Well, here I am, several weeks into my summer of sweat and I decided to take a break...CYC! (Psych, ok, bad joke). I'm having too much fun and decided to try two cycling gyms so I could really compare experiences since I'm not an expert in this area by any means. I also decided to spread them out by a week because I knew my booty would be screaming at me if I did not. I will give you a rundown of both gyms and then on how they compare. There were definitely some differences. Overall, though, I really enjoyed both experiences!
I had a moment during this experience where I noticed in the mirror that we were a bunch of bodies bopping from side to side on bikes in no order or unison, like a bunch of lab rats spinning. It felt incredibly humorous and ridiculous and I laughed out loud. Perhaps you had to be there to appreciate the humor.
Cyc Fitness
I started this Cyc adventure at 6:15 in the morning, which found me yawning. But it was awesome because I had plenty of time to shower, go grab coffee, AND blog before I began my work day. I had some trouble finding parking at this facility as it was located in the Lucky building on UW-Madison campus. I not only had to pay for parking but also had to spend time bobbling around the building trying to find my way in. I ended up having to call the front desk to ask how to enter and then they had to come open the door for me (which was a little frustrating). They did mention to me afterward that the doors are usually open, but it seemed that, for this early class, they had not gotten around to it yet. The facility was very clean, fresh and hip. I was greeted with helpful instructions, sized up to my bike and clipped into the shoes (which were provided), and then I was pretty much left to my own devices. Cyc-lers started filing in and I must admit I felt a little out of place. Being on campus, most of the cyclers seemed younger, which was expected, and they were also very fit, very focused, and a little pompous, to be honest. Everyone looked the part in their Lululemon-esque gear. No one greeted me back with that same awkward smile I was putting out. I asked where the water fountain was and someone curtly pointed and said "there". (I know, I'm being a little harsh in my judgement and probably can't expect more from people at such an early hour in the morning, but come, on people! Smile at the newb!) The instructor did not reach out to introduce himself or provide any individual instruction, and the class just began. My feeling of being out of place quickly left as the lights dimmed and it truly became an experience of just me, the bike, and the instructor. I picked a Beyoncé themed class, so it was OBVIOUSLY a grand time. The music was bumping loudly, which was motivating, but I had a hard time hearing the instructor, which got annoying quickly. I couldn't tell if the instructor said to turn my resistance up or down at times, but I knew he was muttering something, so many times I just guessed. I was able to follow what he was doing with sitting up or down as well as some of the dance moves that were incorporated into the music. There was a song completely dedicated to arms which was hella hard but also a blast. I really enjoyed the use of the lighting, which the instructor switched up based on the songs workouts we were doing. There was one song where it went almost completely dark and we were encouraged to really let loose and ride hard. I felt like a rockstar at this point (and many other points, to be honest). Yoncé really helped with this. Overall, this is something I could really enjoy as a once-in-a-while butt-kicking, but I would probably not choose to subscribe to this particular gym based on the high cost and the pretentious vibes.
Cycle Bar
I also started this cycling adventure at the butt-crack of dawn. 5:45 to be exact. This was, as I said before, perfect for me because I liked having enough time to shower after my workout and still be able to grab coffee and relax before work. I was greeted with a welcoming smile and friendly instructions, a locker with my name written on it, and assistance snapping into my bike and getting started. The instructor made a point to chat with new riders and check on them, which was very welcoming. I also felt that there was much more variety in age, body type, fitness gear/style, and fitness level, which was so nice! My neighbor smiled at me and made a few jokes here and there. I could tell there was comfort and comradery here even if people didn't know one another well. This felt like a place where I could sweat, dance, grunt, sing along to the music, and laugh at myself if I dropped something or tripped. My kinda place! The music mix was great, from Missy Elliot to The Who. I found myself energized and inside of each song. The music was loud so I think I may have missed some instructions again, but I felt I was able to catch on easily and follow based on the instructor's moves and intensity. We also had monitors that tracked our RPM, watts, and averages. The class averages were projected in front at different times, to motivate the class to work harder to increase our average. This along with the challenge to improve your own average was motivating and fulfilling. When the class was over, I was emailed with my overall stats and the playlist from class. I also left this class feeling like a rock-star, having worked my arms and legs and pushed my limits in a way I would never do on my own, all while jamming to music as if it were written for that very workout. Overall, I had a fantastic experience at Cycle Bar and was even welcomed back for their Rock your (P)ride this week, which was very cool! I could definitely see myself paying here and there for a ride or maybe a package at some point if I mixed it in with other workouts. The high price again would be a deterrent in me using this as my only, regular gym. There are some specials going on, though, that bring some of the prices a little lower than Cyc Fitness! If you're looking for a cycling gym, this is the one I'd recommend!
