NEW BOUTIQUE INDOOR CYCLE STUDIO RIDE45: REVIEWED

I always wanted to try a spin class, so when the new boutique indoor cycle studio, RIDE45 opened up in Chalfont St Giles, I pulled on my gym kit and headed down.

I’d heard that spinning burns serious calories (up to 500 calories a class) and kicks your butt, just what I needed.

As a complete beginner I must admit I was a bit worried before the class as I had no idea what to expect from a 45 minute spinning class. Thankfully taking your first spin class is not as scary as you think. I met the lovely Donna who owns the studio at the entrance and she showed me where to go and introduced me to the class instructor, Julie.

Julie was really friendly and helped me to set up my bike, I had no idea where to start. The saddle height/position and handlebar position are all adjustable so that the bike ‘fits’ you correctly. She also showed me how to adjust the resistance of the bike which I had to change throughout the class. Spinning is your workout. You control everything from your speed and resistance to your intensity level, so it can be as easy or as challenging as you want it to be.

Classes include a warm up, the main workout consisting of numerous styles of cycling including hill climbs, flats and sprints, a cool down and finally stretching all done to music.

The music plays a big part in spin classes, it puts you in the zone and motivates you to pedal like a speed demon. The lighting in the studio is cool and funky and with the blasting upbeat music you feel like you’re clubbing, except for the fact that you’re sober J

Once the lights turn down, the music turns up and the class starts, remember it’s all about you, you get out of it what you put into it. There’s no plodding along at a steady pace, the instructor guides you through the workout, telling you when to increase or lower resistance, pedal faster and rise or sit from your seat. Once you’re in the saddle it’s your class as you control the resistance or your bike. Turn it up and push yourself, or turn it down to recover (no one will know!)

Verdict:

I loved the spin class! Yes, I really said that! It was a tough workout, where I felt fine at the beginning and then suddenly you’re told to crank up the tension on your bike and then your jelly legs kick in. At the end of the class I left looking sweaty but feeling elated. I can see how easy it is to get hooked but that’s no bad thing. Spinning is a massive calorie burner and the happy hormone payoff is immense.

You will sweat! And by sweat I don’t mean a nice glow, I mean drenched, so make sure you bring a towel. There’s no need to be embarrassed by the amount you sweat, it’s not a reflection on how fit you are, everyone is just as sweaty by the end of the class.

You need absolutely no co-ordination, there’s no complicated choreography to master. Regardless of your fitness level this is really a workout that everyone can do.

Tips:

Head to the class early – to let the instructor know I was new to the world of spin.

Bring a towel and plenty of water – you’ll need both.

Make sure your bike is properly fitted, the instructor will gladly help you set up your bike properly so that it fits you.

Make a note of your bike settings – once you’re set up, write down your bike settings so you’ll be set for the next class.

If you find yourself addicted, cycling shoes which clip-in to the pedals are a great option, but normal trainers are also fine to get started.

Ride45 is a brand new boutique cycle studio located in Chalfont St Giles. There are 17 brand new Keiser bikes to choose from, all within the range of the essential air conditioning unit. Classes run throughout the day making it easy to slot into your busy schedule. All classes can be booked online or with the MindBody app, plus there’s no contracts or joining fees, you only pay for the classes you attend.