Happy Monday – I’m linking up with Amanda at Run to the Finish, Krysten of Darwinian Fail and Ericka of SweetLifeEricka for Best Foot Foward Monday! Welcome to the first in a three part mini-series! For this series, I’m going to be spotlighting and reviewing three different spin classes at Revolve Fitness. Revolve is a fitness studio in Arlington, Virginia and I was first introduced to Revolve through a Blogger Ride they hosted a month ago. Once I heard about all the varied spin classes they offer, I knew I wanted to try them all. Revolve is different than some other studios around town in that it’s spin classes are divided into three types: the real ride, the barre ride and the body ride. With my love of barre, I knew I wanted to try the barre ride, but I was exited about the real ride and body ride as well.
My first Revolve class was the Real Ride. The first thing to know about Revolve is that you’ll use real spin shoes in the class. This was my first time doing so and I was so glad that they had staff in the room to help you clip in (my first step was figuring out which side to clip in onto!).
I introduced myself to Stephanie, the instructor, and got ready for a fun hour! First things first: real ride is not easy. I was dripping sweat most of the class and I loved that! The great thing about it is that you control your pace and resistance which makes this class perfect for all fitness levels. The real ride is supposed to somewhat simulate riding outside with constant changes in speed, intensity and incline. I loved it! Stephanie was super upbeat, she gave countdowns before we’d be changing position (which I appreciate) and the music was fun — ranging from Vanilla Ice (yes!) to Mary J Blige. Another fun thing about Revolve classes is that your pace tracks the music — this is so smart and I appreciated that it meant it was always pretty easy for me to find the beat. 
On final thing I should mention about Revolve DC — when you book a class, you actually reserve a particular bike. I’ve never been to a spin studio that does that – I love that you can get your favorite bike easily! Stay tuned for parts two and three in my mini series on Revolve (and especially stay tuned for part three — a giveaway for a free class will be involved!).
Have you checked out Revolve yet?
*I was comped the usual fee for this class but all opinions are, as always, my own.
I’m going to the real ride my third week in a row this week…totally loving it! I want to try the barre ride..let me know when you are trying it out!!
yes, I will — I’m having a hard time scheduling it because it seems that classes are mostly during the workday, which I can’t really do because of work. But I’ll let you know!
now that I’m a spin aficionado I may have to scope this place out! 🙂 looking forward to parts 2 and 3!
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…The Week That Was
um, yes please!!! that’d be great!
The real ride is my favorite. When we are doing a long climb I picture some of the hills on the WO & D and refuse to give up!
Coco recently posted…Training For Injury Free Running
i loved this class — can’t wait to try out more!
Great review! I’ve never taken a spin class outside my own gym, but I really want to try one with the clip in shoes. There’s a spin studio near my house. I think I’ll sign up for a class!
you should – i definitely felt like i was working harder with the clip ins!
Revolve sounds like a lot of fun. I hope they come to Denver one day. Looks like they’re just in DC and NYC. Bummer. Yes to Vanilla Ice!
Marnie @ SuperSmartMama recently posted…Potty Training
Sounds like a cool studio! I did spinning at a “boutique” spinning studio in Philly about a month ago…it was fun!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…I’ve Signed Up: Rock and Roll Philly Half Marathon 2014!
Sounds like a AWESOME studio! I love that it actually saves a specific bike for you too! That is super handy if you are in a time crunch
Krysten (@darwinianfail) recently posted…#BESTFOOT – Long Weekend
great review. I love Revolve too and love the structure of the class. Can’t wait to see which class you like best and why. Using clip in makes all the difference doesn’t it!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…The Best Chocolate Protein Muffins!