Strobe lights are flickering, a catchy rhythm builds up as your bum hovers above your stationary bike. Your eyes are fixated on the energetic instructor in front of you; your legs are going faster than the usual bike ride outdoors, and that’s completely okay. It’s what a typical session in spin class looks like. And if our city’s growing number of spin studios are anything to go by, the cult workout has long established an iron grip in the fitness realm.
Unlike the act of running indoors on a treadmill, cycling indoors on a stationary bike is nothing short of the fun, intensity and variety commonly sought out in a good workout. While sceptics might doubt it for its club theatrics, the workout commands a full body overhaul which activates all of your muscles. The varied movements timed to match with the beats of the soundtrack are also the reasons why people in a spin class forget the pains of exercising. Instead, they actually have fun.
“Not only is spin a fun way of building up cardiovascular health, it is also a great therapy for the mind after a long day at work,” says Jia En, instructor at Absolute Cycle. But one thing she stresses for anyone new to the workout is to pace yourself. “It takes a while for the tempo and pace to become second nature! Keep an open mind and have fun.” Before getting straight into the workout, make sure to adjust your bike. Jia En says: “It’s to ensure ideal posture while riding. The saddle height should be aligned to the height of your hips. Keep a nice, long neutral spine with relaxed shoulders. Ideally, have the butt always hovering above the saddle.”
To get started, we bring you a shortlist of spin studios to try out—in hopes of accomplishing those health resolutions.
1 / 6
Ally
Touted as a “people-centric, experience-driven and hospitality-orientated” spin studio, it’s clear to see that Ally is not just a place to work up a sweat at. From a sparkling water dispenser to an in-house barista as well as a wine fridge, there’s no doubt that Ally has positioned itself as more of a lifestyle destination rather than a full-scale gym. Get your workout in, and treat yourself to a delectable cuppa after. A win-win, indeed.
2 / 6
Elev8
Located at the newly revamped Taste Orchard, Elev8 boasts a comprehensive selection of spin classes categorised according to difficulty levels. Choose between Initiate Ride, Elevate Ride, as well as Exhilarate Ride—deemed suitable for beginners, newcomers, as well as seasoned spin folk respectively.
3 / 6
Absolute Cycle
Part of Absolute You, Absolute Cycle is the main indoor cycling player in Asia. In a 45-minute class, you’ll experience what exactly it means to rhythm cycle—where one can pay better attention to the beats of each track. From beginner-mandatory classes to themed sessions, there will be a class tailored for everyone. Advanced riders can opt for Absolute 45—a session made for those who are keen to push themselves.
4 / 6
CRNK
With a second outlet now open at New Bahru, CRNK aims to be more than just an indoor cycling space. To renounce the common misconceptions of pressured riders, the studio champions acceptance and joy, to make each ride about your personal goal, rather than keeping up with your neighbour riding beside you.
5 / 6
Revolution
With a new fourth studio under its belt, Revolution Singapore has made successful moves in the local market, in spite of a global pandemic. Like Absolute Cycle, themed rides are also a common pattern to look forward to, where one can either vibe out to the likes of 2nd-gen K-pop or head-bang to an old school rock class. The sessions are often beginner- and wallet-friendly, which explains its growing member-base since it was first founded two years ago.
6 / 6
Ground Zero
Ground Zero is solely made out of two main pillars (spin and circuit training), with equal focus and instructor quality distributed to both areas. Their spin classes are more often than not, booked out in no time. But with a good mix of timings peppered across the day, you can seek out regular instructors, which happen to be the studio’s hidden weapon. With the same familiar names rostered in, members can easily build a repertoire with instructors that they like, so much so that the gym has established a sizable community of its own.
