A New Spin On Indoor Cycling

Perched high in front of a room of cyclers, Jessica Fant pushes the crowd to get the most from their workout.

“Hold it for ten seconds, it should be burning just a little bit,” said Fant, sweat dripping form her face to the ground.

It is a recent Wednesday night at a cycling and fitness studio located at located at 12719 Race Track Road in Westchase.

Fant, 29, opened the studio in November and it has quickly become a popular fitness hub for the community.

From first glance the class looks a lot like spinning -- but it's not.

“Spinning,” Fant said. “works only the cardiovascular system and lower body.”

Unlike stationary bikes used in most spinning classes, the RealRyde bikes, have an articulating frame that allows folks to lean, steer and bank as if they were riding a road bike.

As a result cyclers work their upper body, lower body, core muscles, balance and cardiovascular system.

Exercising on non-stationary bikes facilitates 20 percent more calories burned than with stationary bikes. Women can expect to burn from 500 to 800 calories per one hour workout, while men from 800 to 1,000, Fant said.

Fant first experienced the RealRyde bikes while living in Michigan. When she moved to Tampa and realized there were no studios offering it, she decided to open one of her own. Westchase's Ryde For Life studio has about 500 members now, Fant said.

Melissa Braun who lives in the Hampton Lakes has been exercising at Ryde For Life since its opening.

“It’s a good way to end the day,” said Braun, noting that she likes the fact she's burning lots of calories during the rides.

Wednesday was Al Rabin, first time taking a class at the studio.

“I loved it, it was very good,” said Rabin, 51, noting the instructor’s positive energy and the complete workout he got on the bike. 

The studio offers a variety of skill level classes for anyone older than 12 and taller than 5 feet.

First timers can sign up for the Intro Ryde class, a 45 minute workout in which folks get familiar and comfortable with the RealRyder bikes and learn the basic moves. Early birds can join the 6 a.m. Java Ryde for an energetic day start. The Joy Ryde is a lower intensity level class than the Real Ryde, but still designed to get the heart rate up and some calories burned.

The intense 60 minute Power Hour is for folks who want to push themselves and burn extra calories, while the Happy Hour let people ryde uninstructed and set their own pace for up to 2 hours. 

The studio charges $15 per single ryde and $125 per one month unlimited rydes. Other ryde packages includes: $65 per 5 rydes (expires after 3 months), $125 per 10 rydes (expires after 6 months), $220 per 20 rydes (expires after 12 months).  

For more information or to sign up for class, visit www.rydeforlife.com or call 475-5915.