The Battle Between Cycle Bar and Cyc Fitness
Both had: great music; clean, hip, fresh environment; plenty of class options (although neither offer evening classes past 6:45pm); great variety in types of classes including music themes; motivating instructors; shower and locker facilities; free shoes and towels.
Cycle Bar had: better deals overall; more friendly and welcoming environment/staff/consumers; easier access (free parking, easy to find); a way to track your own stats as a motivator and a way to track progress.
Cyc Fitness had: better use of lighting with the music (Cycle Bar did change lighting, but I found Cyc Fitness' use of this to be much more moving and motivating, which is obviously an instructor specific thing); Beyoncé
*I am curious if my gripes against Cyc Fitness' atmosphere and pretentiousness would change if they were not on campus
Prices
Cycle Bar
New rider 5 pack for $79 (15.8 per ride)
Auto -renew monthly 4 rides for $69 (17.25 per ride)
Auto -renew monthly 8 rides for $109 (13.625 per ride)
Auto -renew monthly unlimited rides for $149
10 rides for $179 (17.90 per ride)
20 rides for $339 (16.95 per ride)
Drop in rate: $22
Cyc Fitness
1 Ride for $20
5 rides for $95 (19 per ride)
10 rides for $180 (18 per ride)
20 rides for $340 (17 per ride)
50 rides for $750 (15 per ride)
Rise and Cyc class (early morning) for $15
Rise and Cyc class (early morning) 5 for $75 (15 per ride)
Unlimited monthly: Auto renews in 30 days for $188
Explanation of Ratings
Ease of Access
How easy was it for me to access this gym? (Distance to travel not accounted for since I want this to be relateable no matter where you drive from.) Was it easy to find or did I have to search a building map? Was parking simple? Do they charge for parking? Do I have to walk a long distance from my parking spot? When I enter, is it clear where I should go and where lockers and bathrooms are?
1- It was a beast for me to get to this gym; the stress of getting started with my workout made me not want to workout.
7- Getting into the gym and getting started was a breeze!
Cost/Budget-Friendly
This rating is pretty subjective, but I will try to compare to the average cost of gym memberships, which according to Statistic Brain Research is $58 a month in the US…. WHAT?! Maybe I am cheap, but that seems absurd at first glance. In fact, thinking about it initially made me laugh and imagine all the Manhattan Yogis or California Crossfitters shelling out their monthly paycheck to stay buff and zen... until upon further research, I found this to be absolutely average and actually pretty close to what I was paying at my previous gym (although I was paying slightly less because I paid 2 years up front and had a deal I kept carrying over). Many gyms are actually much higher in price, and other gyms are much lower in price (think your basic Planet Fitness and Anytimes). So, yes, this is truly an average. I will base my rating on the following: A budget friendly gym would be based on both how their monthly rate compares to the national average and how much value I see in what is paid. So, while a high intensity boot camp may be more highly priced than a basic gym, you are also basically getting personal training time for each whole hour you pay for, which is obviously worth more. The question will be, is it budgetable and is it worth the cost (subjectively).
1- This gym would cause me to ration out peanut butter and jelly for the month to make it a part of my repertoire.
7- HOLLA for a DOLLA! This gym both fits easily into my budget and feels worth the cost. I’m paying money for my health, but it feels darn worth it.
