there finds themselves wishing they could try it but as scared as I was, all I can say is GO FOR IT! I took the leap and never looked back, and you should too! Excellent business, excellent staff, overall awesome experience. read more