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The Handle Bar | South End Location

4.0 (75 reviews)
Open • 6:00 am - 8:00 pm

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Fit bench
Victoria C.

The Handle Bar is located right next to Whole foods and was formally known as turnstyle. I took a full body cycle and strength class on a weekday morning. The facilities are great with 2 studios (one full bike, one half bike/half strength), plenty of lockers, showers, and changing rooms. I came early to check-in and sign the waivers and was shown the studio. I started on the fit bench side for strength training and there are weights and bands to use depending on the exercises. The instructor was good at cueing what equipment we needed to use and when and broke down what each set would entail. There was also a screen to show which exercises you needed to do and how many reps of each. Halfway through the class we switched and I got help setting up my bike and clipping my shoes in. The seat is quite uncomfortable, but you are hovering over the seat for the majority of the time so it wasn't too bad. I found cycling quite challenging to keep balance and find rhythm to the beat of the music. The cues for cycling were more of suggestions and as long as you were moving you'd be getting a workout. I noticed more experienced people were definitely very into the rhythm and were dancing along to the beat. The instructor was very upbeat and kept everyone motivated to keep going. I preferred the strength workout over cycling and would recommend this class if you're looking for both cardio and weight workout.

Fion L.

I've been coming here since July 2021 & I am an absolute fan! I tried spin for the first time at Turnstyle and from the start I felt very welcome and was given great instruction. Since then I've taken multiple spin classes with different instructors & enjoy each and everyone of them. The classes are very upbeat and incorporate full body movements that I feel I can take it at my own pace. The studio is airy and has locker storage, water refill and showers on the second floor. I visited the Back Bay studio once and have to say I prefer South End's layout as the spin room is framed in a circle which makes it easier to see the instructor.

My new fav spin studio!

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Ask the Community - The Handle Bar | South End Location

Review Highlights - The Handle Bar | South End Location

“I tried spin for the first time at Turnstyle and from the start I felt very welcome and was given great instruction.”

Mentioned in 24 reviews

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Rev'd Indoor Cycling - Fill up your water bottle using our filtered water fountain before class to stay hydrated during class.

Rev'd Indoor Cycling

3.6(11 reviews)
0.8 mi•Back Bay

I checked out Rev'd for the first time with a couple of friends and overall we had a pretty good…read moreexperience. We were all different levels of cycling experience, from my friend who was an absolute beginner, to experienced and regular cyclers like me and my friend. First, the location of this is nice in Back Bay and by Newbury street, however finding the actual studio is kind of tricky. It's tucked behind a Caffe Nero so if you go up the escaladers, make a left into Caffe Nero and then pretend to keep turning and heading towards the back (so make a full a U-turn) and you'll find the studio. The studio has lockers to store your stuff in, but you may have to wait for the class ahead of you to finish as it's pretty limited and also the hallway is tight to hang out at. To keep it simple, for those who want a solid cycling workout, Rev'd definitely will give that to you. We had a solid 45-minute class that you can really make what you want out of from an intensity standpoint. During the class, you're assigned a bike, which as a first time guest, I wasn't able to change. That was kind of annoying since my friends and I couldn't actually be near each other during the class. You also will need to have clip-in bike shoes, but if you don't they rent them for $3 at the front, so keep that in mind if you plan on regularly participating in cycling classes. The class itself is LOUD, so if you're sensitive to noise or just want to protect your hearing, grab earplugs at the front desk for the class. Our class also utilized the "light wall" in the back that reflects off the mirror at the front of class. Because of this, the instructor plays a lot with the lighting. If you're sensitive to lights on/off and flashing lights like at a concert, this studio may not be for you. It was definitely a lot of effects, but made for an interesting experience. For people who don't like cycling for the movement or exercise, I could at least see why showing up just to enjoy the pseudo-concert experience might be a nice alternative. From an overall community perspective, I think they do more than a typical studio to celebrate it's "team" such as give out little certificates to new comers when they check in to congratulate them on their first ride, and celebrating people hitting milestone rides or having birthdays. I actually really appreciated that aspect of the community. Outside of that, the instructor in my case didn't actually come up to new riders to help get them situated and set up the bike, which I personally don't like from the perspective of helping new riders feel comfortable and confident taking one of the classes. I ended up helping my friend and a few people around me adjust their bike and clip in. So just a tip for those who are new to cycling. If you need help, definitely make it clear to the instructor that you would like their assistance, because it probably won't come otherwise.

