Spin classes have taken the London fitness scene by storm, and we’re here to help you discover the best options in the city so you can avoid any unnecessary hassle. Meet Robin, an avid spin enthusiast, always on the lookout for new London classes to explore with friends.
Living in the city gives her ample time to try them all. If you’ve read our guide “Best Outdoor Gyms in London 2022,” you know about our passion for fitness.
London boasts a plethora of excellent spin classes where you can sweat it out while enjoying the rhythm. However, there are also places that might be best to skip.
Turn up the music, activate the flashing lights, warm up those legs, and uncover the very best spin class that London has to offer.
Exploring Spin Classes
Before we delve into contenders for the best indoor cycling spin class in London, let’s briefly explain what a spin class is:
In the 1980s, South African cyclist Johnny Goldberg introduced spin classes as an alternative to outdoor bike rides following an accident. Originally focused on endurance and resistance training, spinning has evolved into a global fitness phenomenon. It has transcended mere endurance training, incorporating bright lights, loud music, and unique movements, like hill climbs synchronized with rhythm.
Spin workouts elevate heart rate and burn around 400-500 calories per session. They provide a comprehensive full-body workout with resistance exercises on stationary bikes.
Now, let’s explore the leading contenders for the best spin classes in London.
The Pinnacle of Spin Classes in London: SOULCYCLE
A cult favorite, SoulCycle, hailing from New York, has been operating in London since 2006. This fitness craze engages participants wholeheartedly, forming a devoted community committed to spinning.
In these boutique-style studios, dynamic choreographed rides are set to the best spin class tracks. SoulCycle classes also include motivational and spiritual elements, enhancing the overall experience.
Arguably, SoulCycle offers London’s most challenging spin class, catering to both experienced athletes and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. Despite often being hailed as the best in London, your opinion might change after reading this article.
The first class costs £16, and subsequent ones are £24.
The Power of Psycle
Psycle, a central London indoor cycling class, lives by the slogan “the rhythm and bike that can transform your body and free your mind”:
- Psycle, one of London’s oldest and most renowned spin classes, combines rhythm-based high-intensity cardio with strength training for an invigorating workout;
- One distinctive feature of Psycle is the class duration, ranging from 45 to 90 minutes, allowing gradual progression, avoiding plateaus, and ensuring continuous growth;
- Psycle sessions take place on Mortimer Street, Westbourne Grove, Shoreditch, and Clapham, costing £22 per person.
Another Space: Unleash the Energy
Get ready for an energetic spin class at Another Space, where the focus is primarily on cardio. It’s perfect for those seeking high-intensity and calorie burning:
- With weekly playlist changes and themed rides, Another Space keeps regulars engaged. Instructors help optimize the 45-minute sessions;
- After your workout, enjoy protein shakes and nutritious snacks for recovery;
- Located in Covent Garden and Bank, this studio caters to city dwellers, with session prices at £20.
1Rebel: Iconic Spin Mastery
1Rebel is one of Robin’s favorite classes. This spin class, a London staple, offers unique experiences, including “high-fi,” 90s club music, and spinning disco balls.
- Participants who earn the “rebel” badge become part of a vibrant community, fueled by energetic instructors pushing boundaries;
- Spanning two floors in a nightclub-like Victoria setting, the atmosphere is immersive. Changing rooms equipped with showers, towels, and refreshments ensure seamless relaxation.
1Rebel operates in five London locations: St Mary Axe, Victoria, Broadgate, South Bank, and Bayswater. Session prices are £22.
Boom Cycle: Getting Started
For newcomers looking to dive into spin workouts, Boom Cycle is an excellent choice. Approachable programs and fewer mirrored walls create a comfortable environment for beginners.
Boom Cycle exudes a party-on-a-bike atmosphere that allows you to focus on the ride. Studios in Monument, Hammersmith, Waterloo, Holborn, and Battersea offer ample opportunities for classes, and the price of £18 per session makes spinning affordable.
Core Collective: Compete and Elevate
Core Collective, catering to competitive enthusiasts, offers elite spin class experiences.
