RYDE Cycle
I just checked out Ryde Cycle and loved my first few rides. Let me tell you all about it y’all! From the playlist to the studio staff to the workout itself, this is a great spin studio with a convenient location. And I know that for many, convenience is very important for their fitness routine.
The studio is located right in Union Square on 13th Street here in NYC. For anyone native to the NYC area, we know how central Union Square is to everything else in the city. And apparently their DC location is also in a central location in Arlington, Virginia, which is convenient for lots of those DMV people. And if I’m not mistaken, the DC studio is referred to as Revolve Fitness and was the first indoor-cycling studio in Arlington, Virginia.
The front desk receptionists work really quickly to get everyone checked-in with spin shoes and water bottles. There are small cubbies for small non-valuable items and a full gender-neutral locker room downstairs from the classroom. The locker room also has individual changing rooms and showers for clients who would like more previous. Plus, there is plenty of room to sit and chat outside of the classroom, before your ride starts, so feel free to connect with other riders in class.
The workout is fun and challenging; I find it to be like any other spin class. In my opinion, the instructor is what really makes a class. Most of the class is uphill riding (depending on how much resistance you add to your ride) and a few sprints, with some light upper body weight training towards the end of class. Of course, depending on the instructor, upper body could happen twice in one class. And I always recommend, as do must spin instructors, please stay for the stretch after class. Especially if you don’t have anywhere to rush off to after class, just take those last few minutes to stretch out your muscles. I think most non-athletes find stretching underrated. In any case, that’s totally up to you. The journey is only 45 minutes, but the ride will ultimately be what you make of it, so turn up that resistance because there’s nothing to lose, but so much more to gain.
Ryde Cycle is great when it comes to themed rides, like their “Sunday Service” themed ride that I took with Wayne. From artists like Kanye West to Lil’ Wayne and Jay-Z (and I mean old school Jay-Z), Wayne’s playlist was dope A.F. The Sunday Service ride was filled with plenty of sweat, laughs, and claps. That’s right! When you’re down on your crunches, just squeeze that core and add a clap on the way back up.
The instructors at Ryde Cycle are so motivating. And as I always say, the instructor is really what makes the ride a great experience. My first three classes were with Lauren, Wayne, and Dallis. Dallis was a super fun and energetic spin instructor; she could probably lead the ride in her sleep. Wayne was my favorite instructor for two reasons: 1) his playlist was the -ish and 2) his personality. It’s easier to get through the challenging times in class, when you feel like an instructor is right by your side getting you to the finish line with positive energy and a few jokes along the way.