Best of Toronto
The Best Spinning Classes in Toronto
The best spinning classes in Toronto have cyclists abandoning bike lanes across the city in favour of a safe indoor ride. Safer, yes, but I didn't say it was easy. Not since yoga has a fitness regime involved so much uncharted vocabulary. Mastering the fly-wheel (this baby has momentum!) is as challenging as remembering what to do when instructed through hill attacks, handlebar positions, and sprints.
Spinning has a reputation for being one of the most challenging and intimidating fitness programs. But, if you choose wisely from this list, there's bound to be a studio that fits your speed. Most Toronto spin studios have a surprisingly uncompetitive vibe, and encourage spinning at a comfortable cadence and resistance level (controlled by you). Be prepared though: saddle sores are inevitable.
Although I will be sticking to my outdoor road bike for the rest of the summer, thank-you-very-much, I can't deny spinning's unmatched ass-kicking calorie-burning power. It hurts so good.
Here's our list of the best spinning classes in Toronto as chosen by readers of this site.
CYKL
Former RPM instructor, Kim, branched out on her own with CYKL in February and she’s already topping our list! It’s not surprising in the least. Professionalism and hospitality are paramount here, and CYKL is the only downtown studio using Real Ryders - bikes that tilt and “turn” just like your road cruiser! Best for spin-virgins, serious yet uncompetitive spinners. Soundtrack features Big Shiny Tunes, live DJ spins.
Get Spun
This decidedly down-tempo studio occupies convenient digs in the heart of the Fashion District. Get Spun gets personal. Smaller classes mean more attention (which could be a bad thing, if you’re taking it slow). Approachable staff and showers are welcome extras. Best for lunch-hour workouts. Soundtrack is ambient techno, Eminem.
Quad King West
One of three Quad studios, this central location is as swanky and hip as its King West surroundings. Themed music spins keep it fun (we’re having fun, right?). Quad also provides personalized weight management training. Best for social butterflies, the before/after work crowd. Soundtrack features live drummer, Michael Jackson theme spins.
RPM Spinning Studio
Bloor West Village is home to RPM, a sunny, 3-level spinning studio also featuring large-capacity Gravity classes (full-body resistance training AKA “hell-but-worth-it”). Conveniences like child care services and the RPM Card payment system eliminate excuses. Best for moms, training (RPM is the official trainer for Ride to Conquer Cancer). Soundtrack is Mix Tape.
Spynga
Spinning plus Yoga equals Spynga. An unlikely pair, maybe? Surprisingly, the hybrid makes perfect sense. Peppy co-owner Casey drills me through intense military-style spinning (“Sit! Lift! Sit!”) then brings me back to earth through serene yoga stretches (“Namaste.”). The vibe here is pretty and feminine, but don’t be fooled. You will sweat. Best for women, yogis, stress-release. Soundtrack features the leading ladies of pop - Gaga, Katy, Fergie.
Quad East
The second Quad studio to make this list, this 2-storey loft space has a quiet spa-like atmosphere fitting of its low-key Riverside ‘hood. The stretching room hosts spin-hybrid classes like “Spin and Abs”. Instructor Amy guides classes with at-your-own-level instruction. Quad is worth a visit for the gorgeous change rooms alone. Best for pampering, tailored instruction. Soundtrack is Re-mixed indie pop-rock.
Track Fitness
Wallflowers - this may not be your thing. A full-to-capacity weekday class is indicative of this studio’s popularity, and members are like family. Brazen Dana calls you out for slacking (sometimes by name), and encourages group countdowns/sing-alongs. Luckily, the camaraderie inspires rather than intimidates. Try boxercise and personal training sessions, too. Best for socializing, motivation. Soundtrack features Canadian Rock Anthems.
Legacy Indoor Cycling
Sometimes you wanna go where every-bo-dy knows your na-a-ame. Or your weight? Andy keeps track of every pound you lose, equating to a discount on services (ie. 30 pounds = 30% off). Low-intimidation and supportive instruction is ideal for beginners. Legacy is the official Toronto trainer for Schwinn instructors. You’re in good hands. Best for newbies, wannabe instructors. Soundtrack is Marky Mark, Inner City, Scorpion.
Energia Athletics
Kettlebell? But I’ve only just caught on to spinning! Energia offers both, along with run clinics and yoga, for complete body workouts. The reception area doubles as a retail shop, supervised by April, the resident dog. Still a spinning skeptic? Your first class is only $10. Best for Combo full-body workouts. Soundtrack features All-request Wednesdays.
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You should add the Spinning classes at UofT (Athletic Centre)are amazing and you get access to a great facility
Instead of paying more money for motivational assistance and personal attention people should just buy a cheap bike or join the YMCA and pay much less for these classes. It comes down to self discipline in the end. People who have it don't need this silly top 10. When I saw 10$ for your first visit, I thought OMGz, what's the normal price? I guess I shouldn't be surprised since a lot of trust-funders pay 30$ for a single yoga class.
Oh yeah, I'm a 'trust-funder' because I have a fucking job?
Wow Trollbert, some people enjoy a group supportive atmosphere where they are allowed to thrive. Have you looked at the prices of the YMCA lately...not cheap! An unlimited cycling package at Get Spun where I have been many times is $100 you could easily spend that monthly on coffee.
