BESPOKE PREMIUM CYCLING STUDIO
SPIN TO BETTER HEALTH AT DOWNTOWN L.A. STUDIO

How is your New Years resolution to get in better shape coming along? Are you sticking to the plan or did you already discard it? For me, it’s always a struggle to stay committed to my daily workouts but the guilt will always get the better of me if I slack off too much. During the holidays, when all my workout buddies left me high and dry to visit family (whatever!), I managed to stay on track and took up spinning at BESPOKE Premium Cycling Studio at FIGat7th in downtown L.A.

I’m no stranger to spinning so I knew I was in for some pretty intense workouts. And it was really great to change things up and go from working out in freezing cold morning temperatures at the park into an indoor cycling studio where it wasn’t me versus the elements but just me pushing myself as far as I could go.

Described as an “exhilarating, indoor cycling experience located in the heart of downtown L.A.,” the studio workouts combine athletic coaching with high-energy music and even guest DJs (although there were no DJs during my visits). The workouts are broken up into four high-intensity classes to burn calories, sculpt, and tone the body. Some spinning classes even used free weights, which was a new feature to me.

According to the folks at BESPOKE, “Every morning we wake up with a drive inside us that takes us down a path. If we’re lucky, our paths cross with individuals that can challenge us to change our stride, making us better, faster and stronger. When we come together, we can shift gears, create new perspectives and discover our power.”

The workouts aren’t cheap (see pricing here), however there is a good introductory offer for first time clients where you can get two weeks of unlimited classes for only $59. Group classes are either 30, 45 or 60-minutes long and they are intense.

“Tap it up!” You’ll hear that a lot when the instructor tells you to add more resistance to your stationary bike. Let’s be honest, some people fake it. I tried my best to stay true. Just push and push and push. I have a workout app that says “you’ll feel the satisfaction of this in the morning.” I always say B.S. to that but I end up pushing myself further. Climbing up that pretend hill while some kind of techno or dance music is blaring away (why can’t most trainers just play damn good rock & roll?) is a challenge. And really, nobody is watching, except for the trainers who are pretty good about making sure you’re doing things right. It’s pretty dark in the studio and everyone really seemed to be into their workout so you’re not competing against anybody else. It’s just you and the bike and you digging as deep as you can to see how far you can go.

Spinning “clip in” shoes are provided. I would recommend getting to class a little early if you’re new to spinning just to get comfortable with the bike. You reserve your spot so after you’ve figured out how you like your bike settings, the studio will always have your bike set up just how you like it. That’s pretty cool. Classes are for spinners 13 years or older and you can expect to burn 400 to 600 calories per class.

Spinning has always a trendy workout. It’s really in fashion now with even Michelle Obama spinning at chic SoulCycle, but it is a good form of exercise. I don’t know if it’s all I would want to do as far as working out is concerned as I think it’s better to mix things up but add this to your workout regimen and you’ll definitely feel a world of difference. I usually prefer my bike rides outdoors, riding close to 30 miles at the beach, but that’s more of an endurance workout whereas these spinning classes are high intensity sessions.

Think of optimum health as a destination far, far away and working out, including spinning, is the only mode of transportation. There are definitely hill to climb and conquer, but there are also downhills to enjoy and straight away paths to sprint. It’s tough but it’s also an addictive, endorphin-filled rush. Here’s to good health in 2016.

BESPOKE Premium Cycling Studio is located at 735 S. Figueroa at FIGat7th on the lower level. Call 213-228-2828. 90-minutes free parking with validation.

Story by Jose Martinez

Photography Courtesy of: BESPOKE Premium Cycling Studio