Friendliness of Staff
This rating is important, especially if the gym requires a lot of time with gym staff. I don’t know about you, but when I’m working out, I am feeling pretty vulnerable, sweating, probably using equipment wrong and looking like a fool. The last thing I want is to pay for some jerk to make me feel worse about it. This rating is all about whether staff members were kind and encouraging; helpful, but not judgmental, extra points if they also make you laugh.
1- I may have felt like crying in the gym bathroom and/or had to turn while doing reps so I could grumble or avoid eye contact with the unpleasant staff.
7- These guys are my new best pals. They were definitely laughing with me, not at me. Knowledge/Helpfulness of Staff
This is pretty self-explanatory. Did the staff know what they were doing? Were they experts in their field and able to instruct me in an accurate way and a way that was dumbed down enough for me to get the workout right? Did they cater to my individual workout needs and challenge me when appropriate or give accommodations when appropriate?
1- I think the gym picked these trainers up off the street. I purposefully had bad form and they said, “Great job!”
7- No wonder we pay them for what they do! They instructed with great precision and catered to my individual strengths and weaknesses.
Effectiveness of Workout
This rating begs the question: Did this workout pack a punch? Did I get what I asked for when I showed up today? Do I feel like I sweated and moved as much as I would have hoped? If there wasn’t much structure, was there enough equipment or space to do what I needed for an adequate workout?
1- Did I workout today? Or did I pay money to change into my gym clothes and people-watch?
7- The sweat is real. I left this place with a strut in my step, feeling like I’d accomplished a feat for the day, and I called my mom to tell her about it. CleanlinessSelf-explanatory, I hope. Looking at hygiene and organization.
1- When was the last time this place was cleaned? I felt like I was contracting a disease with every step. I also left with a limp from tripping over equipment.
7- This place shined. I felt free to move and sweat knowing that I wouldn’t be soaking up the last guy’s sweat or tripping over his dumbbells. They run a tight (and very clean) ship.
Atmosphere
Is this a place in which I feel comfortable and look forward to being? Do I feel like I can jam to my own tunes or the gym’s tunes without the distraction of roidy man grunts? Is there enough space for everyone to do their own thing? Is it a warm and inviting place or a cold and stoic place? Does this place promote good vibes or did I feel like I entered a dungeon?
1- This gym felt like the DMV. Shared glances and conversations are not welcome, unless you want peace and quiet-then your neighbor is probably the loud one. No one smiles. Everyone is waiting to get the heck out of there.
7- This place is where it’s at. Music fits the workout. Conversation is easy and minimal unless I’m feeling chatty. Smiles>grimaces, but not forced or cheesy "who-drank-the-Kool-Aid" smiles. I feel like I have a cool club I belong to, kind of like how it felt going to the community center for snacks and games in Middle School.
Fun!
This is also self-explanatory, and not really a necessary rating. The gym is not meant to be fun at all times, nor do I expect it to be, but if I workout and happen to have fun at the same time, what a win!1- Zero fun had, sir. This was all work, no play. Or no work, no play.7- I feel like I just left the state fair of gyms! Everything was exciting and kept me engaged, and I just didn’t want it to end.
Challenge Level
Yet again, self-explanatory.
1- There was no presentable challenge. My 4-year-old niece could have done this.
7- I felt significantly challenged! This gym pushed my limits in an effective and safe way. Class Options/Schedule Variability
1- I can only get to this gym on the weekends because their hours don’t fit my work schedule.
7- This gym has various early morning, afternoon, and evening options available!
Ratio of Members to Equipment
1- I had to wait 30 minutes to use an elliptical and the only dumbbells available were ones I could lift with my pinky or couldn't lift at all.
7- There was plenty of equipment for everyone!
Independence vs structure
This rating isn’t necessarily bad or good on either end. It depends on what you’re looking for!
1- This is a very independent gym. I had free reign to do whatever I wanted, when I wanted, how I wanted. Zero instruction was offered. No plans followed.
7- This is as structured as a gym can get, They tell you where to go, what time to be there, what workout to do, and how to do it. Not much free reign in what you’re doing.
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