Rev'd is a great studio for people who like consistency and community in their workouts…read more I personally didn't have the best experience as a first time client. The instructor started the class and turned off the lights the second he walked in the door which didn't give me a chance to figure out how to clip into the bike. I couldn't figure it out for the first 10 minutes since the room was pitch black which meant I only rode for 35/34 mins. The music was really cringey and sounded like royalty free which I didn't love. The choreography is very repetitive which bored me as a dancer, but is definitely preferred by many people. The studio is pretty hard to find since it's not well marked on google as being in a mall and you're not let into class if you're more than a minute late which I didn't realize before going, however I was able to wait for the next class. an hour later so I still got to workout. The staff are all super nice and the people who come to these classes are all regulars which creates a nice vibe for someone looking to find workout buddies. Don't let my opinions stop you from trying this studio - its a great studio for many people it's just not my vibe.

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Rev'd Indoor Cycling - We provide a complimentary towel on every bike!

We provide a complimentary towel on every bike!

Rev'd Indoor Cycling - Our bikes do not have monitors, and our walls are screen-free.

Our bikes do not have monitors, and our walls are screen-free.

Rev'd Indoor Cycling

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SoulCycle Back Bay - Studio

SoulCycle Back Bay

3.7(52 reviews)
0.7 mi•Back Bay

I tried my first SoulCycle class this week because I've heard so much about it over the years and…read moreI've always wanted to try it out. For my class it was a Taylor Swift themed class, which I knew I was going to love. That I think really made the experience for me because the playlist was awesome and because I am comfortable in spin classes. I was able to just follow along and get a great workout in. I did enjoy how the class has dimmed lights, and you're able to just tune out and focus on you while kind of being lost in the sea of everyone around you. I guess that's the soul part. I also liked that they provide each bike a towel at the beginning of class. And they do have great amenities in the restroom for cleaning up and going about the rest of your day. Now a couple of things I personally wasn't a super fan of: 1) how loud the class was. The music was blasting, and while I was having a good time, I found myself having a hard time hearing both during the class, and I left the class with my ears ringing. So for me a tip for the next time we'll just be to wear earplugs. 2) you are very close to the people around you and you can't do anything about it. I didn't mind too much that the bikes are assigned to each person. It makes sense for classes that have 50+ people in them like SoulCycle does. However, you are very close to the people around you, so if you have any sort of space issues, this may not be the best class for you. It worked out for me but if you come in after a lot of people are set up and you're in the back you definitely have to do some maneuvering to get to your bike. 3) the cost. Was it the best cycling class I've ever taken? Honestly, no. The cycling experience for me was awesome from a workout standpoint and the class had great vibes. You have the ability to make the work out what you want from the resistance to taking your own modifications. That said, you can definitely find other cycling studios that will give you a great workout, great vibes, and a similar experience for half the cost. But SoulCycle offers a great option if you can afford it and there's one close to you. there is a hefty price tag on these classes and memberships. On top of that if you don't own your own pair of cycling shoes, you will have to rent one of their shoes for $3 each class. That excessive cost is personally a major qualm for me because I don't think fitness should be that inaccessible for the majority of people but that's for another day. 4) can be offputting for beginners. Again, my experience was pretty great but I have to say if I had not had years of cycling experience, this class would not have been very friendly or accommodating for beginners, who might be new to cycling. I'm not talking about level of fitness, but just the comfort around cycling. I got there and was confirmed at the front desk and even by the teacher that it was my first class at SoulCycle. I was not offered any instruction on how to set up my bike, or clip in or clip off. I was never even asked if these were things that I might have wanted help with. I actually wasn't even engaged with by anyone in the class or by the teacher outside of confirming that it was my first time when I checked. For me it wasn't a problem because I'm comfortable in a cycling setting and I would have made sure to ask if I was confused, but I recognize that that's not always the case for everyone. In other classes, I've been in outside of SoulCycle. Typically the instructor will walk around to make sure any newcomers are set up and comfortable with the equipment. I was very aware that if I didn't know how to set up my bike, or was maybe newer to cycling in general I would've felt very lost in this class and intimidated by the lack of attention given to the newcomers. Overall for me, I would probably go again if it works out for my schedule. I don't see myself paying for any of the super expensive memberships anytime soon but I'm glad I gave it a try. I also would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to give it a try. I just am sharing my experience and noting things that I wish I would've known going into it so that I could set my expectations a little bit better in terms of the actual experience.

I came to SoulCycle for a Friday afternoon class through ClassPass. I've been to a bunch of other…read morespin studios in the area and I thought this one was pretty much on par. The instructor was really energetic and I definitely got a great workout. The playlist was also really awesome. I appreciated some of the small touches around the studio, such as the candles and changes in lighting during the class. The bathroom was also stocked with various items you might need like razors and such. My one main issue was that after your first class, you have to pay to rent shoes. I haven't seen that at the other spin studios I've been to, so that was a bit of a disappointment. Otherwise, everything was clean and the staff was friendly, so I'd recommend for anyone looking to try a class!

