Spin Cycle: 4 Indoor Cycling Studios that Stand Out
A spin class at RIDE in the Heights
Image: Courtesy of RIDE
Do you only hop on a stationary or spin bike at your gym when all the treadmills are being used? This time make it a positive spin by heading to one of several new indoor cycling studios in town. A spin class at RIDE, RYDE, Revolution, or DEFINE Body & Mind could provide the variety your cardio routine has been missing with a choreographed, high-intensity and low-impact workout.
Music makes all the difference in a spin class and these studios definitely got the memo. They all offer high-energy spin classes with the kind of kick-butt workout playlists that you wish you owned. Most spin classes are 45 minutes and incorporate 5-10 minutes of light weight work to tone the core and upper body, but each studio comes with its own unique offerings as well.
Strictly Spin
RIDE, an Austin-based studio that opened its third location in the Heights this year, makes its classes more fun with themed playlists and the occasional charity ride to raise money for organizations like Susan G. Komen For A Cure. Check the schedule for special spin classes like the Michael vs. Janet RIDE, which will get you sweating to pop music's best sibling rivalry.
Like metrics? RYDE in River Oaks has the unique advantage of tracking each rider’s progress through a system that shows average rotations per minute, average calories burned and more. After the class, each rider receives an email summary of their workout—save them and watch your progress.
Spin, Strengthen and Stretch
Revolution Studio, with locations in River Oaks, Memorial City and Sugar Land, offers both spin and yoga classes. Members love the themed classes such as the Hip-Hop Happy Hour Ride or R&B Power Flow yoga.
Houston-based DEFINE Body & Mind has several locations around town, not to mention studios opening in far-flung cities like Denver and Dubai. In a low-lit studio, resistance balls are incorporated into Define Revolution classes to add muscle-building isometrics to the high-intensity workout.
Head spinning with options? You may need to try them all to see which saddle is the best fit for you.
