Strobe lights are flickering, a huge Cyqlone logo formed in a pitch dark room, a catchy rhythm builds up as your bum hovers above your stationary bike. Your eyes are fixated on the spirited instructor in front of you; your legs are going faster than the usual bike ride outdoors, and that’s completely okay. It’s what a typical session in spin class looks like at Cyqlone. And if Doha’s growing number of spin studios are anything to go by, the cult workout has long established an iron grip in the fitness realm.
Cyqlone at Msheireb Downtown Doha pioneered the SoulCycle NY model in Qatar. If you’ve been a regular in NY and craving the same energy, but a little more, Cyqlone is a place for it. Its location in Mshereib makes it the most central Spin in town. Evening classes are popular.
Unlike the act of running indoors on a treadmill, cycling indoors on a stationary bike is nothing short of the fun, intensity and variety commonly sought out in a good workout. While sceptics might doubt it for its club theatrics, the workout commands a full body overhaul which activates all of your muscles. The varied movements timed to match with the beats of the soundtrack are also the reasons why people in a spin class forget the pains of exercising. Instead, they actually have fun. Now the studio has gone a notch higher and is also hosting theme nights. So, if there’s a specific genre of music, you’re into they’ve got it covered. As you spin-spin-spin!
But if you think it unnerves you, the anticipation of getting dressed for it, there’s nothing quite to worry about it — it’s all fun there! The focus remains on the playlist. But if you can conveniently ditch the standard gym clothes — black shorts, raggedy T-shirt — and sweat looking 100 bucks whilst enjoying, then it’s a win-win.
At Cyqlone’s first Afrobeats night by Dido eccentricity was the hallmark, with Afro-futurism and retro references recurring through the class. There was 90’s Nollywood vibe and the moment you look at the instructor in a clash print shirt swirling his legs on resistance-based intervals its motivational, engaging and effective. A handful of heart-pounding pop mash-ups, 10 minutes of weights, and one climb later, I came out feeling great—inspired, even, to get back on the bike again.
On another night, Taylor Swift themed bike ride with Maria was the order of the day. There are many Swifties around the world, like myself, having this fomo of missing out Ms. Swift’s Iconic Era’s Tour. Cyqlone brought the star’s music closer to celebrate and have fun. As in any cult, it was easiest to take the path of least resistance and simply follow along.
To Anti Hero, we repeatedly shifted between standing upright on the bike and falling (like we’re the problems?) into second position. Arm exercises with those measly, punishing hand weights were enjoyed for the duration of “Blank Space,” which, if you don’t know, is four minutes and 33 seconds. By the encore, participants were pedaling silently and, like Ms Swift right about now, contemplating legacy.
More than anything, the class reiterated the undeniable genius of Ms Swift’s score—at once complex and impossibly appealing—and I would not be opposed to a second go-round. If, in addition to taking pleasure in the music, I could manage to hit my tap-backs on tempo, it would be nothing short of revolutionary.
Today (May 15) at 6.30pm Cyqlone is hosting yet another theme night, riding you back to the 80’s with Ranim Hadid, and well my clash print shirt with headband, shorts and knee length socks are ready to make their appearance! See you there!