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SoulCycle Back Bay - Ready to roll

Ready to roll

SoulCycle Back Bay - SoulCycle @ night

SoulCycle @ night

SoulCycle Back Bay - Before the spinning storm

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Before the spinning storm

The Handle Bar Indoor Cycling Studio

The Handle Bar Indoor Cycling Studio

4.4(74 reviews)
1.8 mi•Fenway

I had a solid experience at Handle Bar! I've taken a lot of cycling classes and this was my…read morefavorite one in Boston so far. Lots of class options at different times and a good variety of music and themed classes. The coach (Alexander) was great. The workout was well-structured and had a lot of options to modify and challenge yourself during the workout. The inside of the gym was clean and they have complimentary shoe rentals that you can wear if you don't have your own cycling shoes. I really appreciated this, unlike other cycling places that charge ridiculous fees for them. I loved that there were smaller class sizes (like 20 people) compared to other cycling classes I have been to that cram 40-50 into the room. The smaller class helped me feel more connected and present. The instructor can actually see everyone in the room too, so it helps feel more friendly in my opinion. I really enjoyed my experience here and would come back to Handle Bar over other cycling classes in the area. They also have discounts on classes and memberships for students, teachers, medical workers, and military, which is a great perk too!

The winter weather has been cramping my ability to run outdoors, so I decided to try HB! I've been…read moreto spin studios in the past and I was glad that this place met my expectations! Definitely a fantastic cardio option in Fenway! My first class was a Sunday morning class, and along with the sensory experience of the music and the light changes, the energy of the instructor and the class goers was CRAZY - definitely woke me up! I was surprised at how full the studio was (only 3 empty bikes). The 45 min class is choreo style, meaning you have a leading leg, ride to the beat of the music, and there's movements (e.g. 4 corners, tap backs), with about 5 minutes of arms using a weighted bar (it seems like everyone has the same bar) and stretching that begins 1.5 min until the end. The bikes don't have a monitor on it, nor a numeric number for resistance, so you follow the instructor's cues for how many turns to add on / go by feel. Pros: - Some of the most hype instructors I've seen recently! A++++ - The studio provides the cycling shoes! A++++ - Every bike has a towel on it! - Riders don't have to wipe down their equipment after (I think the staff does this), so it makes it easier to leave the studio. - Water fountain, ear plugs, hair ties, bobby pins, etc available Cons (minor): - For first-timers, it was hard to flag down a staff to help with setting up the bike because the studio was so packed and busy. - The studio is sort of small - the bikes are very much packed against each other and the hallway where people change their shoes and put stuff into lockers is narrow and gets very crowded. - Only two classes on Saturday and Sunday. Note: masks optional but vaccination required, so ride at your own risk

Photos
The Handle Bar Indoor Cycling Studio
The Handle Bar Indoor Cycling Studio
The Handle Bar Indoor Cycling Studio - From the outside

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From the outside

CYCLEBAR

CYCLEBAR

4.0(21 reviews)
3.3 mi

After telling myself I would go back to the gym for years, I have accepted I need to sign up for…read moreclasses for a structured workout I haven't done a spin class since college so I knew coming back would be a little tough. All of the workers and the instructor were helpful in getting me set up as it was my first time at Cyclebar. The class was guided very well and of course had the option to slow it down as needed for your body / needs. Im not into running so being able to cycle for a more intensive cardio is such a great and fun option. The music, changing paces, various movements and weights keeps the class fun! To access the studio you enter through a door on the side of the building that says "FITROW" and go to the second floor. Plenty of free parking (under 3 hours) and by the MGH green spaces if you need a cool down walk after class!

I struggle with going to the gym because I don't know what I'm going to do, and get super…read moreoverwhelmed with everyone there. I knew I needed someone to tell me what to do at a workout, or I won't have the motivation to show up at all. I was introduced to CycleBar and they offered a free class for first timers so I went with my friend! I was absolutely hooked! I think it's my 5th month now and after trying out several instructors, I found my personal favorites! I highly recommend Britt, Nicole, and Leah, and Ali! I love that every instructor has their own style and they are so encouraging in class. The space is always clean and they have free shoes to use! There's also a water bubbler, and towels for use at the studio. After taking classes at CycleBar, I tried other spin classes around Boston. They were fun but I love how CycleBar sends you your stats after every class, which most studios (if not all) don't. This motivates me to push harder and try to improve from my previous classes. Parking is also free (if parked under 3 hours) in the garage, which is a HUGE plus for me.

