Learn all about indoor cycling studios in this post. Have you tried these spin studios in Austin?
Post last updated January 2022.
What are you riding for today? In many spin classes, the instructor asks us to set an intention for class when we start. After trying my first spin class years ago, I wasn’t sure if I liked it, but years of classes later, I am hooked. It’s a fun and sweaty workout that challenges me. This post will give you all the details about studio options in Austin.
What is Spin Class?
- Spin class is an indoor cycling workout led by an instructor and set to music. This cardio workout challenges your pedal speed and resistance.
- In the class, you’ll work out your legs, core, and sometimes arms.
- Classes are usually 45 minutes or an hour.
- You wear cycling shoes that clip into the pedals of the bike. You can buy your own and bring them to each class (about $100), studios will have them available to rent ($1-3), or they are included in the class pricing.
- The bikes have a knob or lever that allows you to add or subtract resistance, making it easier or harder to pedal.
- Most spin studios will include an arm workout with hand weights during the spin class. You’ll have weights on your bike or pick your weights before class. Be ready to work out your biceps, triceps, and shoulders.
What To Do at Your First Class
Don’t be scared, beginners! The instructor will guide you on how much resistance to add and what numbers to hit but always listen to your body. Challenge yourself but take it slow. Here are some tips.
- Bring a water bottle!
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early to prepare for class.
- Staff will be available to help you adjust your bike to your height and comfort. This is very important to make sure you don’t hurt yourself during the workout and to get the most out of your workout.
- Some studios will have hand weights of varying weights to choose from, so make sure you have dumbells of your desired weight on your bike and know where they are stored.
- Instructors will explain hand positions, the resistance knob, and any tech at the beginning of class.
Spin Studio Amenities
All of Austin’s spin studios include these amenities to make your experience better:
- Lockers with built-in locks or areas to keep your stuff
- Showers
- Filtered water dispenser
- Towel for class
Quick Notes
- RPM = revolutions per minute. This tracks your speed. You’ll see this number on bikes with electronics.
- Why Electronics: I’ve found the classes with electronics are harder. Instructors will tell you what numbers to set your resistance to or aim for during each song. The electronics seem to be more accurate than “two turns on,” though you should adjust the resistance and numbers to your capabilities and the strength of your body. In other words, make your workout a challenge!
- Why Buy Shoes: After a month of classes, I realized it would save me money to invest in spin shoes. I got mine (Shimano brand for about $100) at REI because I wanted to try them on. You also need to buy the clip-ins, SPD (two holes), or Delta (three holes and easier to clip in).
- Safety: In some classes, you’ll be instructed to do crunches and push-ups. For your safety, if you don’t keep up with the speed, opt out of the choreography.
- The pricing listed is what is advertised as of October 2022. I recommend joining a studio’s email list and social media accounts to get notifications about special pricing packages.
Austin, Texas Spin Studios
Ok, now that you know all the basics about spinning, here’s information about spin studios in Austin. (listed alphabetically)
CycleBar
- What I Love: The only studio on this list with stats! You’ll be able to track your output on the center console and there may be “races” where your stats are on the screen. If you’re competitive, you’ll like taking this spin class.
- Locations:
- Downtown: 507 Pressler Street, Suite 900, Austin, TX 78703
- East Austin: 2400 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
- Bee Cave: 3620 RR 620 South, Suite 210, Bee Cave, TX 78738
- Cedar Park: 4701 183A Frontage Road, Suite E, Cedar Park, TX 78613
- Parking: Free Parking Lot
- Electronics: Yes
- Single Class Pricing: $29
- Package Pricing: 5 classes for $139, 10 classes for $269
- Unlimited Month Pricing: $189
- Monthly Membership Pricing: 4 classes for $99, 8 classes for $149
- First-Timer Special: First class free
- Website: https://www.cyclebar.com/
Mōtiv Fitness
- What I Love: This rhythm-based class perfectly combines speed and resistance.
- Locations: South Austin: 809 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
- Parking: Free Parking Lot
- Electronics: None
- Single Class Pricing: $22
- Best Package Pricing: 5 classes for $105, 15 classes for $285
- Unlimited Month Pricing: $150-185
- First-Timer Special: First Class $15; First Unlimited Month for $135
- Not Only Spin: Motiv also has barre classes
- Website: https://motivfitness.com/
LOVE Cycling Studio
- What I Love: This studio is full of LOVE! I love their themed rides where they play particular artists. If you want to dance on a bike, you’ll get it here!
- Location: Central Austin: 2609 Perseverance Dr, Austin, TX 78731
- Parking: Free Garage Parking
- Electronics: None
- Single Class Pricing: $28
- Package Pricing: 5 classes for $130, 10 classes for $250, 20 classes for $480
- Unlimited Month Pricing: $299
- First-Timer Special: 3 classes for $50
- Website: https://www.lovecyclingstudio.com
RIDE Indoor Cycling
- What I Love: If you like cycling fast, you will find your place at RIDE. The rhythm-based classes are guided but you are responsible for pushing yourself. The majority of the songs are fast-paced and they don’t put emphasis on heavy resistance.
- Locations:
- Downtown: 117 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701
- Bee Cave: 12800 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave, TX 78738
- Westlake: 3201 Bee Caves Rd Suite 105, Austin, TX 78746
- Parking: Validated Parking Garage or Free Parking Lot
- Electronics: No
- Single Class Pricing: $26
- Package Pricing: 5 classes for $125, 10 classes for $235, 20 classes for $440
- Monthly Pricing: 12 classes for $235
- First-Timer Special: First ride $15
- Website: http://www.ride-indoorcycling.com
SoulCycle
- What I Love: This is the ultimate “dance party on a bike.” The instructors here are encouraging and they always have great playlists. This workout is always accompanied by a pep talk throughout the class about finding your soul, community, and strength.
- Locations: Downtown: Frost Bank Tower, 401 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
- Parking: Free Garage Parking. Get validation for the downtown garage.
- Electronics: No
- Single Class Pricing: $32
- Package Pricing: 5 classes for $145, 10 classes for $280, 20 classes for $535
- Unlimited Month Pricing: $399
- Monthly Pricing: 4 classes for $113, 8 classes for $218, 12 classes for $315
- First-Timer Special: $20 first class, 3 classes for $60, unlimited 2 weeks for $50
- Website: https://www.soul-cycle.com/studios/texas/
Conclusion
We have lots of spin studio options in Austin! Which one you choose depends on what factors are important to you and how you feel in the class. Consider the instructors, the class, the bike quality, and the overall experience. The spin studios don’t differ by much but finding one that fits perfectly with you is key. You’ll find encouraging instructors that will push you at each studio. Try a few studios and see the differences for yourself.
It’s hard to choose a favorite spin studio because I like each for different reasons. It depends on my mood and what kind of workout I hope to have.
- If I need a little more love and good vibes, I would opt for SoulCycle or Love.
- If I feel like going fast, I’d consider RIDE or Motiv.
- If I need that stat motivation, I turn to CycleBar.
No matter where I go, I know I’ll get a sweaty workout. I encourage you to try spinning and see why it has become one of my favorite workouts!
Have you tried a spin class? Where do you go and what do you like about it?
P.S. Not into spin? Check out some of this list of my favorite workout studios in Austin.
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