You voted and we listened. Last week, we asked whether you’d prefer to sign up for a spin class or bundle up and keep biking outside in February. The majority preferred staying indoors for a spin class. (If you still bike outside at this time of year, you should consider joining in Winterpalooza.)
Regardless of your fitness level or health goals, there are studios to suit what you’re looking for. You’ll find everything from fun, party-like classes to intense sessions designed for the super serious. A lot of these studios use cleats – check ahead of time to determine whether the drop-in price includes rentals.
In this week’s poll vote for whether you’d prefer to play board games or video games.
If you want a class that focuses on fitness, fun and community
One Cycle Spin Studio
Your workout here is a fun social experience rather than a sweaty chore. One Cycle’s classes are suitable for all fitness levels and all backgrounds. Classes are 50 minutes, but time goes by fast thanks to the high-energy music that plays during the class. All classes here operate on a drop-in basis.
Drop-in rate: $18
That something extra: There’s a disco ball makes it feel even more like a party.
2115 4 St. S.W., 403-244-4484, one-cycle.com
Peloton Cycling
Like the name of the studio suggests, classes here are about riding together and supporting others. (The peloton is the main pack of cyclists in a road race.) Most of the classes offered here are one hour. The workout is on power-based bikes – that means you can track your power output, the calories you’ve burned and how far you’ve gone. And if you’re looking for more of a challenge, Peloton also offers two-hour endurance rides on Sundays.
Drop-in rates: $19
That something extra: There’s free parking here. Because let’s be honest, no one wants to walk – or bike! – home after a tough workout.
109, 1053 10 St. S.W., 403-452-8896, pelotoncycling.ca
YYC Cycle
This is the studio to go to if you want to forget that you’re working out. It’s basically a 50-minute disco, but one that is improving your fitness level and metabolic rate. The music is loud, the lights are colourful and flashy, and there’s plenty of encouragement from the establishment’s “motivators.”
Drop-in rates: $20
That something extra: You can show your love for YYC Cycle and purchase branded shirts or water bottles at the studios.
1117 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-229-0737; 101, 3505 14 St. S.W., 403-984-9006, yyc-cycle.com
If you want some yoga (or HIIT or TRX) with your spin class
Soul Spin Studio
Classes here are 50 minutes long and suited for all fitness levels. You’ll spend the whole time spinning to loud, upbeat tracks.
Drop-in rates: $19.90
That something extra: If you decide to purchase a membership, know that you’ll have access to circuit and TRX classes as well as the spin classes.
225, 5126 126 Ave. S.E., 587-296-4141, soulspinstudio.com
The Sweat Lab
This spacious fitness studio is 4,500 square feet. Sign up for a class here if you want your spin session with an extra challenge. There are classes that mix spin and free weights, spin and barre, and spin and yoga. Classes range in duration from 50 minutes to 75 minutes.
Drop-in rates: $23
That something extra: A bunch of amenities are included in the cost of your drop-in fee, including the Giro shoe rental, mat rental, towel service, shower products and lockers.
288 St Moritz Dr. S.W., 403-718-0565, thesweatlab.com
Union Athletica
There are eight different spin classes offered here. If you just want to spin, opt for the Beginner Spinner class. (Or the FAB Ride or Hip Hop Humpday – the music is different for each.) There are also classes that mix spin with a core workout, TRX, yoga or high intensity interval training (HIIT).
Drop-in rates: $17
That something extra: Union Athletica has a resident DJ.
1463 17 Ave. S.W., 403-689-8585, unionathletica.com
If you want intense, race day simulation
TCR Sport Lab
Train here for a few months and you’ll notice a drastic improvement in your fitness. All TCR classes use CompuTrainer technology. That means that everyone brings their own bike, and data such as everyone’s power output, heart rate and cadence is displayed on a screen. It’s scientific, it’s specific and it means you can work at your own level. CompuTrainer also simulates bike courses around the world. Most classes are 90 minutes.
Rates: Register for a series of classes. From $839
That something extra: This is the place for all kinds of lab testing. While you’re here, you could get your VO2 max tested ($199), get a resting metabolic rate test ($159) or get your body composition calculated.
1817 10 Ave. S.W., 403-270-9453, tcrsportlab.com
The Doctrine
Track your progress using CompuTrainer technology each workout and get feedback on your cycling technique. The next six-week progression class runs from February 27 to April 2.
Rates: Registration for 2016 spring six-week progression class is open; $210
That something extra: The Doctrine also organizes training vacations to the Okanagan. Four days of riding is sure to get you race ready.
The Engine Room, Speed Theory, 735A 10 Ave. S.W.; The Jewish Community Centre Revolution Studio, 1607 90 Ave. S.W., 403-831-8738, thedoctrine.squarespace.com