Do these cycling studios fit your workout personality?
Since 2004, when TotalCyclist came on the scene, more than six other indoor cycle studios have opened their doors in Charlotte. The fast-paced, total-body workout is attracting a fan base of new riders, cycling experts and everyone in-between. If the trend continues, we can expect many more studios to open in the coming years.
Charlotte’s cycling studios offer a variety of choices. They vary in their amenities, pricing and atmosphere. Some offer themed rides, after-ride happy hour, mash-ups and innovative technology. All have showers and pricing packages available.
Nina Bianchi, 25, has tried most of the cycling studios in Charlotte.
She said, “It’s the music. They have great playlists. You can put your head down, listen to the music and ride.”
For Bianchi, the stats posted on the leader board and the 60-second sprints against other riders motivate her to work harder.
Juliana Hague, 29, frequents the Booty Loop, the three-mile biking route in the Myers Park neighborhood. She also sees the value in the indoor cycling studios.
“For people who are apprehensive about cycling in the streets, cycling indoors is a good alternative,” she said. “Plus some people like the structure of a class at a specific time. You also don’t have to purchase a bike.”
If you’ve been thinking about getting on the cycling bandwagon, see if one of these studios fits your workout personality:
Core Revolution
16721 Orchard Stone Run #140
“Core Revolution is where I feel most at home. The clients and staff are like family where everyone encourages, supports and motivates each other to be our very best.” – Core Revolution instructor Miki Russ, 49
Pricing: $15-$18
Unlimited monthly membership: $129
Unique: Spivi virtual ride
Music: Upbeat, recognizable, motivating
Showers available: Yes
Length of classes: 45-60 minutes
Instructors: All certified in their field of expertise
Competitive vibe: Yes, use leader board
Overall vibe: Energetic, welcoming, lively
CycleBar
339 S Kings Dr.
“When you come to a class, you walk into a concert-like atmosphere. Lights, music, instructor and the opportunity to hang out with other riders who become your friends.” – CycleBar CycleStar Shannon Reznik, 32
Pricing: $16-$20 per class depending on package
Unlimited monthly membership: Not available
Unique classes: Featured daily rides like Mash-up Monday, Throwback Thursday and Happy Hour Friday
Music: All types
Showers available: Yes
Length of classes: 30-55 minutes
Instructors: All attend a four-day intense training boot camp
Competitive vibe: Yes, uses CycleStats
Overall vibe: Like being at Starbucks with a workout
CycleSouth
401 North Tryon Street
“Where else can you dance on a bike, ride to the beat of the music and zone out with 34 of your closest friends you haven’t met yet? The energy here is amazing and you’ll never skip a beat.” – CycleSouth instructor Anthony Sneed, 23
Pricing: $12-$23 per class depending on package
Unlimited monthly membership: Not available
Unique: Theme rides available, child watch available
Music: Everything from hip-hop, rock, top 40, alternative and country to Broadway hits
Showers available: Yes
Length of classes: 35-60 minutes
Instructors: Instructors lead classes using beat-based method
Competitive vibe: Non-competitive environment
Overall vibe: Studio is industrial chic, white and clean, strong family vibe
First Wind Cycling and Fitness
1930 Camden Road #120
“You walk into this studio and it’s in the air that there’s no judgment here. Everyone walks into First Wind as strangers, but they’re exchanging contact info before they walk out the door… and they’re also sweating… a lot.” – First Wind Cycling Instructor Claire Cullipher, 41
Pricing: $17-$20 per class depending on package
Unlimited monthly membership: $155, three-month minimum
Unique: Uses RealRyder bikes that lean and turn
Music: Hip-hop to house music to rock
Showers available: Yes
Length of classes: 30-50 minutes
Instructors: All instructors have at least one fitness certification
Competitive vibe: Non-competitive environment
Overall vibe: Fun, funky, and welcoming
Flywheel Sports Charlotte
2907 Providence Road, Suites 103 & 104
“The bike is stationary; Flywheel is a movement.”
Flywheel Sports Charlotte instructor Sarah Pitts, 28
Pricing: $21-$25 per class depending on package
Unlimited monthly membership: $220, three-month minimum
Types of classes: FlyBeats – a rhythmic class, signature ride that provides a mix of hill and flat-road simulations
Music: Instructors craft a different playlist for each class
Showers available: Yes
Length of classes: 45-60 minutes
Instructors: Instructors are trained specifically with the Flywheel method
Competitive vibe: Yes, TorqBoard features races during each class
Overall vibe: High energy, welcoming, positive, empowering, authentic
Sweat Cycle Sports
4201 Park Road
“At Sweat, our goal is to change the way you think about cardio by combining cardio with a party-like atmosphere to create a full-body, calorie-torching “pardio.’”
Sweat Cycle Sports motivator Brittany Caldwell, 24
Pricing: $17-21 per class depending on package
Unlimited monthly membership: $180, three-month minimum
Unique: Party-like experience
Music: All music is upbeat and motivating
Showers available: Yes
Length of classes: 45 minutes
Instructors: All Motivators have been trained by Master Instructors.
Competitive vibe: Yes, studio uses Performance IQ
Overall vibe: Positive vibes are contagious from the moment you step foot into the studio
Total Cyclist
601 South Kings Drive, Suite DD
“Great programs, awesome coaches and the music help keep the pain at bay, and the energy high. I love being there with likeminded people who train hard, want results and enjoy the jumping environment.” – Total Cyclist coach Nadja Tapkas, 39
Pricing: $18-$20 per class depending on package
Unlimited monthly membership: $125, six-month minimum
Unique: First cycle studio in Charlotte
Music: All types of music
Showers available: Yes
Length of classes: 60-90 minutes
Instructors: All instructors are triathlon and cycling coaches
Competitive vibe: Yes, stats displayed in real time
Overall vibe: Upbeat, vibrant with lots of instruction
Dowd YMCA and Childress Klein YMCA
Dowd YMCA – 400 E Morehead St
Childress Klein YMCA – 301 S College St #200
“People leave with positivity about where they are, not only physically, but also emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I fill my playlists [and classes] with music and motivation that will inspire people to push themselves in class, and then take that energy with them to tackle the world.” – YMCA instructor Allison Lilly, 51
Pricing: All regularly scheduled cycle classes are included in YMCA membership, day pass is $20
Unique: Abs/core workout offered after some classes
Music: Hip-hop, dance and current hits
Showers available: Yes
Length of classes: 30-60 minutes
Instructors: Many different instructors, each providing a different class experience
Competitive vibe: Yes, there is a leader board at Childress Klein
Overall vibe: Upbeat, high energy, encouraging
Photos: Duncan Littlefield, CycleBar, CycleSouth, Sweat Cycle Sports
This story was originally published October 10, 2016 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Do these cycling studios fit your workout personality?."