Cyc Fitness, DavidBartonGym coming to Philadelphia in 2015

Pounding beats, strobing lights, a full-body workout in a party atmosphere is what you can expect from Cyc Fitness when it rides into Philadelphia this summer. While spin class has been a popular way to exercise for awhile now with boutique studios popping up all over the place, Cyc Fitness Founder and CEO, Stephen Nitkin and Cyc Method Creator Keoni Hudoba take your indoor cycling experience beyond just the bike.

The Cyc Method is especially designed to work all parts of your body using 1-4 lb sand weights and sports specific movements from sports like boxing, volleyball, swimming and basketball in just 45 minutes. Comprehensive exercise like this can burn up to 800 calories.

So how do you play basketball on a bike you might ask? You sit upright on the bike, keeping the resistance heavy while you dribble, make chest and overhead passes and other slam dunk basketball moves (sans ball of course) all while clipped safely to your bike.

"It is a very interactive experience," Hudoba said. "The whole workout is set to a rhythm. Music is very key."

A trainer and a sponsored Under Armour athlete, he said that he saw the need in the market for a true full body workout through his own personal experience trying to get fit (he lost about 100 pounds). He was able to see the challenges people face trying to lead healthier, happier lives.

"For me it comes down to relatability," he said. "I went through numerous trainers before finding one I could relate to. She knew my story and shared hers with me."

Hudoba felt that was too easy for a top athlete to just say to you," Give me 100 push-ups." He believes it is important for the trainer to connect to his clients. That is why he calls his instructors "Cycologists." He wants them to really get to know the riders and understand their needs and customize the exercise to them (for example, are they recovering from an injury?), no matter how many other people are in the room.

This shared connection is an important part of the overall social experience Cyc Fitness is offering its clients.

"We try to create a socially inviting environment, offering a place to hang out as well. We don't want you just to work out and then leave," Nitkin said.

And they do this by carving out space for business meetings (they have wi-fi!) and dates and other special events. When you go to their website, you'll also see all the social tools they offer so you can stay connected to your trainers and other riders.

"When you sign up for a class online and go see what bikes are available, unlike in other studios, you will actually see pictures of people on the bikes that are already reserved and you will be able to click on that person's profile," Hudoba said.

"You can pick who you want to sit next to and even connect with people from class on Facebook," Nitkin added.

"Our goal is to offer a healthy social alternative to bars and to create a fun, welcoming vibe. In Philly, like in all our studios, we want it to be a party on the bike all the time," said Hudoba.

Giving back to the community is also another crucial element of creating a social experience for Hudoba and Nitkin. Through their "Ride for Change" program, Cyc will donate to Challenged Athletes Foundation for every mile you ride.

"It is incredibly important to us to give back," said Nitkin. "We target a younger demographic than others in our market and they are definitely more socially aware; but, as successful business people, we also had the personal desire to help others."

Starting this Summer 2015, you will be able to find Cyc Fitness at the Historic Drexel Building in Rittenhouse Square inside a brand new DavidBartonGym. Yes, DavidBartonGym is also finally coming to Philadelphia. This will be a first for both businesses.

"Philly's progressive market really interested us," Nitkin said.  "You really care about fitness."

"We have been partnering with DavidBartonGym in other markets; so, when they also showed an interest in planting down roots here as well, it seemed a wonderful opportunity to do it together. We are real excited," he said.

"By taking the shop within a shop approach, our members enjoy more amenities like steam, and sauna that they wouldn't get in a typical spin studio. And DavidBartonGym members have the convenience of having an elite spin studio right in their gym," he went on to explain.

In all, Cyc Fitness is planning on opening 10 new studios in 2015. Besides Philadelphia, they are also expanding to Boston, Atlanta, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Currently they operate in New York City, Austin, TX and Madison, WI. A new studio in Times Square is also in the works.

While they won't be in Philly until Summer 2015, you don't have to wait until then to become part of the Cyc Fitness community. Nitkin and Hudoba want you to connect with them now on social media for the latest news and promotions. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @cycfitness and visit their website, www.cycfitness.com.