Feel the Burn: Rhythm-Based Indoor Cycling at The Handle Bar Boston
By: Sarah Lapinsky
Imagine that you are moving in perfect harmony with music, immersing yourself in the energy and rhythm of the space. The experience feels more like dancing than cycling as you feel the beat in a dimly lit room. This is the magic of rhythm-based indoor cycling, a workout that’s both energizing for the mind and body. The Handle Bar brings this experience to Boston with a passion for music, community, and fitness to create a ride like no other. Regardless of your background or level of experience, everyone is welcome to join and will feel inspired to keep coming back for more. Read on to explore what makes rhythm-based cycling stand out, and how you can get started right in Boston!
What is Rhythm-Based Indoor Cycling?
Rhythm-based indoor cycling is a type of workout that involves following the beat of a song while cycling on a stationary bike. This differs from traditional indoor cycling with its emphasis on music. The songs are often upbeat and high energy to get you moving at a fast pace for maximum fitness benefits. Some of these benefits include improved cardiovascular health, building muscular strength, and better endurance. There are also numerous mental benefits as well such as stress relief, improved mood, and a sense of accomplishment. Overall, this activity is a great way to improve holistic wellbeing!
The Handle Bar Boston Experience
The Handle Bar has a whopping 7 locations in Boston, so you are sure to find a convenient location near you! Visit their website to learn more about parking, public transit access, and amenities specific to each location. Some of these amenities include cubbies, lockers, fully stocked showers, and changing rooms. If you forget cycling shoes or just don’t have any, Handle Bar has you covered with rentals available! Additionally, your membership can be used to access any of the studios which makes these classes even more accessible.
The incredible community is the same, regardless of whichever studio you choose! This community is centered on using activity for self-improvement and connection rather than physical appearances. The emphasis on a positive mindset is so important, especially with how prevalent negative views of exercise are on social media. Another amazing aspect of this community is how they prioritize inclusion and belonging. Everyone is welcome to join of any age, identity, culture, background, or point of view. Increasing accessibility to wellness is a huge goal of this organization and they want anyone that is interested in giving this activity a try to feel supported in their journey. Join Handle Bar to become a part of this welcoming community yourself and transform the way you view fitness today!
What to Expect in a Class
Five class types are offered in person to help provide you with the ability to participate in a class that best supports your goals! The most popular class offered is cycle. This class is a cardio workout completed on a stationary bike following the beat of music. Resistance activity, interval training, and dance-inspired choreography are all utilized in cycle classes to engage the entire body. Each class is around an hour long for a full body workout that will leave you sweating but energized. If you are looking for a workout that incorporates this form of cycling with strength training, you should try the cycle & strength class! This includes 25 minutes of cycling with 25 minutes of strength training to give you the best of both worlds!
If cycling isn’t the activity that best supports your goals, you should explore one of the other amazing class options at Handle Bar! The strength class is completed on a mat with a variety of high intensity exercises to help you build muscle. This full body workout will help you define your upper body, lower body, and core in a way that can be adjusted to match your own fitness level. The next type of class offered is sculpt. This class takes place in a heated room for an increased range of motion as you move through several pilates based exercises. Additionally you will use equipment including resistance bands, dumbbells, Bala Bangles, and Bala Rings to help strengthen your muscles. The final class offered at Handle Bar is flow. These classes also take place in a heated room but are more focused on mindfulness, breathwork, and vinyasa movements.
Regardless of whichever class you choose, you will get a great full body workout that will help take your wellness to the next level. If you cannot make it to these classes in person, there are also a variety of virtual classes that will allow you to get in a complete workout from the comfort of your own home. An unlimited membership is $229 a month. While this price may be steep, it is a great way to invest in your health. You are also able to take advantage of a new member discount that includes 3 classes for $39 so you can test out the classes before committing to a membership!
Conclusion
Rhythm based cycling at the Handle Bar is a fantastic way to improve your wellness in a holistic way. Biking to the beat of music makes the experience so fun, you’ll be coming back for more in a heartbeat! The knowledgeable instructors and welcoming community will help you push your limits and enjoy every moment of it. Ready to invigorate your body and ride to the rhythm? Sign up for a class today and discover for yourself why so many Bostonians are hooked on this energizing form of fitness!
