From Flywheel on East 60th to Crank Cycling Studio on East 93rd, we’ve run down the best UES cycling studios to keep your wheels spinning and your heart racing.
It seems like just a few years ago that no one knew what “spinning” was and stationary bikes were what you got stuck with when the elliptical machines were booked. Now, there seems to be a new indoor cycling studio popping up on every other block, each with its own crowd of devoted followers willing to throw down $30 bucks (or more) to sweat with strangers.
As a calorie-torching workout that’s relatively easy on the joints, it’s no wonder cycling is the latest exercise sensation. If you’re looking to up your fitness level in a group environment surrounded by high energy and great music, we’ve rounded up the best spin studios on the Upper East Side.
Upper East Side locations at 203 E. 60th St. and 201 E. 67th St.
(Image: Flywheel on Yelp)
If you’re a data junkie, Flywheel is the cycling studio for you. Metrics including speed, resistance, distance and calories burned are tracked and displayed on the class’s public TorqBoard (if you opt in) and saved to your Flywheel account to track your progress. At Flywheel, the overall emphasis is on achieving a challenging workout in an all-inclusive, low-intimidation atmosphere. Enjoy your first ride for just $15, with single rides thereafter costing $34, including shoe rental and bottled water. Both Upper East side studios boast shower facilities, and if you’re looking to add to your exercise regimen, both are also adjacent to Flybarre studios, providing barre-based full body-sculpting sessions.
Upper East Side locations at 140 E. 63rd St. and 1470 Third Ave. (at 83rd Street)
(Image: SoulCycle East 63rd Street)
SoulCycle bills itself as “indoor cycling re-invented,” and if wildly devoted followers are any indication, it’s a formula that works. Known for highly inspirational instructors that guide riders through a 45-minute full-body workout by candlelight, SoulCycle sessions are intense and heavy on choreography. Both Upper East Side studios are sleek and spotless with locker and shower facilities available. First-timers can enjoy a $20 class, otherwise classes are $34 each. Shoe rental is an additional $3. Pro Tip: Ready to push yourself? Check out SoulSurvivor classes that run a full 60 minutes.
Upper East Side location at 1429 2nd Ave. (at 74th Street)
(Image: Equinox East 74th)
Equinox’s new cycling program, the Pursuit, gamifies physical fitness. Using in-class challenges and tons of data visualization, Pursuit aims to drive competition and peak performance. Aside from solo challenges, instructors may pit riders against their neighbor or encourage entire rows to beat one another, driven by the digital leaderboard. Classes include Pursuit: Build, which uses hill sequences to increase strength and endurance, and Pursuit: Burn, a calorie-scorching series of high-intensity intervals. Equinox membership, $201 per month at the East 74th Street location, is required.
1658 Third Ave. at 93rd Street
(Image: Crank NYC on Yelp)
At low-frills Crank NYC, each instructor has authority over class content with styles ranging from strict real-world simulation rides to highly choreographed styles. While some may miss the display screens and leaderboards used in competing cycling studios, others will enjoy the ability to work at their body’s pace with easy access to a wide range of class styles under one roof. Look for great “theme” music rides that cover everything from 80s hip-hop classics to Game of Thrones-inspired sessions. Crank boasts a friendly staff, a roomy co-ed locker area and bathrooms, but no showers. Single rides are $28 with bulk discounts and frequent special offers available. Shoes and towels are free of charge.
Cycling classes are also available at many Upper East Side gyms including New York Sports Club locations, New York Health & Racquet Club, the 92Y and at Asphalt Green. Convenient after-work classes are available across the neighborhood, from Midtown East all the way to East Harlem.