The Concept: Forget everything you thought you knew about spinning, Psycle has flipped it on its head. If trudging away on a static bike in a spin class at your local gym has always felt a tad, dare we say, dull then you need to try Psycle.
Inspired by the spin classes that have gained cult-status in the US like Flywheel and Soul Cycle (Jake Gyllenhaal and Lady Gaga are big fans of the latter), Psycle has a nightclub feel.
There are playlists crafted by Journalist and music expert Miranda Sawyer that carry you through the class, while futuristic lights flash and zip around the room. The trainers have been chosen for their individuality; they have a mix of dance, yoga and Olympic backgrounds, including a ballerina who was once with the Royal Ballet, a GB gymnast, plus dancers one is from dance troupe Flawless and others who have toured with big stars like Rihanna and Girls Aloud. Each bring their own style to the class.
Former triathlete, trainer and Psycles programme director Tim Weeks has crafted classes based on science, but has masked all that with specific choreographed movements you do in time to the music. Hes drawn on advice from sports psychologists and Tour de France coaches (who know how to get people through a tough stint). The 45-minutes flies by and feels more like a party on a bike than the hardcore workout it is. You crank the resistance up and down to ensure your legs are always moving in time with the beat of the tracks; and your arms don't get a rest, there is a segment involving holding free weights aloft, while at other points you perform push ups on the handles of the bike. There is also a move that involves pushing your bum out towards the back of the bike that fires up your glutes and hamstrings. It's a full-on, full body workout.
What You Need: Your usual gym kit Psycle provide you with spin shoes and towels. There are Ila products in the showers and Bumble and bumble hair products are set to land soon. You can also pick up kit from Lorna Jane and Mio skincare and Ila products in the reception if you do forget anything, or fancy treating yourself. A 'grab and go' range of food is available including Purearth cold pressed juices, The Detox Kitchen snacks and LoveRaw bars. Check out the Psycle blog - it has recipes from in-house nutritionist Rhian Stephenson.
Difficulty Rating: Its a tough workout but the party atmosphere cleverly masks the hard work. Perfect for beginners or as a cross training class for gym-goers or regular runners.
Location: Mortimer Street. Nearest tube is Oxford Circus.
How do I book? You can register online, buy credits and book classes all on the Psycle website.