Photos
CYCLEBAR
CYCLEBAR
CYCLEBAR

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The Handle Bar Indoor Cycling Studio

The Handle Bar Indoor Cycling Studio

4.4(70 reviews)
3.0 mi•Riverside

This review is long overdue! I recently moved up to the North Shore and had to look for a new spin…read morestudio. I have tried two studios so far and neither comes close to The Handle Bar! The energy that the instructors at the HB bring to each and every class cannot be matched at these other studios. If I'm going to wake up to go to a 6am class I need the energy that Jill and Candice bring to their 6am classes, not an instructor that's half asleep with a terrible playlist and awful choreography. The instructors at the HB will kick your ass but are also super motivating which is hard to find at other studios. The other studios that I've been to do not have the amazing sense of community that the HB has. The environment is so welcoming--everyone from the front desk team, to the instructors, to the people riding next to you are willing to lend a helping hand and support you in and out of the studio. If you are lucky enough to have a Handlebar studio in your neighborhood, I highly recommend trying a class!

i'm a new spin-er so my experience is only after the three classes I've been to but so far I've…read morereally enjoyed them. They are challenging for me but very fun! I've seen two different instructors and like them both a lot. I'm excited to keep coming. The girls at the front desk are welcoming and knowledgeable and the instructors are fun. The class itself is very intense, but I know that I'm getting a good workout in.

Photos
The Handle Bar Indoor Cycling Studio
The Handle Bar Indoor Cycling Studio - Bathroom! Filled with all you need to leave your spin class looking great.

Bathroom! Filled with all you need to leave your spin class looking great.

The Handle Bar Indoor Cycling Studio - 3rd location!

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3rd location!

BURN Fitness Studios

BURN Fitness Studios

4.7(58 reviews)
1.0 mi•Symphony, South End

I discovered BURN on ClassPass and loved it from the first class. It is a small studio, but I have…read morenever felt over-crowded in a class. The equipment is in great shape and I like that they have a lot of different weight options. I have taken a few instructors and all are friendly and helpful! Something I love about this studio is it welcomes all ages and abilities. It can be very intimidating walking into a new place and this studio does a great job of welcoming all. I am excited to try all the different classes they have to offer! The only downside is since it is such a small studio, they do not have a ton of class times to choose from. But that being said, I have never had an issue getting into a class or finding one that fits my schedule. My favorites are the TRX Bootcamp with Alex and the Power BURN with Jonathan. I can not recommend this place enough if you are looking for a strength training workout!

I'd visited BURN Fitness Studios for the first time through ClassPass a few years ago and really…read moreenjoyed the classes I took. I signed back up for ClassPass recently and was so thankful to be able to take BURN classes again, even during a pandemic. I've since gone back into the studio for in-person classes, which are masked and have limited capacity, but now prefer to take their classes online. My favorite classes have been Tabata Burn and Power Burn. Jonathan, who teaches both, is charismatic and makes the class feel engaging even through Zoom. I would say the classes are challenging, but suited for all skill levels, and they encourage you to modify the workouts for whatever feels good for you.

Photos
BURN Fitness Studios
BURN Fitness Studios
BURN Fitness Studios

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SoulCycle Seaport

SoulCycle Seaport

3.8(20 reviews)
1.0 mi•Waterfront, South Boston

Came here for a company outing and firstly the front desk staff were not the friendliest. Soul…read moreCycle is just like another spin class in my opinion, but like what really threw me off was the front desk staff's attitude.

Personally, I love biking BUT cycling classes aren't my workout class of choice. SoulCycle offers…read moresome sort of discount or trial period, but luckily my company offered free classes at certain times for about 2-3 weeks so I took advantage of that. The studio is super clean, there are a ton of bikes, definitely over 50. The instructor walks around and shouts inspirational things (which I find corny but some people love it/get really into it) and someone on a bike so you always have someone to look at for guidance on speed and what exactly you're supposed to be doing. You can rent cycling shoes for $3, towels are all included on the bikes when you get into the studio and I was freaking out since I got there a bit late and had no idea how to set up my bike, but luckily one of the staff members came by right away with a flashlight and helped me get set up. Overall, the 45 minutes went by quickly, lots of fun music and lights, I love the use of weights and push ups incorporated in the workout and even though I felt a little like a hamster, definitely got a great workout and sweated like crazy (thank god it's dark in there) The women's bathroom had about five? showers, but they also had everything you needed from shampoo, conditioner, hair ties, face wash (felt amazinggg to wash my face after that class) deodorant, etc. I wouldn't pay $30 for a spin class, but SoulCycle definitely rates higher than other spin classes I've experienced before so if you love spinning it could be worth it especially if you take advantage of all the amenities.

Photos
SoulCycle Seaport - One main hallway, bathrooms farther down to the right, studio to the left, lockers available for free day time use

One main hallway, bathrooms farther down to the right, studio to the left, lockers available for free day time use

SoulCycle Seaport - Height limit!

Height limit!

SoulCycle Seaport

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The Handle Bar | South End Location - cyclingclasses - Updated October 2026

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