Fitting spin classes into your everyday schedule doesn’t have to be hard. Whether you're now WFH post-pandemic or simply want to sweat it out in your own living room, there’s an online spin class that will tick every box.
Choosing the right one for you means checking out the options (spoiler: there are a ton!) and deciding what exactly it is you need from your workouts. Check out our guide to get started.
BENEFITS OF INDOOR CYCLING
While indoor yoga was a massive trend during lockdown, mixing things up with a spin class is a smart move for your health. Investing in a home bike means that you can engage in some intense HIIT classes that will help you improve your general fitness no-end.
With that in mind, here are some of the top science-backed benefits:
- Boost your cardio fitness
- Improve your blood pressure
- Lose weight but not muscle mass
- Support strength training
THE BEST ONLINE SPIN CLASSES TO TAKE AT HOME
Now that you know why taking the odd indoor spin class is beneficial, let’s take a look at the options. Thanks to lockdown, there’s been a huge boom in platforms.
Whether you’re looking for a snappy YouTube spin class or a fully immersive virtual spin class at home, there’s something for you. Here are our top eight to check out.
1. PELOTON
Arguably the best-known online spin class, New York-based Peloton features world-class instructors, interactive leader boards, and the ability to join live class on-demand.
You will need to get a Peloton branded bike to get started with the virtual spin class series. Once you’re all set up, it’s easy to use the app to track your metrics, see how you compare to other cyclists, and keep moving towards your long and short-term goals.
To kick things off, you will need to invest in a Peloton bike (you can pay up front or monthly) and get app membership.
Pros:
- World-class instructors
- Easy-to-access and follow
- Trackable metrics and leader board
Cons:
- You need a Peloton bike to use the screen and some features, but you can always stream the class via the app on your phone, tablet or TV
- Monthly membership
2. DIGME AT HOME
With more than 100 live classes and a low subscription of just £8 per month, Digme at Home is an accessible home workout app.
However, if you want to step things up a gear and join their online spin classes, you’re going to need a bike. Rather than forking over a load of cash to buy a Digme bike, you can rent them directly from the company.
Sign up to do this for a year and it will cost you £69 per month. The classes range from Cycle Rhythm to Cycle Perform, and so there’s a lot of variety to keep your online spin class interesting.
Pros:
- Affordable membership
- Variety of classes
- Motivational challenges
Cons:
- Less known than Peloton
- Bike doesn’t come with shoes
3. APEX
British brand Apex has a similar setup to other platforms offering spin bike classes online. The live classes are broadcast from London and people with a membership can take part from the comfort of their own home.
Additionally, users get access to the Apex library of sessions, which features hundreds of on-demand classes. Bikes cost £990 and you can choose to pay in monthly instalments, if you’d prefer.
Of course, you also need to get a membership, which will set you back £29.99 per month.
Pros:
- Cheaper than Peloton
- On-demand and live classes
- Lighter flywheel than competition
Cons:
- Bike doesn’t have a built-in screen
- No free-ride option currently
4. PSYCLE AT HOME
Based out of the London fitness and yoga studio, Psycle at Home is an easy-to-use on-demand service. Every online spin class lasts for between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on how far you want to go.
You can check out the library whenever you please and select a class that suits you. Unlike similar brands, there isn’t a specific Psycle bike that you can get.
However, you can buy a home bike through the company’s cycling partner Stages and members of the platform get a discount. The monthly subscription is £29.99 with a 30-day free trial.
Pros:
- Well-known London brand
- Reasonably priced
- Short and long classes
Cons:
- No branded Psycle bikes
5. STUDIO SWEAT OnDemand
The Studio SWEAT OnDemand offering is as diverse as it is easy-to-use. With this one, your membership gets you access to a whole variety of class types, including online spinning.
You can also take advantage of the yoga, sculpting classes, bootcamp, HIIT, and so much more. The classes are both live and on-demand, depending on what suits your schedule.
What’s more, you can stream your classes either on your smart TV or on a tablet (such as an Android or iOS device). The choice is yours!
Pros:
- New workouts added weekly
- Custom app available for Android or iOS
- Bike bundle options available
Cons:
- Less attractive platform
- No branded bike available
6. LES MILLS ON DEMAND
Les Mills is one of the best-known fitness class brands, and so it’s no surprise that the on-demand service would be extremely popular. With more than a thousand classes available online and a free trial to boot, there’s no reason not to give this one a go.
Signing up to the platform means that you also get access to branded cycle workouts including RPM™ and THE TRIP™ at home. Membership is just £12.95 per month.
Pros:
- Tried and tested cycle classes
- Affordable monthly membership
- Both sprint and HIIT classes
Cons:
- Equipment hire is relatively expensive
7. GABRIELLA GUEVARA - The Cadence Club
Want to avoid getting yourself into a whole new membership? You might find that the Gabriella Guevara - The Cadence Club is the way to go. The YouTube channel is packed with a tone of online spin classes that you can access whenever you want.
From beginner level rides to high intensity rhythmic workouts, you’re sure to find something that suits your level. You can also get the app for a small fee and get access to 300+ workouts.
Pros:
- You can access classes for free
- Wide range of class types
- Exciting and upbeat music
Cons:
- No trackable metrics
- No leader board options
- It’s not interactive
8. ECHELON
Joining Echelon means becoming part of a community of home cyclists and gaining access to a wide range of online classes. You can choose from a variety of connected bikes (ranging in price from £799 and £1599) to get started with the platform.
When you’ve done that, membership costs £39.99 per month and gives you access to a variety of classes from 5-minute workouts to longer, 45-minute sessions.
One membership means that you can create five profiles, which means that the whole family can get involved too.
Pros:
- Interactive leader board and community
- Set up five profiles in one membership
- Compatible across platforms (including Spotify)
Cons:
- Relatively expensive setup
- Higher monthly costs
THE TAKEAWAY!
Ready to hop onto a home cycle and show the world what you’ve got? Over the course of this guide, we’ve given you all the details you need to make the right decision for you. Why not check out some free trials to get started and see which of the best online spin classes suits you?
