Happy Thursday! Today is a bank holiday in Geneva, Jeûne genevois, a holiday which dates back to the 1500s and was once a time for fasting.

I flew back from London on the earliest flight so Bo and I could enjoy the day together. Or, I booked my flight without realizing that today was a holiday and thought I’d be going directly from the airport to the office. 

Charlie and Tom were kind enough to host me Monday through Wednesday night, even though I was in town for business. It made each morning and evening so much nicer being in the comfort of someone’s home versus a hotel. No time in London with Charlie would be complete without a few great workouts, including two separate spin classes and my final 800 repeat speed session!

Yesterday morning Edge Cycle, a new spin studio located in Central London, hosted us for one of their signature classes.  

The studio staff was very welcoming and quickly oriented us to the space, including a tour of the locker rooms and the studio itself. The studio’s classes are 15 pounds for one class but also offers discounts through their packages. I love that everything is included in that price! Clip in shoes are included in the price as well as a great locker room. The locker room features showers, towels and REN toiletries, which makes it easy for riders to spin before work or a night out. The studio spin space was so fun, decorated with lots of bright lights to create a party atmosphere, perfect to wake anyone up bright and early. I can’t stand showing up to a studio and worrying if I have cash, pounds or francs to pay for all the extras. Keep it simple!

As soon as we walked in the studio we noticed the mats on the ground next to each bike. Our class, Edge Cycle Bootcamp, combines 30 minutes of spin with 15 minutes of intense floor exercises using the mat and hand weights. The staff adjusted our bikes, helping to ensure we had the best experience possible, while also answering questions before the class. Did you know that you can use the trick below to figure out how much space should be between your seat and the handle bars?

The class started promptly and our instructor, Belinda Shipman, instructed us that the goal of the class would be to push ourselves and give it all our effort. I think I gave Charlie an eye roll at this point as we both agreed ahead of time that we’d use the spin class to shake out our legs versus push ourselves. Little did we know that wouldn’t be possible in this class. I could tell that Belinda was the type instructor who would have her eye on everyone the entire class, pushing us and ensuring we were in the right positions. While she did ask whether anyone was new to spinning, she didn’t ask about injuries. Always make sure to proactively tell an instructor if you’re suffering from injuries.

This class is the most efficient spin class I’ve ever taken. After a quick warm-up she quickly urged us to increase the intensity for sprints and intense climbs. They weren’t joking about the intensity! She told us not to be a clock watcher, which in turn made both Charlie and myself wonder why they have two very bright clocks at the front next to the instructor podium. We hopped off the bikes and hit the floor for a quick round of burpees, pushups, and compound exercises such as lunge curls and overhead triceps combined with squats. She would remind us that it was a short set and to give it full effort. Having a mother of 6 children who looks so fit lead the class is motivation in itself. I didn’t need much more to remind me that these moves, including the burpees, are beneficial for my marathon performance.

Our next 15 minute set on the bike included a crazy intense climb and a sprint which lasted more than four minutes. Our final floor set focused on abs including moves such as boat pose, twists and planks. For good measure, it ended in burpees because you know, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

So, would I go back if I was in London or would I buy a package if I was a local? Heck yes! I’ve been to three different spin studios in London and this is by far my favorite. The staff was so friendly and helpful, the class was efficient and worked more than just our heart and legs, and the space itself is bright and inspiring.

I am already excited to return to this class or try another one next month when I’m back in London. In addition, many of the instructors are triathletes and runners so they are going to feature duathlon training this winter! How cool is that? They feature more than 25 classes per week including evening classes, starting after 7pm!

Thank you Edge Cycle for the wonderful class and to Charlie for her brilliant photos.

Have you ever taken a spin class that includes more than spin? What’s your preference?