I'm writing to update my review from 4 to 5 stars. Here's why:
Nicole Adamo is the best teacher I've ever spun with. Better than soulcycle, and she's so athletic that she could definitely teach at flywheel. She's an animal, and you will be sweating by song 1. She literally kills you and herself too, it's just crazy. I also still really enjoy classes with Tammara and Carl and I'm sure you will too.
Apparently Kayle is no longer with the company, and I'm glad because there are so many other great instructors to spend your time training with!
Also I should address my previous comment about the scent of the chicken and waffles place. I failed to mention that I'm pregnant and have the nose of a bloodhound. I've attended a bunch more 9:30am classes and never had a problem with food smells again, so I think this was just a one off event when I was in my first trimester.
Sometimes I'm confused why there aren't more riders in some of these classes. Where are all you walnut creek people?! I know I'm not the only one trying to stay in shape (or get in shape)!
And if you're wondering why these classes are different from regular gym cycling classes...they are more rigorous, in general! And the music is far superior! A few weeks ago I tried out an RPM cycling class at Forma Gym and was sorely disappointed. It was basically a group of semi-geriatric riders (which is cool, I'm glad they have class offerings for that demographic), and was way too easy for people 70 and under. Also the music was slow, with songs by Bruce Springstein etc. That's fine for a BBQ but I want it bumping when I ride. Also, their bikes were very uncomfortable, and I much prefer Cyclescape's bikes.
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Pros: great location, very clean, nice equipment, nice owner, *almost*all the instructors are great, excellent music, lots of class times to accommodate your personal schedule, nice shower/amenities, not overly choreographed riding with unnecessary movements (which can do a number on the knees)
Cons: short 45 minute classes (wish there were hour or 1:15 min endurance options--usually only 38 minutes is spent cycling as classes usually start a minute or so late and then end about 5 mins early for stretching), some of the classes are too easy ( depending on instructor), my big pet peeve--the stretches are held for way too short times! You're not going to get a real benefit from an 8 second stretch...I would rather just 45 mins of cycling and let me stretch on my own if the stretching is just going to be too short and half assed, chicken and waffle place next door--I took a 9:30am class and they must have been firing up their griddles, as the odor seemed strong, all in all i would say that there is not enough instruction on form (you can easily hurt your back if you're not engaging your abdominals)
When I head to a ~$20 spin class I want to get my ass kicked. Some signs of a good ass kicking: you feel like you might die without a water break between songs, beads of sweat on your forearms, you're so hot and sweaty after class that your sunglasses steam up. Carl and Tammara's classes get me there. Carl's class is one of the hardest I've ever taken and I love Tammara's energy--even at 6am she's ready to rock. These two deserve a raise!!! You will be out of breath by song #2.
I liked Andrea's class, as well.
The weak point is Kayle's class, which I've taken a few times. It's so easy, there are loooong minute or two pauses between some of her instructions and basically it feels like you're just cruising. I have a spin bike and a treadmill at home, and if I wanted to slightly break a sweat I could have stayed home. There are also wildly awkward seated push-ups and in 45 mins only two songs were out of the saddle. On the plus side she has pretty good music.
I've also taken a class from one other instructor and her class was also far too easy, just not worth my time to get a babysitter and pay the entry fee.
All in all a great studio that's a great addition to walnut creek.
Rider tips: wear deodorant, bring a large water, if your bike starts squeaking for the love of god and the other riders please change bikes! :), engage your abs! read more