Fitness Boutique: Indoor Cycling on Tap at Revolution Cycle and Fitness

Christine Bregar and Victor Giordano always wanted to become entrepreneurs but had no clue what business to go into. As it turned out, the answer was right in front of them.

The couple, who own Brandon's Revolution Cycle and Fitness, 524 Oakfield Drive, discovered indoor cycling in Hawaii, where they met nine years ago.

Victor, who hated cardio exercises, has lost a considerable amount of weight over the years and has finally found an endurance workout that he enjoys with his wife.

"When we found indoor cycling, he became really passionate about it," Bregar said. "It had a great effect on his blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It's really been great for him."

After stints living in Pennsylvania and Hawaii, the couple moved to Brandon, where Giordano's family has lived for more than 30 years.

Feeling that there was ample opportunity here — and having had experience owning a Brandon-based business with Giordano's first entrepreneurial effort, Camera Hut, which had been open in the same plaza for years — the pair felt they could succeed in the Brandon market.

"We were racking our brains over what type of business to open, and the whole time it was so obvious," Bregar said. "We had been doing all these cycling and fitness classes, so why not take this passion that we have and turn it into something? We had read in The New York Times and other publications that there is a market for fitness boutiques because people are sick of the big box gyms."

After moving into the old Phase 5 Fitness building, the couple was able to avoid major construction, simply laying down floors and bringing in the bikes and electronics.

One aspect of indoor cycling that has made it so successful with audiences around the country is its low impact nature. For those whose bodies need a break from the jarring nature of many cardio workouts, Revolution has a lot to offer.

"We have the best bikes on the market," Bregar said. "This is one of the best forms of cardio you can participate in. It's great for people who have arthritis because it's low impact. A lot of people with knee issues and older folks have trouble with running, so they have to get their cardio exercise through something like this."

Revolution's classes are 45 minutes long and involve a warm up and cool down. Some instructors use music videos, while others use visualizing effects displayed on 60-inch television screens. The class challenges the riders with standing, sitting and climbing type positions.

"Sometimes we'll have a virtual ride, and other times you'll see a sort of movie of background-type shots to get people into their own zone," Bregar said. "We have a state-of-the-art sound system and acoustic setup that everyone who has been here so far has raved about.

"We have it set up so you have standing, sitting, and climbing motions. One great thing about it is that it's just as good for beginners as it is for people who do it all the time because you set your own pace."

The last few weeks have seen Revolution get underway with a light class schedule as their form of a soft opening. On Monday, Jan.1, they were set to go to their full schedule of classes, putting their top-of-the-line Schwinn Authentic Cycling Sport bikes to the test.

The cost is $12 for a single ride but gets cheaper by the class when purchasing a package. A free trial ride is also available. See a list of available classes below, or visit revolution-cycle.com for more information.

If You Go

Revolution Cycle and Fitness
524 Oakfield Dr., Brandon
813-447-1410

Class times:
Monday-Friday — 5:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 5:15 p.m.
Monday-Wednesday — 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays — 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.