Former CEO of Fitness First, Colin Waggett, has spoken to
Leisure Opportunities about his new indoor cycling concept, which will launch in central London next February.
Waggett says the objective of Psycle London is to be the most enjoyable fitness experience in London. “Psycle will feel nothing like a gym, or your typical indoor cycling class,” says Waggett. “We will use music, the best instructors and inspiring design to put people in a positive frame of mind for exercise.”
The class programme has been put together by Tim Weeks and promises to a fun workout, equally good for cardio and toning. “We’ve rewritten the rulebook,” says Weeks. “The classes are put together in a way that anyone and everyone can come in and enjoy. There is no competitive element. It’s all about a group of people working together to great music, creating unbelievable energy in the room to improve their bodies and their state of mind.”
Each element of the club has been carefully thought through. Bespoke furniture and art from London artists complements the “London rough luxe” design, which takes more inspiration from London hotels and restaurants than health clubs.
Playlists have been put together by a music consultant and a resident nutritionist offers advice and services. The (takeaway) food is healthy organic.
It will be a pay as you go concept, with classes costing £20 each, dropping to £15 for bulk purchases.
Indoor cycling gyms are growing in popularity. SoulCycle, which started in New York in 2007 is fast expanding, with plans to have 50-60 clubs worldwide by 2015. The London grown BOOM! Cycle has also raised funds for a rollout. Cyclebeat launched in the city earlier this year and H2 Bike Run, now has three sites. Waggett is already looking for further sites in London.
A very urban concept, indoor cycling clubs charge premium prices, but still have waiting lists and tend to operate on a pay as you go basis. Generally launched by entrepreneurs looking to create an experience they sought themselves, the clubs tend to be individual, and high on service and quality.
Look out for the upcoming feature on indoor cycling in the January issue of Health Club Management.
