Indy Guide: CycleBar Carmel

Cycle bars are a fitness craze that I’ve read about in fashion magazines and watched on Kimmy Schimdt. I know they exist, but only in glamorous towns like New York City or LA. It usually takes Indy a couple years to catch the latest trends, so I was crazy excited when I heard a radio ad heralding the grand opening of our very own cycle center.

So, I had to go. I wanted to see the darkened rooms, the charismatic instructors, and the all-knowing score board in real life. Cycle bars are known for their hip music, relevant technology, and amazing results. Spin class at a whole new level. CycleBar Carmel, here I come! (the free intro class was a bit of a motivation)

The result? Pretty much up to my expectations. Prior to class, I filled out a brief online registration, complete with a waiver. I was able to pick my bike location in advance of class (far in the back!). Upon arrival, I was given bike shoes (wish they had wide sizes!) and a towel, along with complimentary locker usage and a water bottle. I initially struggled with attaching my shoes and figuring out the different levels, but after that, it was pretty self-explanatory.

The instructor came out, the music turned on, and off I went! Pedaling and panting and sweating and trying to keep up! I looked forward to the occasional music videos to distract me from the pain and suffering. I chose not to have my results live fed to the screen at the front, but I did enjoy watching my friends climb the electronic ladder of athletic success. The workout continued for about an hour with a mixture of endurance and hillclimbing challenges along with some minor (not enough!) weight lifting.

Overall, I thought it was awesome. Exhausting and tiring, but awesome. I think the instructor could have exuded a bit more power and energy and I would have appreciated more use of the weight bar, but I would definitely go again…if it wasn’t in Carmel and if it wasn’t so expensive ($14-$20 a ride, depending on your package). They are currently offering a Groupon, but I still haven’t committed. I’ve heard rumors of another location opening in Traders Point, so I’ll keep an eye out for future free classes.

Anyone else hopped on the CycleBar trend?