When and where
Boom Cycle’s Battersea studio, Saturdays at 11am.
What’s the drill?
A 45-minute spinning class to sweat out the week (and your Friday night on the town). The instructor, Haydn, likes to keep you on your toes so he’ll throw in a hand-weight session early on, plus another one later in the class — full marks if you can keep curling until the end of both without a break. His workouts are all about the music: expect sprints, hill climbs and tap-backs to pop classics before some slower ballads at the end. Haydn comes round the room with a candle during the penultimate song.
The skinny
Push hard and you can burn up to 600 calories in a class.
The social network
You won’t be alone if you’ve rolled straight out of bed — the 11am class is mostly young professionals sweating out a hangover to justify brunch. The room will get steamy.
Instructor appeal
Haydn usually does the 11am class and he’s a favourite among regulars, known for his smiley nature, floppy hair and Lord of the Rings references. He dances round the room, encouraging you to whip your hair over the handlebars and stay out of the saddle. Every class is a battleground: riders are “warriors” and bikes are “thrones”.
What to pack
A water bottle — you can fill up at the protein shake station by reception. Shoes and towels are provided and there are mini hand towels on the handlebars.
The sounds
Sassy tunes from Diana Ross to David Guetta.
Locker-room chat
Changing rooms are spacious but still get crowded during the crossover between each class. There are showers with shampoo, conditioner and body wash, and Dyson hairdryers by the mirrors. You don’t need a padlock for the lockers — just tap in a code.
Tips for first timers
Arrive early to get your shoes and adjust your saddle. Staff are on hand to help with bike adjustments – just put your hand up.
The afterburn
You’ll leave energised and dripping — you’ll need a shower before meeting anyone for brunch.
From £18/class, boomcycle.co.uk
