Music blasting, red lights glowing, an instructor dancing around the studio—this isn’t your average spin class. SparkCycle, the glossy new La Jolla cycling studio, is San Diego’s answer to the uber-popular East Coast and L.A. spin obsession SoulCycle. Inspired by SoulCycle and Costa Mesa’s Grit Cycle, Spark founder Stephanie Cochrane, 26, wanted to bring that same “party on a bike” workout to San Diego. That means loud, pulsating tunes—grab free earplugs at the front desk if you’re sensitive—and an inviting, but undoubtedly scene-y ambiance. The rigorous classes are a brief, impactful 45 minutes, most of which are done out of the seat, with coordinated legwork that makes it feel like a cross between dancing and biking. And, as at SoulCycle, each class at Spark includes a short upper-body workout using lightweight dumbbells.
Sure, calories are scorched, but the real reward is the cold, eucalyptus-scented towel you get from the Spark team during cool-down. Other amenities include $2 spin shoe rentals (or free attachments for those with regular kicks) and validated parking. Not ready to shell out $22 for a walk-in class? Try their weekly $5 “Karma rides,” when all proceeds are donated to charity. 7777 Fay Avenue, La Jolla
Party on a Bike Workout
