There are so many spin studios now but all bring a unique flavor to the market. Whether you’re looking to compete or pretend you’re in a dance club, here are the best spin classes in NYC.
1. Flywheel Sports
Dark room. Loud beats. Competitive atmosphere?!?!
Some people hate to compete. I see you and acknowledge you. But…this is New York City. As much as some might pretend otherwise, we’re in competition with one another just by living here. Competing for more space on the subway, the best seats at the bar, tickets to Hamilton, entry to that telephone booth speakeasy (you know the one), the sunniest spot in Sheep’s Meadow – you get the idea.
Flywheel lets you embrace that competitive side. You get a score for how hard and fast you ride. Numbers are posted on the score boards at the front of the studio throughout the ride. You can choose whether your number gets shared or not.
If nothing makes you work harder than some good ole’ fashioned competition, hit your closest Flywheel studio up. They’re located all over Manhattan and Brooklyn, and in other cities large across the US.
Classpass? Yes
2. SoulCycle
I have described SoulCycle to friends as “yoga on a bike.” SoulCycle instructors double as motivational speakers when they teach and like to spew lots of feel-good philosophy to their class as we sweat our asses off. Not a bad thing. Sometimes just exercise isn’t enough to put me in a good mood; endorphins need to be partnered with a positive mindset, or else they just make you feel all agitated. Like lukewarm coffee. I personally love the dark room (New York loves darkness + exercise, what can I say), candles, and cranked music.
The bikes’ resistance is unmonitored; it’s all based off feel. This means you can challenge yourself or…coast a little. For that reason, SoulCycle is a wonderful hangover cure. You know you won’t die, but you’ll sweat out all last night’s toxins (and burn off the late-night pizza). You’ll also move in funkier ways in SoulCycle than your regular spin class. Think two back two front, plus some side dips for good measure. If you’re in a packed class, it gets pretty awesome to feel the class moving in unison. You’ll feel like you’re part of that pack of stampeding wildebeests in The Lion King.
Classpass? No
3. Cyc Fitness
Cyc was born out of Madison, Wisconsin, and then opened its next studio in New York City. As a Midwest native, I am pretty proud that they birthed this up-and-comer in the spin world. Cyc, like SoulCycle, does not provide resistance data for the rider but leaves it up to feel. However, what makes it different is its incorporation of other sports into the class. Jabs and uppercuts while on the bike are not unusual arm moves for a Cyc class. Neither are swimming strokes or dance moves.
Cyc’s instructors have a friendly, upbeat vibe, and don’t tend to get too serious with motivational quotes or inspirational feels. Not that they don’t encourage; my prior instructors have gotten off the bike at some point and given some in-your-face-encouragement. Which could be just what you need – or really annoying.
The classes are in the dark, and have different lighting depending on the tempo of that segment of the ride. The room doesn’t get quite as dark as Flywheel or SoulCycle, but if you sit near the back, you can still hide your sweaty face from others.
Classpass? Yes
4. The Monster Cycle
Monster takes music during class to the next level. The classes are held in the dark, but lighting up the room are giant TV screens playing music videos throughout class. Each ride has a music theme, either chosen by the studio or by the instructor.
The bikes do have resistance gauges on them, meaning you’ll play by numbers here, not just feel. But unless you glance over at your neighbor’s bike, there’s no sense of competition during class. Monster is recommended for those who love to watch TV while exercising; it’s like that experience on steroids.
Classpass? Yes
5. Peloton Cycle
When you arrive at a Peloton class, don’t be weirded out if your instructor is wearing a noticeable amount of makeup. Or worry about the studio lighting and cameras. Peloton’s uniqueness stems from the live-streaming of certain classes to everyone who owns a Peloton bike at home. So not only are you competing for top numbers with the riders in the room, but you can compete with people all over the country (or world!).
The overall class varies depending on the instructor, but the bikes are high-quality and the resistance numbers feel accurate when you’re in the moment. If the class wasn’t broadcasted, it would be fairly similar to any other cycling class, but there’s a certain feeling of specialness knowing you are taking a class in-person that people are streaming at home. Like a paid fitness model. Kind of.
Classpass? Yes
