So, I don’t want to alarm anyone, but I found another spin class I enjoy… like, really enjoy.
Last weekend a couple of my friends and I made the trek (and I call it a trek because I know I paid at least five tolls) to Bella Vista for a class at Pelotone – Sydney’s Premier Indoor Cycle Studio. And it was totally worth it.
This was a totally different experience to the one I had at Vicious Cycle in Bondi a couple of months back. Not better or worse mind you – just very different. Where VC was all about the music and the whole production aspect, at Pelotone they’re all about the cycling – you even get to wear proper Shimano cycling shoes – and I really, really liked that.
The studio itself is like a day spa. I am serious. Maybe I’m hanging out at the wrong gyms, but I’ve literally never seen anything like it. Let me tell you, owner Karen knows the way to a lady’s heart. In the bathroom I found deodorant, moisturiser (even tinted!), razors, filing boards, facial wipes and pretty much everything else a woman could ever need. And the kitchenette… oh, the kitchenette! A coffee machine for your pre or post-workout caffeine hit, filtered water, plus fruit and plenty of high energy snacks. I would seriously consider moving into this place if it weren’t so many toll roads away from the eastern suburbs.
One of the coolest things about the ride itself at Pelotone is the ‘Burn Board’. Before you attend your first class you supply your details (height, weight, activity level etc) and this data is synced with your heart rate monitor (again, supplied by Pelotone). So, during the class you can look up and see your name, along with your heart rate and which training zone you’re working in. Basically, if you’re being a lazy ass, everyone will know about it!
The free 15 minute technique session prior to our ride was excellent (and necessary in our case) – I would highly recommend it to anyone who’s new to spin. The ride we joined was called Pelotone Party. It was themed for the World Cup, and quite a few of the riders showed up in football jerseys – one woman even had a green and gold wig on, although I’m pretty sure that came off about two minutes into the session.
The music was all very uplifting and anthem-esque – as you’d expect from a World Cup theme – but to be honest, it was secondary to the ride. Our instructor Julie is a road cyclist as well as a spin machine, and she was awesome – clear, concise and just an all around legend. She got everyone involved throughout the session, we worked in teams, we competed against each other, but most of all we pushed ourselves to our limits and competed against ourselves.
FYI: During the session my heart rate topped out at 188bpm and the average was 159bpm. Plus I burnt 414 calories, which is nice to know although not something I usually worry about too much.
Overall, my class at Pelotone was the best way I could think of to start my Saturday morning, and both my girlfriends agreed with me. Hard work, lots of laughs and even more sweat – everything I need in life.
If you are out that way I highly recommend you give Karen a call and check them out. I would be there every week if it was possible – it really was that good.
Keep spinning Team!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Where: Unit 205 – T1 Norwest, Level 2, 14-16 Lexington Drive. Norwest Business Park, Bella Vista
When: Monday to Saturday – timetable here.
Cost: Get your first two rides for $20! After that, you’ll pay $20 for a casual class or as low as $14/class if you buy a 20-pack
Rider says
Summed it up well – love this place!!
Even make the effort each Saturday AM to make the trek from st Leonard’s ?
LazyGirlFitness says
Amazing effort – so many people seem to travel a decent distance for these classes – they are clearly doing a lot of things right!
Juz K says
Pelotone is amazing, I agree. I do the trip over from Alexandria twice a week. I usually avoid gyms, but Pelotone doesn’t feel at all like anything I have tried (and given up on) in the past. Completely worth it, a great workout, and really great people who work there. And the facilities are just a dream – at 6am in the morning I usually forget something – and having those little extras like deodorant is so convenient. This is the longest I have ever stuck at exercise and I think it is becuase Pelotone is so much fun.
LazyGirlFitness says
Wow – from Alexandria! That is a massive effort, but I can 100% see why you would do it! I hope to get back out there soon for sure.
Singing queen says
Karen, Julie & the whole Pelotone team are 2nd to none!!!! Everything you mentioned plus more!!! Results are more than just the burn board-it’s an easy, fun way to loose weight, increase cardio fitness & be part of an amazing cycle community! The Pelotone community even do social rides on weekends along the M7 catering for varied abilities, speeds, bikes & distances!!!
LazyGirlFitness says
They are a very inspiring team that is for sure! I can’t wait to get back out there… and this is coming from someone who never really enjoyed bikes!
nrowe1 says
I am lucky enough to only live a few kilometres away from the Pelotone studio. I just love it, with building leg strength and cardio endurance up as one of my goals, the studio caters to this beautifully. I love that whilst they are structured rides, you only ever work to what is right for you and every ride you find yourself being able to push yourself just that little bit further. So for anyone who is a novice rider like myself, can highly recommend Pelotone. Karen, Julie and all the coaches also have a genuine personal interest in assisting you achieve your goals.
LazyGirlFitness says
I think you have hit the nail on the head in there – they genuinely want you to achieve. I am loving all the love for Pelotone here right now!
Caryl Anne says
This place sounds awesome! I love going to a place where the music is upbeat and goes with the class. Personally, it keeps me pumped and motivated! Thanks for sharing your post!