Edge Cycle Bootcamp

There are many spinning studios in London, and they have to offer something pretty special to stand out from the crowd. The leaderboard at Cyclebeat, the musically themed classes at BOOM Cycle and now the Cycle Bootcamp at Edge Cycle!

This unique concept taps into the trend of HIIT training and combines a mixture of fast-paced cycling and floor based strength exercises to increase your heart rate and maximise your calorie burn.

But you can still take the class at your own pace and level by increasing/decreasing the resistance on the bike, and opting for more advanced exercise variations and heavier weights on the floor.

Cycling is a great low impact workout to complement a running schedule, while still improving cardiovascular fitness.

I loved the variety of this class, it made a real change from the usual spinning session and I was a sweaty mess by the end!

Focusing on the exercises and moving through the tracks from sprints to hill climbs, then squats, bicep curls, burpees and planks on the floor made the class pass pretty quickly too.

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The gym itself is quite small but smart. There are male and female changing rooms and showers, stocked with hairdryers and REN toiletries. Lockers in the reception area take padlocks, and towels (both for the class and shower afterwards) and cycling shoes are provided free of charge. I didn't use the shoes on this occasion as I wasn't sure I'd be able to get on and off the bike quickly enough, but from previous experience they definitely help give you more power in the spinning sections.

The studio is large, as you need space next to each bike for a mat in order to do the floor exercises without hitting anyone, with cool atmospheric lighting. It felt big, modern and I was honestly very impressed (compared to some dark, cramped, poorly provided for studios I've been to).

We were offered help at the start of the class with setting our bikes up, and selecting hand weights (pink 1.5kg, purple 3kg- go for the heavier option!). Our instructor Belinda Shipman was very enthusiastic too giving useful cues, and motivating everyone throughout the class. She also made sure everyone kept with the tempo of the music- one of the most infuriating things in a spin class is an instructor who completely ignores the beat!

Up till now my favourite spinning class in London had been Vibecycle at Cyclebeat with Delvin (which incidentally was on the same day as the Edge Cycle launch as part of Lunges & Lycra's Summer of Sweat), but I think Edge Cycle Bootcamp may just have taken the top spot!

Have you ever tried a Cycle Bootcamp class? Do you like mixing up your workouts?

Edge Cycle also offer regular spinning classes, and a 1 class pass costs £15.  

Beki x

PS. Don't forget to enter my competition to win Om Yoga Show tickets!