Toronto Uncovered

Posts Tagged ‘RealRyder bikes’

I have been spinning twice a week for nearly four years. For those who don’t know, spinning is a hardcore cardio workout done to the beats of loud music on a stationary bike. Really great spin instructors will leave you breathless, and fighting off the “I think I might puke” feeling. Being a regular spinner, I haven’t actually felt this puke sensation in a while, despite my amazing instructors. Until now..

I was introduced to Cykl about a month ago and have been singing its praises ever since. Cykl is the only spin studio in the city (or anywhere else that I know of) that has RealRyder bikes that tilt and move as you ride. The 65 pound wheel (regular spinning wheels weigh around 40 pounds) is located at the back of the bike, leaving the handlebars free to tilt and turn as you spin, resulting in a serious upper body and core strengthening workout as you are spinning.

My first class, the instructor told me to throw everything I thought I knew about spinning out the window because most of it wouldn’t apply on the new bikes. She was dead on. If your form isn’t 100% perfect, the handlebars go crazy wobbling.  Standing up and turning right and left is a hell of a lot harder than third position on any normal spin bike. When I got off the bike after my first class on the RealRyder my legs were jello. When I got off the bike on Monday after my 7th class on the RealRyder, my legs were still jello.

Its an amazing work out. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a serious full body challenge. The instructors are all pretty great, my favourites being Jen and Katya (who will absolutely makes you feel like you’re going to puke). Costs are comparable to most other cycle studios and the first one is free!

Let me know if you give it a try and what you think!