Ciclo at 2040 Frankford Ave. is Fishtown’s first cycle studio. ALI EAVES / STAR PHOTO
Fishtown’s first cycle studio had its inaugural ride on Saturday, March 8.
Not only was it Ciclo’s opening day, but it was the first class that studio owner Mina Carroll ever taught — not that you could tell.
Carroll, a 38-year-old accountant and mother of two who lives in Port Richmond, said it’s been her dream to open a Spinning studio for years. She settled on Fishtown because she found the perfect space at 2040 Frankford Ave.
Her vision is for a welcoming place that won’t intimidate beginners. At the first class, where there were several newbies, she began with an explanation of the different positions used in the class and how to adjust the bike to fit properly.
“A lot of people think they can’t do it, so they won’t even try it,” she said. “But it’s not something you have to be a veteran at. Everyone has to start somewhere.”
Instead of directing the class to set the bike at a specific resistance level, as some instructors do, Carroll directs each person to set the resistance at a level of difficulty on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being full exertion.
The tone of the class was high energy but low pressure — everyone was encouraged to go at their own pace, and the lights were turned down. The playlist — which Carroll said had been her biggest worry before opening day — included Justin Timberlake, Pharrell and Michael Jackson.
“I really want to emphasize that this is for you,” she said. “I want you at a level 5 difficulty for you.”
Carroll got hooked on spinning about 10 years ago when she took a class at a local gym.
“It kicks your butt, but you also feel energized,” she said. “It’s also such an efficient workout. You can burn so many calories in so little time.”
Five other instructors will teach classes along with Carroll, so she can keep her day job as an accountant. There are two to four classes on the schedule each day, all of which are for all levels and 45 minutes long. Everyone’s first class is free. After that, classes cost $15 each or less if you buy a bundle. For more information about Ciclo, visit studiociclo.com. ••
There are 15 spinning bikes in Ciclo’s high-energy studio. ALI EAVES / STAR PHOTO
Port Richmond resident and studio owner Mina Carroll teaches Ciclo’s first class on opening day early this month. ALI EAVES / STAR PHOTO
