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CYC Co-founder, Alexandra Blodgett, and Creative Director, Keoni Hudoba, have tried virtually every spin class on the market -- good and bad included -- before developing their own cycling studios that they believe offers a unique experience to the crowded spin arena. It's a workout and a lifestyle brand, with locations in Austin, TX and Madison, WI.
Instructors, geniously dubbed Cycologists, are all personally trained by Hudoba in the CYC method; most are actually not certified Spin instructors. Hudoba explains that it is easier to train athletic and energetic people that don't have a background in Spin, because CYC's method is so different than a traditional spin class. In fact, Blodgett and Hudoba like to refer to CYC classes as interactive shows, and every time a Cycologist gets in the front of the room, they are performing, sometimes even drumming the beat of the ride on a drum on the "stage."
The class consists of both cycling and strength training (generally in equal parts), with riders out of the saddle for the majority of the "interactive show." The strength portion is exclusive to CYC, even though other studios also incorporate weight training into their rides.
"The guys always go for the three-pounders their first time," and usually have to switch to lighter weights during the workout, says Hudoba. Picture moves taken from volleyball one day -- bumps and sets with weights, and swimming the next, paddling with weights, achieving a resistance similar to that in the water.
CYC attracts many co-eds and young professionals; specifically people new to the cities of Austin and Madison that are searching for a community (and more than just a sweat sesh) in their city. CYC is focused on this kind of community building, and wants cyclists to know the person on the bike next to them -- and to socialize outside of the studio, too. Being buds with your bike-neighbor also helps riders stay accountable for each other. If you don't show up for your normal 3:30 pm class, people notice, including the instructors, who know everyone's names. "It's like having a personal trainer," says Hudoba.
CYC is also committed to building community on the larger sense. Philanthropy is huge part of the business; for each mile you ride, a portion of the profits from your class goes to charity. CYC works with the Challenged Athletes Foundation, amongst others. For Blodgett, incorporating a philanthropic aspect was an important part of developing her business. Along with supporting worthwhile charities, "we're able to teach good habits and lessons to young people," she says.
We can't wait to ride with CYC in Austin or Madison, and we're keeping our eyes out for new CYC locations in the coming months, as well as added features, like an application that let's riders track their progress, go on a virtual road trip and support other riders in an online community.
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Image Credit: Courtesy of CYC
