For anyone looking to integrate cardio with strength training, indoor cycling at CycleBar could be a game-changer.
CycleBar completely leveled up my cardio game. It brought in that essential heart-pumping cardio element to complement my weight-lifting sessions, and I have to say, it took my fitness to new heights.
The combination of group energy, great music, and the commitment of booking a bike kept me coming back for more.
You’re accountable for showing up (there’s something about seeing your name on the schedule that makes it real), and the motivational atmosphere makes it easier to push yourself harder than you would on your own.
For me, it was the perfect complement to my strength training routine, adding that dynamic cardio boost I needed.
1. Your Butt Will Adjust to the Seats (Yes, Really!)
Let’s get real about one of the first hurdles with cycling: the seats.
They can be pretty uncomfortable in the beginning, especially if you’re not used to sitting on a bike saddle for an extended period. I remember my first few rides left me sore in places I didn’t know existed!
But after training for a 100-mile ride called Pelotonia (a community fundraiser to support cancer research) a few years prior, my body adapted to the discomfort. Trust me when I say that your butt will get used to it over time—it just requires a little persistence.
Over those weeks of intense training, my body molded to withstand hours on a bike saddle, and soon enough, I barely the discomfort disappeared. It’s like a rite of passage in cycling—push through the initial pain, and soon your body becomes conditioned for those long rides.
2. The CycleBar Community: More Than Just a Workout Class
One of the unexpected joys of my CycleBar experience was the community aspect. I absolutely loved the people who rode with me.
We formed a tight-knit group, almost like a small community, and I found myself looking forward to seeing familiar faces every time I went to class. It wasn’t just about the workout; it was about being part of something bigger.
Our local CycleBar even recognized us on their social media channels, which added a fun social element to the experience.
The instructors were also a huge part of the appeal. They weren’t just there to lead the class; they were truly awesome people who made an effort to connect with everyone.
Getting to know them on a personal level added even more value to each session, and they became part of the reason I kept coming back.
3. Getting Lost in the Music
The music at CycleBar was something else! The playlists were loud, energizing, and exactly what you need to get through a tough ride.
More than once, I found myself getting completely lost in the beat, pedaling for the sheer joy of it and forgetting that I was even working out.
There’s something powerful about riding to the rhythm of the music—it turns a grueling cardio session into something almost meditative.
However, I will admit that sometimes the music was too loud for my taste. Over time, it became a little disorienting, especially during back-to-back sessions.
If you’re sensitive to noise, it might be something to watch out for, but the overwhelming majority of the time, the music kept me motivated and in the zone.
4. Peak Fitness: How CycleBar Transformed My Cardio
During my CycleBar years, I got into some of the best shape of my life. My heart was in phenomenal condition, and pairing CycleBar with my personal training sessions, which focused primarily on strength, gave me a well-rounded fitness routine.
At 36 and 37 years old, I felt fitter than I had in years.
The interval-based workouts at CycleBar were an excellent complement to my weightlifting sessions.
While my personal training focused on building muscle, the cycling workouts helped me torch calories and improve my cardiovascular endurance. Together, they created a balanced fitness regimen that left me feeling stronger and more energetic.
Bonus, hit a 6:00 a.m. workout and when you finish, you leave as the sun rises, grab your coffee and fuel up post-workout with breakfast and you’re on your way to one heck of a start to the day!
5. The App, Inclusivity, and Competitions Kept Me Motivated
One of the best parts about CycleBar was the app, which offered monthly competitions that motivated me to ride more. It shifted my mindset about exercise—I stopped thinking I could only work out every other day for fear of exhaustion.
Instead, I began to see cycling as an outlet, something I could sign up for last-minute during lunch or as an evening stress-relief ride.
Friday rides often ended with a celebratory toast or a glow-in-the-dark session, one month I received a water bottle, another a tank top; perks and events that made it even more fun to attend.
The community-focused atmosphere combined with the challenges kept me excited to push myself, and I hit milestones I never thought I would reach.. almost 200 Rides!
I even continued cycling through my third trimester of pregnancy, which was a milestone I never imagined achieving when I first started.
6. Pricey, But Worth It
The only downside for me was the cost. CycleBar isn’t cheap, especially if you’re going regularly. At the time, I had an unlimited membership for about $140 a month.
For some, this might be a splurge, but I made it worth my while by attending enough classes to get my money’s worth.
If you’re on the fence about the price, try to grab a founding membership rate or a special promotion. For me, it was a significant financial commitment, but it became a part of my routine, and I loved it enough to justify the cost.
Having a workout partner at the time also made it more feasible to attend classes consistently, which helped a lot.
7. The Emotional Impact: My Life Changed Post-Pregnancy
One of the hardest things about ending my CycleBar membership was that I simply couldn’t make it work after having my baby. My partner at the time continued to ride, and I felt left behind in a lot of ways.
Watching him carry on with his regular routine while I was adjusting to life post-partum, without much understanding or support, was difficult. It’s one of the many reasons I chose to become a single mom.
CycleBar had become a part of my identity during those pre-baby years, and letting it go was emotionally challenging. I was sad to go!
My closest CycleBar studio closed earlier this year, and while I won’t be going back regularly anytime soon, I was able to replace my cardio workouts at home riding my Peloton.
My Recommendation: Is CycleBar Worth It?
In a word, yes! If you’re looking to mix cardio into your strength training routine, or if you’re someone who thrives on group energy and community accountability, I highly recommend CycleBar.
The classes are fun, the instructors are motivating, and the environment is inclusive and supportive. Yes, it can be a bit pricey, but if you love it as much as I did, you’ll find yourself going enough to make it worth every penny.
Though I’ve moved on to different forms of exercise, I look back on my CycleBar years with a lot of fondness. It transformed not just my fitness, but also my sense of community.
I still miss those Friday glow rides and seeing familiar faces, but I’m grateful for the experience and the fitness foundation it gave me.
So, if you’re considering trying CycleBar, I say go for it! Who knows? You might just find your new favorite workout—and a community to boot.
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