You last comment is ridiculous, I am not a trust funder by far. I am an overweight person who is trying to get healthy, I along with 25 000 other people live in the area, most of whom work, a lot of us actually do own bikes too and ride them. So get off your high seated bike and experience what you are knocking first.
quad west is full of douche bags.
there's your warning.
Agree on #1 CYKL. They have cool bikes, nice non-douchey staff, and even live DJ spinning (har har). A bit pricey, but if you buy in bulk/advance you save some.
ok - i have been to all these places (except Legacy) this list is pretty close 1) Get Spun 2) Cykl 3) Spynga 4)RPM - basically quad and their yuppie east version last. went there a year ago for a couple of months. staff are horrible, teachers don't want to talk to you, $21 a CLASS! I hated the place and the owners are about as fake as they come. Went over to Get Spun and was blown away by the space, the staff, the prices, are the cheapest in Toronto (minus the YMCA) for spinning. Oh yeah, friend told me that quad instructors don't have to be certified, she applied for a job as an instructor and got it and has never certified in fitness hahaha - losers
GET SPUN ROCKS!
I think it's unfortunate that some people have such a poor impression of Quad.
Micheline has a huge following and her classes are great, she truly knows how to get you motivated and inspired.
The fact that's it's pricey is very true but you get what you pay for is my philosophy.
I've always found that if you ask for help from the instructors you receive it and that they do actually remember you.
yep, I have douchey acquaintances that go to Quad so there you go....
wow!! what about WATTS UP cycling??? a little bit more than a spin class but should still be on the list!!
I've been going to Quad on King for years and Quad East since they opened that location and the staff and atmosphere are really great. Pricey ?? Get Spun is $20 Quad is $21 and yes overall they are more expensive(except for the 1 year unlimited)but they offer way more classes than Get Spun. Why you'd continue to go to a place you hated for a couple of months is beyond me but I'm glad you now go to Get Spun.
One last thing as per the Quad website their instructors are certified.
Love Quad on King. Have been going for the last couple of years. The instructors are informative, motivating and generally, the staff are friendly. The only other spin studio I've been to is CYKL. Had a good experience there as well, because it's new, they aren't as busy. I find that there's also an energy from others in the class that helps keep me going. Price-wise, downtown, I generally find they're pretty comparable to one another, maybe different by a dollar here or there...
@Mars - I would ask to see that certification - lol - they are NOT certified, I can guarantee you, a family member teaches there and as for Micheline (sp?), I would say she is more a cheerleader than an instructor, unless something has changed sine last winter - ask her about heart rates and she'll probably look at you funny - PLUS they are not even a spinning facility - I don't really care either way, I don't spin anymore cuz of a knee injury, but i think its funny how quad has everyone fooled
I was at Get Spun last night and they are only charging $15/class for cycling and pilates, so you are wrong. I just bought a 6 month membership because 3 and 6 month memberships are all on sale right now too. I have only been cycling for a few months, but these seem to be very low prices, thought it would be nice to pass along.
I went to the Brunswick House on Bloor last night, and boy was I spinning when I left! I give it an A1++ rating!
I personally prefer to remain sober but enjoy the CNE's gravitron the best when I need a good spin.
Easy does it...they're having a summer special. Happy spinning !
Some people have money because we work. It would have seemed stupid to me a few years ago when I was scraping by on irregular bartending shifts and it still seems pricey, but calling people who spend serious money on fitness lessons trust-funders is obnoxious, not to mention ill informed.
Michelene is truly a great motivator and her classes are always fun... the only problem is that the club doesn't care about form...9/10 spinners are bouncing all over the place in their saddles.. and nobody is correcting them! I have a feeling that members will start to stray. I tried cykl, although the energy there is not at par with quad, the place is much more welcoming and the staff and instructors more knowlegable. Quad chooses their instructors based on looks (and even there they are lacking lately... lol) cykl chooses their instructors based on ability and leadership qualities and knowledge.... in the long run I would go with cykl... michelene can only keep up the facade for so long. I truly wonder if she knows what she is talking about sometimes.
Nice name...us Truthful SOB's gotsta stick together....lol !!
Huge shout out for Energia. The classes are decently priced, there is zero attitude, and the instructors all really care about and pay attention to the participants.
The first few weeks I spun with Bruce (during a GREAT spin/core class), he commented repeatedly on my progress and gave me pointers about my form. I felt very welcome there and would recommend it to anyone in the East.
I agree with Aaron Energia is really good - i like that they have cadence computers on all the bikes. I've tried most of the instructors and they are all a little different but overall I would say that they are every bit as good or better than any studio in Toronto. Plus I can use my passes for spinning, kettlebell or yoga classes if I want so lots of variety. Oh, and pricing - maybe others have been comparing downtown studios only but I think if you check you will find Energia has the best pricing in town!
Goodlife has great spinning classes, and it is included in the $50 per month membership. Other benefits include multiple locations around the city (meaning multiple class times to choose from) and that ALL their fitness classes are included. So you can take spinning with high quality instructors, then take Body Pump, then yoga, then free weights and so on.
I'm a fan of Energia - very friendly staff who know their stuff, and a good mix of classes (yoga and running as well as spinning).