Saw this posted on Facebook and just had to share it. The author, Victoria, is a triathlete, runner and fashion blogger at alltheshoesfit.com – she's also a raving fan of GRIT Cycle in Costa Mesa, California.
TOP 10 SIGNS YOU’RE ADDICTED TO YOUR SPIN CLASS
You plan your entire week around the spin class schedule.
You’ve lost interest in designer clothing and shoes and are suddenly obsessed with seeking out the latest “on trend” spin leggings.
The mere thought of your favorite instructor switching schedules, going on vacation or (god forbid) leaving, throws you into a tail spin.
Whenever you hear a new song you immediately categorize it by BPM and if it would be a sprint, climb, or push and tap song.
You'll find the rest of Victoria's 10 signs you are addicted here.
GRIT Cycle was a project of Barbara Hoots from Indoor Cycle Design. One of owners is Marisa Wayne, daughter of The Duke – actor John Wayne. I haven't been there myself, but the place sounds like it incorporates Barbara's usual attention to detail – described here in an earlier post from Victoria:
These guys did it right from the moment of conception to the day they opened the doors and they continue to do it right. Nothing is an afterthought. Every attention to detail has been carefully planned and executed. The saddle room (more about the name later) has wide sliding glass doors that open to a deck with lounge furniture where you can bask in the sun before or after class. You may be temporarily blinded to the fact that you are about to work your ass off and think you are at a resort in Palm Springs, the only thing missing being the pool.
Notice that these are custom painted Schwinn Performance AC Indoor Cycles and the Instructor bike on the stage is a unique color.
The “Barn” as it's affectionately known, is run by first time business owner / Instructor Karen Casler. Karen shares with us a number of the secrets of her success in the interview below:
Her total focus on customer service.
Using technology effectively.
Offering a diverse mix of classes to reach the broadest audience.
Recruiting and retaining instructors.
Some Instructors don't fit – what to do next…
Not all customers fit either…
Studio details:
CB Cyclebarn 372 Camino de Estrella San Clemente, CA 92672
(949)303-3112 Email: karen@cbcyclebarn.com
Indoor Cycles: FreeMotion S11.9 with Carbon belt drive
In class display system of rider performance metrics: Performance IQ
Listen to Karen's interview below or and have every new episode delivered straight to your portable device.
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This Podcast is was last published on Feb 23, 2010, I have updated it with our new Podcast host information and I am representing it now. I hope you enjoy it, Joey
As promised last week, here's my interview with Bill Pryor about his experiences starting his own Spinning Indoor Cycling Studio.
2014 UPDATE: This interview has launched multiple dozens of new Indoor Cycling Studios - is yours next?
The online payment and business management service we discuss is MindBody Online combined with a LiveEdit Integrated Website.
Sometimes, with the best intentions (and a lot of effort), new fitness businesses don't work out as planned. Which leads to sending out a sad email like this one:
John, sadly I have to close down 2 of my studios and consolidate to one due to landlord doubling the rent. Is there anywhere I can
post that I have 30 slightly used RealRyder Spin bikes available so I do not have to put them into storage?
Bob
My initial response was; I'm sorry Bob, I really don't have anyway to help you 🙁
But then I remembered seeing an email from a company who offers a service that I could add to our Pedal-On.com forum. It creates the marketplace that would help Bob (or you for that matter) advertise and sell used Indoor Cycling bikes and/or other equipment.
UPDATED 9/2014 these are sold.
Are you looking for help with your new or existing studio?
We've helped dozens of new studio owners and we can help you too.
All you need to do is ask – click here for our contact form.
Charles (Spook) Hilgartner teaching his class at InSync Cycle
It began as the dream of many Instructors – starting your own fitness business. Charles (Spook) Hilgartner made his dream real by opening the first dedicated indoor cycling studio in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. It was very sad to hear that InSync Cycle Studio closed.
On a personal note:
For the past three years, I have enjoyed the challenge of creating and operating InSync. I have had the pleasure and privilege of meeting and greeting hundreds of riders and making some special friends.This, I will really miss.
But what happened in the studio, during class was really incredible. We have had the best instructors! Their teaching skills and unique styles, music and personalities created an amazing cycling environment that all of us have enjoyed. I thank them for that.
It’s the combination, of instructors and dedicated riders, that has made InSync Cycle Studio a pretty good place to ride.
Some of Spook's Instructors created this very touching video as a good-by.
http://youtu.be/N54Y-N9gJkg
I've known Spook since before InSync and appreciated his agreement to be interviewed on the Podcast. Our intent is to help other existing (and potential) cycling studio owners. We discuss his thoughts and feelings about what he did right… and what he did wrong.
Two main points surfaced during our conversation:
Spook's experiences reinforced the absolute importance of having quality Instructors + a bench of available substitutes.
He feels he would have benefited by having a partner with complimentary skills to his.
I wasn't previously aware of this regulatory issue > Depending on your studio's pricing model, your state or city may require you to secure bonding to protect customers who purchase ride cards with future expiration dates. Spook explains this need for bonding during the interview.
Looking for a used studio sound system? You can contact Spook 444-722-5433 or Spook@indoorcycleinstructor.com
Does your Health/Fitness Club have a sign like this in the locker room? And a similar sign in the parking lot saying essentially the same thing? You shouldn't leave your your new 4G iPhone or wallet in your car or the club's locker, so what do you do?
Bring them on the gym floor safe and snug in the waterproof pocket of the new TowelMateâ„¢
Watch the video below to see why you might want one for yourself and possibly recommend them to your club.
