Cyclebar classes are good for those looking to:
- Build lower body strength
- Burn calories in a high-pace group setting
My first experience at Cyclebar
Before the ride
Make sure to get to Cyclebar 15-30 minutes before your first class in order to complete the proper paperwork and get set up on your bike. Most Cyclebar studios are relatively small, so don’t expect a grand tour prior to class. Cyclebar instructors (also known as “Cyclestars”) will get set you up with a pair of riding shoes properly fitted to your size.
One thing I found odd while waiting for class to begin was that there were no locker rooms in Cyclebar’s studio: the studio had a waiting area with lockers for your things as well as individual bathrooms. While I understand and respect the space efficiency within the studio, this trait was a bit off-putting for me as the only male in my class.
Stepping onto the bike
As class kicked into gear, I began to realize how much effort Cyclebar owners put into crafting a “party” like environment within their studios. Whilst beginning to warm up, our instructor stepped behind the club-esque DJ booth to turn on a EDM/pop-inspired playlist. While I primarily enjoyed the music throughout, there were times when it got a bit too dubsteppy for my liking.
As the music built and our legs began turning, the Cylebar instructor stepped onto her stage, a solo bike lit up in front of the dark room. She started off with words of inspiration, telling us to put aside all doubts and worries and be present on the bike. Past that initial speech, I was not able to hear much of her words for the rest of the class. Whether the sound system was busted or there was just too much conflicting sound with the Cyclestar yelling and the music blaring, I had a hard time interpreting her words and knowing what to do for a majority of the class.
The ride itself
Despite having a hard time hearing my instructors commands, I found the environment a fun one to ride in. Cyclebar has built a brand through building a sense of community within the rides and promoting a party like atmosphere to workout in. I enjoyed the limited arm and shoulder exercises we did, but they were obviously designed for muscle toning rather than building muscle.
Outside of my studios sound issues, the most off-putting part of my ride was the elbow movements scattered throughout. At the pinnacle of a few tracks, our instructor encouraged us to “bounce to the beat”, thrusting our chests back and forth from the handlebars through controlled elbow bends. Maybe I am just not used to much movement in my upper half while my feet are turning over on a bike, but these moves felt very unnatural during my ride.
Cyclebar: The basics
What is Cyclebar?
At its core, Cyclebar is a cycle studio that has built a community of followers through their well-versed instructors and party-like environment. Cyclebar boasts that they offer a
“inclusive and inspiring low-impact/high-intensity indoor cycling experience for all ages and body types.”
While this may be true, Cyclebar’s customer demographic does skew younger and more towards females than other cycling studios I have been to before.
How much does Cyclebar cost?
Cyclebar’s memberships range from $59/month for four rides all the way up to $149/month for unlimited rides. However, there are two new rides packs available: $69 for five rides or $99 for unlimited rides within the first month.
Is Cyclebar good for weight loss?
Yes, Cyclebar can help you lose weight, build endurance, and strengthen your lower body/core. In fact, a study from 2018 found that stationary cycling and strength training alone were enough to help you lose weight without any change in diet (although a healthy diet can only compound that effect!).
