Dim the lights, light the candles, crank the music and get ready for an epic dance party — on a bike!
This is a typical spin class at Spokehaus. Complete with candlelight and thumping music, the goal of the class is to transport you to a different place for 45 minutes.
Spokehaüs opened on Dan Leckie Way this past February and is the brainchild of Christine Tessaro.
It is similar to the successful SoulCycle franchise in New York City and was modelled after fitness and lifestyle brands in the U.K. and U.S.
Currently, only the 45-minute spin class is offered, and it’s an intense one. Aside from spinning, they also offer healthy fuel from Greenhouse Juice Co. and curated “athleisure” wear from Michi NY and Tully Lou
In the room, there are mirrors along one wall to allow riders to see themselves. Candles are placed around the instructor, so participants can see the movements and follow along.
My instructor, Tessaro, who also happens to be the owner, takes me through the basics.
I get set up on the bike, and then I’m given a brief tutorial on the hand and height positions. It’s not complicated. You choose between two-, three- or four-pound hand weights and simply follow instructions throughout the class.
The resistance on my bike is set to low, my special shoes (which have Shimano Pedaling Dynamics cleats in the sole for safe and smooth cycling) are clipped in and I am ready to dance!
We begin with riding to the music while out of the saddle. Then we stabilize our core through movements such as presses, push-ups and other arm movements and continuing to ride.
This is followed by standing and sitting while pedalling and sprints where we increase the pace of our cycling.
Back to sitting in the saddle, we spend five minutes working on our upper body using the hand weights, and still cycling.
The studio ensures riders use top-of-the-line equipment, from Schwinn IC Pro bikes to complimentary lending of Louis Garneau cycling shoes for those who don’t have a pair of their own.
Being clipped in allows riders to exert more power evenly and effectively throughout the workout and also provides the feeling of being one with the bike.
Music is a big part of the experience. The playlist is something you expect to hear in a club. The dark room and energy of moving together to a choreographed workout makes you feel like you’re in sync and dancing with 35 other total strangers.
“I got bored of the traditional spin class and wanted something more for the Toronto fitness scene,” says Tessaro. “The workout is so fast, effective and allows you to get out of your head for 45 minutes of the day. You walk out lighter. I wanted to build a lifestyle brand as well — and focus on inspiring people.”
How is it different from a regular cycling class? Well, you’re out of the saddle and bopping to the music for 90 per cent of the class — so, you can’t cheat at this workout!
Tessaro says that cycling is a great high-intensity, low-impact workout, but she wanted to spice it up a little bit. To keep her riders engaged, she added the emphasis on the music and created choreographed moves that were appealing to her.
“We believe music has the power to motivate, and being in a room with complete strangers and dancing together is one of the most amazing, natural, safe highs you can get,” says Tessaro, who became a certified spinning instructor two years ago.
Personally, I absolutely loved that no one could really see me.
The class sucked me in. I felt like I evaporated into nothingness and got lost in the music. I left wanting more. I can’t wait to get back into my dancing shoes.
Spokehaüs, 70 Dan Leckie Way, 416-220-4641
