Boca Park cycling studio combines stationary bikes with nightclub vibe

Picture a Las Vegas nightclub filled with stationary bikes.

That’s exactly what it feels like inside XCYCLE, an indoor cycling studio that debuted last week at Boca Park in western Las Vegas.

I was given the task of trying out a class at XCYCLE and reporting about my experience.

I had never taken an indoor cycling class before and didn’t exactly know what to expect. I was informed by email to arrive 15 minutes early, wear fitted, moisture-wicking fitness clothing and drink plenty of water.

When I arrived at the studio, the front was clean and bright. I was greeted by a staff member at the front desk where I signed in and received cycling shoes.

While shoes are complimentary for the first ride, you can rent them for $2 each time or purchase your own at the studio. FYI: the Schwinn carbon blue bikes are compatible with Look Delta and SPD cleats.

After being led to the back, I put my stuff away in a keyless locker and headed into the dimly lit classroom that boasted 35 bikes surrounding the instructor’s stage.

Riders can book the bike they want in advance online so they can sit with friends or be off in the corner by themselves if they prefer.

The studio had a large “X” on the wall, which had rainbow lighting around it. The “X” and a few other small lights on near the floor were the only lights that were illuminated during the 45-minute Rhythmx class.

Owners Ginger Melien and Jen Barnet offer three types of classes: Rhythmx, a music and movement class, Perform-X, which mimics an outdoor cycling experience with hills, and X101-The Basics for beginners to introduce them to the bike, proper form and moves.

“A lot of other studios don’t offer a beginner’s class and we saw an opportunity because the studio is new to Las Vegas,” Barnet said. “The first half of the 45-minute class is a discussion about how to hold the handlebars, clip your shoes in and out and answer any questions before going over some moves with three songs.”

Despite not taking the basics class first, the instructor asked the class several times if anyone needed help getting clipped in. She also went over the proper form and the three different hand placements before starting.

When the door shut, fast-paced music came on and the instructor guided the class through several high-speed intervals while being told when and how to add or take away resistance.

The instructor also incorporated push-ups and oblique moves into several tracks as the class was told to push against the handle bars to work arm muscles and twist the body each direction to work the abs.

The instructor also incorporated hand weights into the tracks by having the class continue pedaling while lifting two, three or five-pound weights to further work the arms and shoulders.

Following a cool-down session, I left the class dripping in sweat. I was greeted by a staff member who was handing out cold eucalyptus towels. It was a welcomed and wonderful touch.

Something beginners might not be told before embarking on an indoor cycling class is how sore you’ll be during and after class if you’re not used to sitting on a small bike seat for a long period of time.

Despite only being open since April 11, Melien and Barnet said they already have quite a few regulars.

“I’ve had a couple of girls coming here that said we changed their lives and that’s why we built this,” Barnet said. “I thought that wouldn’t come until we’ve been in business for a year and we’ve already had two people say that this week.”

Melien said, “You should be able to have a cardio workout in a similar environment as a yoga studio and not have to be in a sea of ellipticals somewhere.”

Rides cost $23 for one, $95 for five, $180 for 10, $340 for 20 and a monthly unlimited package is also available. New clients can purchase one week of unlimited rides for $30.

Melien and Barnet paid close attention to detail by catering to their guests with towel service, shoe rentals, lockers with phone chargers, locker rooms stocked with products and having staff clean the bikes after class.

Contact reporter Ann Friedman at afriedman@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4588. Find @AnnFriedmanRJ on Twitter.