Cycling Studio Seeks to Inspire Youth Fitness

Traci Sakellakis first got into indoor cycling, also known as Spinning, more than eight years ago. She enjoyed taking and teaching the classes so much, she opened her own studio, Revolution Indoor Cycling, in Pine Brook.

The studio has been open since 2010, bringing together indoor cycling enthusiasts and those looking to get fit for about 60 minutes per class. While the business has continued to grow, Sakellakis said she is now hoping to focus more on offering classes for teens. She said cycling is the perfect fitness activity for young people.

"We do it to get the kids conditioned for sports," she said.

Sakellakis, an instructor herself at her studio, had taught cycling at other Montville gyms before opening Revolution. 

"This is my passion," she said.

For her own personal health, Sakellakis said she only does indoor cycling, in addition to abdominal exercises and using free weights, which are also elements incorporated into classes at Revolution.

The studio is open and offering classes seven days a week nearly every day of the year, with the exception of Christmas Day. Sakellakis said Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days, as many are concerned about working out before a big meal, and the months immediately following New Year's Day, after resolutions are made, are also popular.

Unlike many other cycling classes, Revolution has "revolutionized" the process by which an interested participant can sign up to reserve a bike in a class in advance. Members are able to reserve a space through the Revolution website.

"There's never enough bikes in a gym," Sakellakis said. "Here, there's no fighting, there's no mess."

Sakellakis said it is difficult to compare her studio to a gym because they serve different functions. At the studio, Sakellakis said she feels the members receive more attention. The studio has six instructors who teach 23 classes per week.

"Your instructor comes up to you, greets you, she makes sure you're all set up. In a gym, you don't get that," she said.

The studio also caters to members of all ages and fitness levels. Sakellakis said cycling is acceptable for pregnant women (up to the eighth month) and people recovering from leg or knee injuries. With the indoor bicycle, riders are able to control resistance and push themselves to the extent they feel comfortable. New technology has even brought computers to each bike which will tell riders how far they have gone, how many calories they have burned and what their heart rate is during the ride.

At the conclusion of the class, the computer will provide a summary. Sakellakis said the average rider burns between 500 and 900 calories in a one-hour spin class. Revolution offers some longer classes as well.

Despite the economy creating challenges for her business, Sakellakis said she has not raised her rates, which are $14 per class or less with a package, since opening.

"I would rather get more people on a bike than take advantage of the people that I have," she said.

Her clients seem appreciative, as many have continued to work out at Revolution since the studion opened. Susan Fagan-Rodriguez, 50, of Lincoln Park, said she has been going to the studio for more than two years and left a local gym to join.

"It's a great location, she has great classes. It's a studio-pretty much everyone in there works hard," she said.

But despite the hard work required to get through the classes, Fagan-Rodriguez said indoor cycling is also a lot of fun.

"I know it's work, but at the end, everyone's laughing and having a good time," she said.

Jeanette Dodd, 51, of Jefferson, also said she has a good time at Revolution. Dodd said what she likes most is that the studio is focused on cycling.

"Unlike taking Spin at a club, where, unfortunately, it's an afterthought, here it's the main thought," she said.

Sakellakis has already been offering programs to teens, although she said there is a height restriction to use the bikes. Eight-week sessions are held at a discounted rate ($79) for teenagers through the Montville Township Recreation Department. Sakellakis said she would like to see more teens get involved in a healthy activity like indoor cycling.