Spinning: What’s The Hype?

Using a stationary bicycle is not a new phenomenon, however, boutique spin studios are! Between SoulCycle, Flywheel, CycleBar, and more, it seems like a new studio is popping up every day—but what’s the secret to getting a cult-like following for an exercise regimen? Well, it all depends on what you’re looking for.

SoulCycle often preaches a more spiritual journey on the spin bike, going so far as to turn off all the lights and fire up some candles that surround the instructor, giving he or she an ethereal atmosphere. They discourage the use of wearable fitness trackers and watches because they do not want this to be a competitive experience. These instructors are heavily vetted and get a following like no other, each offering a different vibe and different types of music. Speaking of music, if you are heavily influenced by the beat of your favorite jam, SoulCycle is the place to be. Each instructor’s profile offers their favorite artists and current favorite song, giving you a good idea for what kind of playlist you’re about to walk into; this is important because you pedal to the beat of each song, allowing you to get lost in the music. Additionally, all bikes are equipped with one to three-pound weights for some light strength work while riding.

Flywheel is a bit different for a few reasons. For starters, it is much more competitive. Those participating in the class are ranked numerically for their efforts, making it an excellent choice for those that are motivated by competition. For those that are not, no worries—it is totally optional to participate. Moreover, they are not solely beat-based classes, but also offer classic rides. Depending on what you’re looking for, this could be a positive or a negative. Flywheel will have you push your limits, focusing on power and results rather than a spiritual ride.

CycleBar offers a mix of the two: it has a more loyal following than flywheel, but not quite as spiritual as SoulCycle. It offers a more competitive class like Flywheel, themed rides like SoulCycle, and a more typical spin experience sits somewhere in the middle and are often beat-based.

No matter what you’re looking for, I definitely recommend you find a spin studio near you and give it a go. Each one offers unique characteristics that speak to different people and I encourage you to try them all! If you find one that you love, you’ve found an exercise for life.