Equipped with modern gear and stunning studios, this establishment is designed for celebrities and influencers.
A notable feature is the monitors attached to bikes, color-coded to indicate resistance levels. Post-class statistics drive improvement, and the chic café encourages staff to ensure full satisfaction.
Studios in Kensington, Knightsbridge, and St John’s Wood offer premium services at £23 per session.
Digme Fitness: Unleashing the Competition
Digme Fitness introduces a unique approach, fostering friendly competition:
- Bikes track your performance, displayed on a leaderboard for everyone to see. This turns your workout into a true cycling race, providing a taste of indoor endurance;
- Showcasing various landscapes further intensifies the experience, fueling competition among those seeking an edge;
- Digme Fitness classes take place in Blackfriars, Moorgate, Richmond, and Fitzrovia at a cost of £20.
Terrahale: A Fresh Concept
Terrahale employs an innovative approach—your exertion powers the lighting, music, and speakers during sessions. This concept not only drives physical activity but also promotes sustainability.
Classes are limited to six individuals, fostering an intimate atmosphere. Terrahale, translating to “strong earth,” offers eco-conscious spin racing in Shepherd’s Bush. Three sessions for £30 each present a budget-friendly option.
Gear Up for Spin Success
While not obligatory, some items can enhance your spin workout experience. Cycling shorts add comfort and style, and sports watches allow efficient progress tracking. A well-chosen water bottle will come in handy.
Closing Thoughts
Selecting the best spin class in London depends on your preferences. While 1Rebel stands out with its unparalleled energy, other classes like Core Collective, Digme Fitness, and Psycle offer competitive fervor and dedication to hard work.
London’s spin class scene is rich and diverse, ensuring you’ll find an option that suits your style. We have our opinions, but we’d love to hear yours.
Amidst the vibrant pulse of London’s fitness landscape, spin classes occupy a central spot, offering a thrilling journey of sweat, rhythm, and achievement. Concluding our overview of the city’s top spin studios, one thing is clear: the diversity and dynamism of London’s spin class scene cater to every fitness enthusiast’s desires.
SoulCycle, with its cult community and captivating experience, sets a high bar for devotion. With rhythm and energy resonating through its two London studios, participants are immersed in the world of intense rides and motivational moments. Psycle, a veteran in the spin arena, brings strength-based cardio workouts and flexible durations, perfect for steady progress.
Another Space offers a chance to unleash energy and leave it all on the bike. Pulsating music and themed attractions make enthusiasts come back time and again, and post-workout fuel ensures you’re ready for new accomplishments.
1Rebel, a personal favorite and strong contender, turns spin workouts into a nightclub experience. The synergy of music, light, and community creates an unmatched buzz, turning every session into a celebration. Similarly, Boom Cycle caters to those just starting their spin journey, making the beginning comfortable and enjoyable.
Core Collective puts competition at the forefront: modern equipment and detailed stats push participants beyond their limits. It’s not just a ride; it’s elevating yourself beyond expectations.
Digme Fitness brings a new dimension to competition, displaying stats on a public leaderboard, and fostering a real-time cycling race atmosphere. This fresh spin on spinning adds an extra boost to each ride.
Terrahale, the innovative outlier, marries sweat with sustainability, amplifying your impact on the world while expanding your horizons. It’s the embodiment of conscious fitness, reminding us of the interconnectedness of our actions.
Ultimately, the question of the “best spin class in London” remains subjective. Each studio possesses its unique allure, from SoulCycle’s community commitment, Psycle’s adaptive classes, and Another Space’s party-like intensity to 1Rebel’s nightclub vibes, Core Collective’s data-driven expansion, Digme Fitness’ interactive rivalry, and Terrahale’s eco mission.
In this vibrant city, spin classes are more than just workouts; they’re camaraderie, growth, and personal victories. London’s spin class scene is a testament that fitness can inspire, energize, and uplift. So whether you’re after competition, connection, or a conscious lifestyle, London’s spin classes are where you can find your rhythm and thrive.