Upper West Side Cycling

I just took my first ever spin class with Tovit, absolutely loved it! She was very helpful especially with it being my first time, she took the time to explain how to use the bike and what to do if I needed to rest. Front desk was super friendly and greeted me as soon as I entered. I was given a tour of the facility, a schedule of classes and the prices. I had a great time and will be back!

I have been attending classes at the cycling studio since the Fall and I am addicted! I love the studio and the staff. I basically live there. They create such a comfortable and welcoming culture with very passionate and knowledgable instructors. I would highly recommend taking a class with Jay and Emily. They are both challenging in different ways and you get an incredible workout! Be prepared to really sweat. They are very encouraging and pay close attention to their students. They are very helpful. Love them!

I’ve been taking classes here for a couple months, and, for the most part, I really love it. Spinning used to be something I dreaded and forced myself to do as cross-​training. But now I look forward to going to class once or twice a week. I’ve taken from several instructors here (Sarah, Emily, Mario, Sharon, and one another woman whose name I forget), and figured out my favorites. Memorable moment: Mario shouting «Ride for tomorrow!» like we were about to go into battle… I’m surprised more people didn’t start laughing. PLEASE give Emily more classes! If she ever stops teaching, I’ll be devastated – devastated! She’s awesome. There have been moments in her class when I almost blacked out (I realize that sounds terrible, but I love an intense workout). Sharon’s classes are also really tough, though some of the positions on the bike feel a little unnatural. I love Emily and Sharon’s classes because there’s great variety of music, they know when to talk and when to let us ride, and did I mention the workouts are INTENSE? I always walk out dripping in sweat. It’s kind of gross, kind of amazing.
I took off one star for the studio (a little dingy; some of the bikes are old/​squeaky). Not such a big deal and, if you buy classes in bulk, the price works out to be pretty cheap. It makes way more sense for me than a pricey studio like Flywheel or Soul Cycle!

The experience here varies dramatically depending on who teaches. I’ll keep it positive and say that Ali, Sarah and Emily are all really great. Sarah and Emily’s classes are the most challenging and their classes simulate what an actual cyclist would do for conditioning workout — challenging speed work and hill intervals, specific accelerations to target different muscle groups, etc. Ali’s classes are more like traditional spinning classes, and are more about getting a great workout than focusing on the specifics of cycling form or pedal stroke (though she does provide guidance on this, its just different type of class). All three are encouraging without being «cheerleadery» and play great music.
The actual space could use some attention — the bikes are all different models/​brands, and some are brand new and really nice and others are old and seem to be on their last leg. The temperature in the spin studio can be quite erratic, so the instructors have to constantly adjust the fans, open and close windows, etc.
That being said, its definitely way more affordable than Flywheel or Soulcycle, and if you are looking for really attentive and knowledgeable instructors, you’ll find a few here.

Tried this place for the first time today — got a great workout at a great price. Jay is awesome and he played great music to spin to.

Love UWS Cycling! An Amazing, heart pumping, sweat dripping work out! Jay is great! His choice of music keeps the pace quick, lively and fun! A great work out that burns lots of calories and can really reshape your body. Totally recommend this early morning workout! An awesome way to start your day!

Love this place. Great music. excellent instructors. Dolly is terrific. She’s enthusiastic, energetic, friendly yet professional. All of which make the classes a lot of fun and very enjoyable while you get your workout.

I took a Tuesday night spin class with Ali. It was great! I have taken spin classes before and what I loved about this one was that it was challenging but fun at the same time and not too demanding. I felt inspired by the trainer to push myself during the entire workout. I definitely recommend her class!

They’ve made some serious improvements here since my last review! Temperature issue has stabilized, instructors continue to be awesome (especially Ali and Sarah, and newer additions Serena and Anna are great too), and the front desk staff are really sweet and kind.

I’ve been going to Body Strength forever, and love having UWS cycling now! Ashley is my fave — her music is always upbeat and fun, along with her general style. They recently added new bikes and configured the space better, which was needed. It’s comfortable in there in the summer, even though its a no frills type of space. Prices are reasonable and classes are fun. There are also a bunch of convenient class times. I agree that sometimes the cycling portion is cut a few minutes short with starting alittle late, warm up and cool down — but it’s only like 5 minutes so nothing to complain about. I do really wish that they would give an advanced class or some variations, or offer light weights to incorporate into some rides, sometimes its a little too basic, especially if you go often which I do.

I went to this place for the first time today and really enjoyed it. It’s definitely on the lower end in terms of fancy cycling places (ie: it’s no soul cycle), but, you get in a good workout and the instructor seemed like she really cared.
Unlike other reviews, I didn’t see the middle aged man at the counter. Maybe they got rid of him, or, I just lucked out. I had a pretty pleasant experience at the counter, got set up immediately, and was surprised that the studio was as large as it is considering how obscure the entrance is. At any rate, the instructor walked in right on time, helped everyone with their bikes (which was good individual attention) and started the lesson. I
t’s too bad that the stretching is included in the 45 minutes, since the session feels so short. But, it was a good workout, provided you push yourself hard enough. It wasn’t as demanding as some of the other cycling places I’ve been to, since there wasn’t a lot of standing up/​sitting down positions, nor, was there a constant push for numbers where our dial should be. But, like any exercise, you get out from it what you put in. right?
I bought one of those deal passes, so I got 20% off. It comes out to $ 11 a class if you buy a 20 pack, which is a great deal. I also got the $ 5 off my first class, so today’s class was essentially $ 5 (first class is $ 10). You can sign up for the deal online (they send the coupon to your email).
I’m excited to go back. Seems like they have alot of good classes and options. And the times also work for me really well!

I think this place has a lot to offer. I love spinning and it is a great neighborhood spot to visit during the week when you need a good workout. Here are the pros /​cons:
PROS:
— Nice friendly staff and instructors
— Clean facility
— Good equipment
— Unpretentious patrons
CONS:
— Sometimes starts a few minutes late, and then still ends on time, cutting the workout short
— Actual cycling portion of workout is a bit short because includes stretching /​warmup within the 45 min.
I wish the gym would offer a couple of advanced classes for those wanting a longer and more rigorous workout.

I’ve been taking classes here for a few weeks, and I think it’s terrific. I have yet to encounter the nasty guy mentioned in previous reviews – the sign-​in process has been quick, seamless, and pleasant. Classes are challenging, the teachers I’ve had (Sarah and Sharon) are great, the price is right, and it’s in a nice space at a convenient location for those on the UWS. One star less than 5 because it would be great if they had more classes per day.

Not sure if the middle aged man at the counter is the owner or manager but he is a real A-​hole. The classes are enjoyable enough, but the manager is such a jerk that I’d rather not go back. My advise is to pass on this place and go somewhere else that will appreciate your business.