Spinning is getting a second wind. The heart pumping workout has evolved from its
early 90s beginnings with exclusive spaces that cater to pro cyclers as well as a young and stylish crowd that’s looking to stay svelte. With
in-studio birthday parties and
designer-branded candles now part of the experience, it seems that spinning won’t be riding into the sunset anytime soon.
SoulCycle: SoulCycle, the
New York spinning studio that started it all, shows no sign of slowing down. The chain now offers a range of classes from straightforward cycling to a total body workout using resistance bands. That SoulCycle’s brand exudes a club-like exclusivity—classes book up well in advance—is no surprise considering its clientele. Well-heeled New Yorkers go there as much for the chic interiors as the intense cardio (the studio’s exclusive
Jonathan Adler candle is so well-liked that it’s now available for purchase). The expansion continues with the first West Coast location having
recently opened and a Long Island branch welcoming riders later this month.
Beyond Pedaling: Beyond Pilates Dallas founder Brandi Marino is known for having her finger on the fitness pulse, so the fact that she’s switching exercise gears is more than noteworthy.
Beyond Pedaling, her new 30-bike studio in the heart of Texas, puts a spin (no pun intended) on the classic cycling class with nightclub-grade LED lights, in-studio guest DJs, and cool wall projections to keep riders motivated during the 50-minute sessions. Marino hasn’t completely abandoned her initial mission, however. In addition to emphasizing proper posture and body alignment, Beyond Pedaling has a
joint booking system with Beyond Pilates, so one needn’t have to choose one workout over the other.
Flywheel Sports: Flywheel Sports’ ‘stadium cycling’ set-up made it one of the most aspirational spin studios and now it’s looking to become the most accessible as well, with locations opening beyond the coasts. Last year, the New York-based chain expanded to Miami and Chicago, while in recent months it’s launched in
Atlanta and
Charlotte. Its 45- and 60-minute classes, all conducted on custom engineered bikes featuring so-called
tech-packs that record speed, resistance, and power output, are as much about pushing oneself as they are about exhorting one’s classmates. Indeed, every studio is outfitted with a large-screen display that notes who is leading the pack during that particular workout.
