By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
You’re seated on a bike in a dark studio. Slowly, then all at once, the music comes alive and the bass drops, and you’re pedaling faster and faster.
The instructor, striding on a small stage, flicks the lights on and off to the rhythm.
“I know you can do this because you showed up and I believe in you,” she says. “Crank up that resistance and let’s ride!”
For 45 minutes, you’ll dance along to the music as you pedal, and at some points, pick up some light weights for a couple of arm exercises. And when the class eventually ends, you’ll feel strong and a little silly in the best way.
Spin classes, or indoor cycling group exercise classes, have become a worldwide phenomena through brands like SoulCycle. Jamie Promislo perfected the spin studio and will open her Margate studio next month.
“Typically, high-end cycling classes can make you feel like you need to look a certain way or perform at your best all the time,” said Promislo. “Revel Ride meets people where they are while having fun and getting in a good sweat.”
Promislo is the owner of Revel Ride, a spin studio company based in Philadelphia since 2018. Promislo and her husband own a house in Ventnor, and have fallen in love with down-the-shore-living.
“South Jersey could use some more deluxe fitness opportunities and brands, and we come down the shore every weekend,” said Promislo. “Locals and tourists and weekenders alike can take fitness classes, even when they are at the beach (thanks to Revel Ride).”
The new Margate studio will have a soft opening on May 20, and a grand opening on Memorial Day. The space is located at 9205 Ventnor Ave., sharing a storefront with Market Realty. It will share a block with Heritage Surf Shop and Jalapenos restaurant.
The biking space is completely soundproof and has 24 bikes with room for more as needed. Promislo invested in top-of-the-line audio, lighting and a podium for the instructor.
The bikes themselves are STAGES SC3, which mimic outdoor cycling closely. Riders have the option to track calories, resistance, watts, and distance as they choose, including an option to enjoy the class without focusing on their metrics.
Revel Ride will cater to riders of all abilities and goals by offering different types of classes. Like SoulCycle, riders can opt for a choreographed class. However, they could also select a power/endurance ride (centered around high-resistance and cardio training) or a more-general spin class for beginners or folks who don’t need anything too complicated.
Revel Ride is running a presale until April 30. Riders can sign up for a membership, or book a pack of classes or even just a single class. Names of each deal are clever and Jersey-themed, including “weekender,” “shoobie,” “daytripper,” and “local.”
Promislo has hired a qualified team of instructors who love indoor cycling, but also have lives outside of the fitness sphere.
“Sometimes it can feel like the instructor of a spin class has unrealistic expectations because all they do is coach,” she said. “Revel Ride is intentional about hiring trainers who have jobs outside teaching exercise classes, so they can better relate to you and me, coming to class from work or parenting obligations.”
For more information on Revel Ride Margate, visit their website at revel-ride.com or follow them on Instagram. For specific questions, email Jamie at jpromislo@revel-ride.com.
Photo Credit: Jenn Rosen
