When you’re in the mood for a sweaty workout, nothing does the trick quite like a spin class. They’re known for being intense, high-energy, and super motivating, thanks in part to the fun instructors and upbeat playlists. You know it’s game on when the lights go down and the bass kicks in.
This is the vibe at CycleBar, an indoor cycling studio with locations across the country. Like many spin classes, it has mirrored workout rooms full of bikes, clubby red lighting, and a variety of classes to choose from, including a 30-minute Xpress class and a 45-minute Strength option, which features weight training. CycleBar is popular for its low-impact, high-intensity workouts, but it also offers a little something extra.
When I stopped by for my first ride, I was immediately obsessed with the community vibes. This welcoming energy is something CycleBar strives for; the studios are all about offering routines that feel accessible and fun, no matter your fitness level. They also want it to feel like you’re working out with your besties — and not to be cheesy, but it really does feel that way.
Keep reading for my honest review of CycleBar, aka my new fave hangout spot.
What Is CycleBar?
CycleBar is a state-of-the-art cycling studio that’s equipped with smart bikes, screens, and stats that track helpful workout data, like your revolutions per minute (RPMs) and how hard you’re exercising. If you like, you can see your data up on a screen alongside your classmates — perfect if you prefer a little competition.
From start to finish, the class keeps you moving with upbeat playlists that match the pedaling speed for each phase of the workout. There are also seven different class formats to choose from: Xpress, Foundation, Classic, Connect, Empower, Performance, and Strength.
Each varies in length and intensity, so you can pick the one that matches your mood. Some are good for beginners, like Foundation, while others focus on stats and sweating, like Performance and Strength. For a class that focuses on a mix of strength, hills, and upper-body moves, go for Classic.
If you take a class with stats, you’ll also get your CycleStats after finishing your ride, which reveal different metrics including your class rank, max RPMs, average watts on your bike, and your power points — aka how hard you worked. These numbers pop up in an email or the studio’s app, so you can keep track of your goals.
Ride pricing and membership costs vary by location, so you’ll need to contact your local studio to get more info. Some memberships range from $100 to $200 a month for unlimited monthly rides, while 4-class memberships cost around $80, and single drop-in rides go for about $25.
My Experience
When I walked into the CycleBar studio in Philadelphia, a group of instructors immediately took me under their wing and showed me the ropes. Since new workout classes are always a whirlwind, I was so happy (and secretly relieved) when they helped me pick out my cycling shoes, adjust my bike to the right height, and clip into the pedals.
My first class was a Classic ride, which is a mix of challenging sprints, hill climbs, endurance training, and speed drills, as well as a quick round of upper-body strength training. The playlist was a mix of emo and early 2000s pop punk — think Yellowcard, Dashboard Confessional, and Paramore — and it yanked so hard on my millennial heartstrings. (It honestly felt like I was at a summer concert, especially when everyone started singing the lyrics and cheering for each new song.)
The workout started with a warmup before diving into speedy sprints and heavy climbs. With a quick turn of a knob on the bike, I could add resistance to my pedals or take it away. I kept it on the easier side to start so I wouldn’t overdo it, then eventually cranked it further until I had to stand up out of my seat. I loved how the beat of each song matched the recommended RPMs. It was always easy to tell how fast I should be spinning.
There was an upper body workout later in the class that included push-ups right there on the handlebars as well as bicep curls, chest presses, and overhead presses using a weighted bar found on the side of the bike. I wouldn’t normally expect my arms to get any love in a cycling class, so that was a nice treat.
Occasionally, throughout the workout, we’d get to see our names and stats up on a big screen, as well as the class’s combined RPMs, though you can opt out of that if you like. As a newbie, I was often at the back of the pack, but it didn’t get me down.
Remember, CycleBar is all about that community aspect. The instructor would push us to work together to reach a certain number, and when we did, everyone applauded. It was a fun dose of motivation, and I loved how it made me feel like part of the group.
Forty-five minutes later, we slowed down, cooled down, and then hopped off our bikes to do a few stretches. I was drenched in sweat — and also buzzing with endorphins. After your first class, the instructors ask if they can take a photo for Instagram to announce your first ride, and it’s honestly so cute.
The Takeaway
If you’re intrigued by the idea of indoor cycling, but have been too scared to give it a try, hit up CycleBar. Not only are the studios welcoming, but the workouts are fun and easy to tweak to your energy and fitness levels.
If you want to pedal hard and get up on the leadership board, you can. If you prefer to hang out in the dark and sweat by yourself, that’s cool, too.
My workout was high-energy, engaging, and super effective (my arms were so sore the next day!) but my biggest takeaway was how great it felt to be there. It’s one of those gyms where you want to stay and hang out just as much as you want to work out, so I’ll definitely be back.
Studies referenced:
Graupensperger, S. (2019). Perceptions of groupness during fitness classes positively predict recalled perceptions of exertion, enjoyment, and affective valence: An intensive longitudinal investigation. Sport Exerc Perform Psychol. doi: 10.1037/spy0000157.
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