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.
Absolute Cycle
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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.
CRNK
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Relatively new to Singapore, 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.
Revolution
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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.
Ground Zero
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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.
CruCycle
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The mantra: “Ride with the pack” has long been recited by avid followers of Cru Singapore, inspired by wolves. Last year in the peak of the pandemic, the popular studio gym launched their very own CruTV Bike—their own version of the Peloton, much to the delight of the gym-starved. But nothing beats the in-person experience you can find at CruCycle. Think infectious energy, sick beats and a strict policy of no phones. We can definitely get behind their notion of being present.
