Seven Places to Take a Spin Class in Boston Right Now
From Turnstyle to the Handle Bar, indoor cycling has taken the city by storm. We rounded up the best spin studios in Boston—which one is your favorite?
B/SPOKE / Photo provided
Ask any avid cycler and they’ll be quick to tell you not all spin studios are created equal. Sure, they all have standard indoor cycling bikes, offer clip-in riding shoes, and get you pretty darn sweat-soaked, but depending on which one you go to, your spin experience can vary widely.
Whether you’re looking for an upscale experience, a little soul searching, or just need somewhere to stop by after work, we’ve rounded up a list of the best spin studios in Boston. Sample them all, or find your new favorite home.
Turnstyle
With classes categorized by what type of music will be playing (for example, Cardi B vs. the Chainsmokers) you’ll never have to suffer through boring music ever again. The Back Bay location doesn’t have showers, so keep that in mind before scheduling a before-work ride. First time riders can take advantage of their three class special for $29 and Turnstyle offers shoe rental free of charge. The space also offers bootcamp classes where you don’t ever touch a bike. Did someone say cross-training?
43 Fairfield St., Boston, 617-531-8922, 14 Hampshire St., Cambridge, 24 Cambridge St., Charlestown, 310 Harrison Ave., Boston, turnstylecycle.com.
Soul Cycle / Photo provided
Soul Cycle
Has the opening scene of I Feel Pretty been permanently engraved into your head every time you see Soul Cycle? Yeah, same here. This popular destination, with over 82 studios across the U.S. and Canada, adds a dimension of mindfulness thanks to the energetic instructors. In this 45-minute class, you’ll feel like you’re riding with a pack to one common goal with rhythm-based choreography. Book a bike (shoes are available to rent) and ride at one of the five different locations across the city.
500 Boylston St., Boston, 617-336-9999, 300 Cambridge St., Boston, 617-336-9998, 200-230 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, 617-658-9010, 214 Legacy Place, Dedham, 781-243-4200, 101 Seaport Blvd., Boston, 617-996-7685, soul-cycle.com.
B/Spoke
Not quite ready to commit? Take advantage of this downtown studio’s pay-as-you-go classes and lack of membership or initiation fees. Enjoy luxurious showers, complimentary shoe rentals, and towel service. If you’re a first time rider, stop by on the first weekend of every month for a R/DE basics workshop and tutorial to learn proper form and technique as well as a lesson on setting up the bike properly. Seasoned vet? Try the Hot R/DE class, where they crank up the heat and slow down the tempo for a 45-minute all-out sweat session.
101 Federal St., Boston, 617-951-9900, 50 Central St., Wellesley, 781-772-1920, bspokestudios.com.
The Handle Bar / Photo provided
The Handle Bar
Want the dance club feel while you’re working out? Look no further. Get sweaty in a dark room, with blaring music, and sudden moments of pure darkness, focusing on nothing but yourself and your bike. Complimentary shoe rentals are offered for those who don’t have their own, but don’t expect lockers or a changing room—the three locations, in Southie, Fenway, and Harvard Square were meant as neighborhood hubs for people to get in and out. Small cubbies and restrooms are available. Word on the street is that the fourth location, at North Station, will offer something completely new and different.
141 Dorchester Ave., Boston, 617-451-1270, 1336 Boylston St., Boston, 857-239-9789, 1030 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-714-3367, handlebarcycling.com.
Ride North End
Ride North End, recently relocated to Salem Street, is perfect for visitors or people passing through, and even better for those who call the North End home. The classes are offered on ClassPass and complimentary shoe rental is included. New riders can take advantage of a two-ride pack for $30. Heck, even grab a cannoli as a post-workout treat while you’re at it.
89 Salem St., Boston, ridenorthend.com.
Fly Wheel / Photo provided
Flywheel Studio
Searching for an added level of competition in your fitness routine? Opt to have your Power Score (your personal rider stats) displayed on the TorqBoard during a class at this studio space in the Prudential. Each time you take a class you earn Power Points, which can be applied to fun giveaways. If you need even more motivation to get a workout in, Flywheel also hosts Fly Challenges that last a few days to a few weeks and include a set number of classes, with the opportunity to win prizes at the end. First timers, take advantage of a special $15 class and complimentary shoe rental.
800 Boylston St., Boston, 617-300-0388, flywheelsports.com.
CycleBar / Photo provided
CycleBar
Opening on July 19, this new studio space in Assembly Row offers a multi-sensory experience in their Cycletheatre, which houses up to 55 custom bikes in a three tiered set-up with two large flat screen TVs and personal data monitors. Receive your stats after every ride straight to your email so you can keep track of your progress. And if you like the music playlist from a class, it will be available to listen via Cyclebeats. Shoes are provided free of charge and lockers, wet clothing bags, and other toiletries are available.
387 Revolution Dr., Somerville, 617-883-7588, assemblyrow.cyclebar.com.
