New spin gym to offer boutique feel for fitness
TOTALLY SPOKE’D: Doug Lennox, co-owner of CycleBar, is looking forward to the opening of his new spin gym this March.
CycleBar Leaside is ringing its bell to let the community know it’s in town.
Co-owner Doug Lennox is beaming as he shows off the early stages of construction at 1866 Bayview Avenue near Broadway Avenue.
The new spin gym is looking to launch in early March, and already they’re booking charity rides and corporations. Right now, they’re looking to hire 14 instructors, and 10 front desk staff.
“It’s a boutique fitness, so you end up with much more camaraderie,” said Lennox, a former Lawrence Park resident. “You get people staying with it longer, and if you have people staying longer, they get fitter.”
CycleBar started in the United States two years ago and has grown at a rate of four studios per month. CycleBar Leaside will feature 53 Schwinn magnetic resistance bikes, a DJ booth and two 75-inch monitors. Every class will be led by a CycleStar.
Lennox, who has run the Iron Man triathlon several times, said he’s so jazzed by the opportunity, he’s auditioning to be one of the CycleStars.
“Well, I can’t fire myself, but.…” he said, with youthful pep.
Riders will be able to keep track of the calories burned, their cadence, power and their playlist — music pumped in courtesy Spotify, the well-known music streaming service. They’ll also get to pick their tunes, and get a record of their list after class.
“As long as the instructor stays in beat with the music, there will be times where you lose yourself,” Lennox said.
They’re also offering 33 free amenities including lip balm, shampoo and towels.
The cardio exercise is considered low-impact, perfect for a boomer population entering their senior years, Lennox said.
“The only thing you’re going to have to worry about is your knees wobbling a bit.”