Originally Published: 8/12/2018
Reformatted: 5/7/2018
By Malia Warren
Clear Your Mind.
Sweat is Your Spirit Shining Through.
Movement is Meditation.
These are the words that greet you when you walk into CycleBar.
It’s hard to feel down when you see those words on the wall. If you haven’t heard of CycleBar before, it’s an indoor cycling studio with different types of classes to get your blood pumping.
I arrived a little later than the suggested 15 minute-before-class time, but I was greeted with smiles and a quick check-in to get my shoes and bike assignment.
Then I got to the locker area, and saw this…
Ummm way to make a girl feel welcome, CycleBar! I love it!
Not pictured: the huge water bottle they give you for signing up for their free week of classes.
So I ran in, threw my sh*t in the locker and hopped on my bike.
Of course, this article was first written pre-covid, so for a little while lockers weren’t available, but now they’re back! You don’t really need a locker since there is always someone at the front desk but it is a nice bonus to have!
You can rent shoes (free) or bring your own. Getting into the pedals and having your seat adjusted to the right height can be a little tricky so make sure to ask for help if you need it!
Besides having a typical cycling studio layout; instructor in the front, party in the back…er, front, this studio had something that is unlike any other studio I’ve been to.
And I can count on one hand how many times I’ve been to a cycling class in the past.
CycleBar is unique from other cycling studios in that there is a screen giving you stats up on the wall, showing your placement alongside other riders.
That’s right.
Tap into your competitive side and rock your ride even harder. If you even have a little competitive bone in your body, you’ll love seeing your name rise (and fall) in placement amongst other riders.
Let it push you even harder.
The best part is, wherever you place, it doesn’t matter. What matters most is, you came to class, you rode hard, and you had a competition with the only person that matters – yourself.
Luckily, in addition to getting in some healthy competition (which we as adults need in order to feel fulfilled by the way), you’ll get some great cardio.
Cardio, in the right amounts and intensity, can be extremely beneficial when mixed in with strength training. This is why CycleBar is one of my picks for classes to add in to your training schedule.
Note the sweat on our faces in this picture (In this studio, masks are currently required except while on your bike as long as you can maintain 6 feet from others – it’s a relief to do the ride without one though!)
It’s hard to start your journey, but it’s harder to start over.
I left with so many positive vibes, that I completely forgot how much I used to dislike spin class.
Or cycling class, whatever you guys prefer to call it.
I do like to bike outside on a trail, but my CycleBar experience left me wanting to come back again and again! Maybe it was the competition, or the awesome music, or the all-around vibe, but in 2021 I made a commitment to do CycleBar at least once a week.
I know it’s not a lot, but it is super exciting to have that one morning a week to go in and rock this ride. Admittedly, it’s really hard to get up some mornings so early, but the amazing experience, guaranteed sweat and beautiful sunrises definitely make it worth it!
I’d recommend adding it in 1-2 times a week to your training schedule, to change things up and strengthen your body and mind in other ways.
Check out @cyclebar on Instagram to get motivated to Rock your next Ride! Find a location near you at www.cyclebar.com
Do you like indoor cycling classes? How many times a week to you do one?
If you have any questions or you would like to be a guest blogger, please email us at hello@liftingthedream.com
Malia is the owner, and mamapreneur, of Lifting the Dream. When she’s not lifting heavy weights, she’s doing some fun shit outdoors with her family or attempting to make rollerblading cool again. She is a Cali girl born and raised, with salt water in her veins and sunshine in her heart. She and her family now reside near Denver, Colorado, soaking up the 300+ days of sunshine and breathtaking (literally, altitude) views.
Stay Lifting My Friends,
Bee Tee Dubs (BTW).
CROSSFIT, INC., USAW, AIRINC, DO NOT ENDORSE, SANCTION, APPROVE OF, OR SUPPORT THIS WORK OR ANY OPINION EXPRESSED HEREIN.
Also, also
CycleBar did not provide any compensation or consideration for this post, nor do they sanction, approve of or support this work or any opinion expressed herein. This is entirely my opinion and shared out of my love of CycleBar.