UNION Ryde

So I intentionally waited to give my review until after I had been going to classes here for a month. When I started here, it truly seemed too good to be true. A passionate owner (Mindy) who cares about every single person who comes in, takes time to personally educate them on form and make sure they know how the classes work, and reassures you from day 1 that you can do this, you just have to give yourself a chance. For me, being out of shape for a while, it took some getting used to before I felt on pace, but looking back now, it seems like it took no time at all.

A month later, all I can say is that it's not at all too good to be true. Mindy is so welcoming, and when she leads a class, she will push you and at the same time make you truly believe that you can do anything, right when you want to give up. I've had the pleasure of having 4 different instructors thus far, and they are each so incredible in their own ways. I look forward to each class and each instructor for different reasons, but they all have the same goal, make it upbeat, fun and exciting all while pushing you to do more and try harder than you knew you could.

I don't do much for myself, work and other life obligations tend to rule my life, this has become my guilty pleasure, and one I'm not willing to give up. The class schedules are so wonderful and offer times that work for almost any schedule.

I'm so thankful that I gave spin a chance, and I'm even more thankful to be going to a studio so amazing. Please do yourself a favor and check it out. You'll be hooked.

Holy sweat machine! I've taken 2 classes here so far. Small studio, nice bikes, shoe rental with quality spin shoes, black light disco ball fun. I've only taken regular spin classes before (think 24 hour fitness style) but I loved this! Mindy's class had me having so much fun! Awesome music and she is so fired up! I really had a good time, and it's one of the best workouts I've had in awhile. I left absolutely dripping in sweat. Not the I can just dry shampoo kind of sweat but the I need to do a full hair wash kind of sweat.
The cold scented towel at the end-AMAZING.
Thanks for doing a groupon...you have a loyal customer now!!

I'm new to spin and have been coming here twice a week since September. As a new rider, I put off comitting to a class for weeks! The idea that the class is for riders of all levels was so intimidating. One day I just said - screw it! How will I know if I never try? What drew me into spin was the music and atmosphere of the workout. I love edm so the idea of combining that with cardio (had to stop running because of my knees) was exactly what I was looking for. I started with a groupon just in case it didnt end up being what I expected. But it's turned into something I really enjoy and I just purchased my first package.

I highly recommend this place for new or experienced riders. The instructors are all very supportive and really encourage you to push yourself in the workouts! And the other members are all very welcoming.

Hello Yelp Community,

I found Union Ryde a little over a year ago. I was a distance runner, training and racing ALL the time but developed a neuroma on the ball of my foot from the constant pounding on asphalt and became unable to run...

After not working out for almost 2 years (so depressing), a friend invited me to come spin with her. This studio offers 2 free classes so you can try it out then I found a groupon (not sure if it's still available now) which was a GREAT deal. At first I was nervous to go. I had tried spin at the gym and I only came home sore in a undesirable location (from sitting, catch my drift).

There is a good vibe here, very nice people work out at Union Ryde. When you arrive you check in at the desk, sign by your name and get shoes if you need them. *For your first 2 free rides, shoe rental is free, $2 after that. Between answering everyone's questions, the phones, and handing out shoes, Kittie (she usually works the front desk) will take the time to ask if you if you need help 'clipping in and setting up your bike.' Don't be fooled by appearances, Kittie is one of the nicest people I have ever met! The instructor will usually come check in with new riders too, when they have time.

Once in, class fills up quickly and the instructor will begin.

First, they ride out of the saddle THE ENTIRE CLASS. If you have to sit, no one calls you out and there is no shame, you just do your best. Second, the instructor faces forward. The reason for this is they want you to follow their legs and everyone rides together (including the instructor). Lastly, unless you're driving hard 'up a hill' with tension on the bike, everyone rides together and to the beat of the music. If you have any music/dance/cheer background and understand the 8 count, the instructor will call a right or left leg lead for the song. During that song, the specified leg will come up on the 1 count. Example: right leg "song," emphasizing the pull, your right knee comes up on the 1, and left on the 2. Right, left, right, left, 1,2,3,4.

For all the reviews that like to compare Union Ryde with other studios, you just can't. It's different and you have to find what works for you. Union ryde works for me. After a year, I am injury free and in the best shape of my life. I grow in strength and self confidence everyday. The instructors don't just motivate you in class, they make you feel like you can accomplish anything and it starts with conquering this 1 hour intense cardio fat burning class. My entire life is different because of the confidence I have gained in the achievements I make at Union Ryde 1 hour at a time.

Formerly known as Bike2theBeat, i got a groupon for this place. The club offers you two free shoe rentals for two classes and then they're $2 each time after that. My groupon was for $25 for 8 classes and after my first class I was dying. LOL.

Instructors and staff are great and helpful, motivating and fun.
facility is small but clean and while it does get hot in the studio, the fans do help out.

I have been to union Ryde a couple times and have taken classes with Jordan. It was my first time ever trying out cycling and she was super nice and helpful. She gave me tips prior to class starting to ensure I felt comfortable. I loved the energy she brought to class and I really enjoyed my workout! Thanks to her I was no longer intimidated by cycling and have since gone back for more. Thank you Jordan! :)

love Union Ryde!! I've been coming here for a few months and I'm obsessed!! I love all the instructors. They pump you up throughout class and the positive attitudes are contagious.

I've recruited some of my friends to come join the union with me! They love it just as much as I do!! Keep up the good work guys!

Union Ryde is unlike any other gym I've been to, and even different than other spin classes! Instructors are tough but so supportive and encouraging. Class sizes are fairly small, so the community atmosphere is very strong. I never feel judged or talked down to, even though I'm not as fit as a lot of people in class; we all ride together!
Class times are convenient (and they add more classes all the time) and the equipment is clean and well maintained. Also, that cold towel at the end of a ride always feels like a life saver! Great studio with great staff, I don't want to ride anywhere else.

As a new cycler I can say I love this studio, the people and the instructors so much!! I tried a free cycling class for the first time at a different location and left feeling uninspired and thought "ehhh, well cycling just isn't my thing."

Until I took Linda's class, and all I could say was YASSSS!!! Her playlists are on point, she has fantastic energy, and her motivational pearls and encouragement (as cheesy as it sounds) make you feel like you can conquer the world. I took Linda's class for free as a new rider, and as soon as the 60 mins was over I ran over to the desk and purchased a set of classes (5 for $35 at the time). I just finished my last class today and can say that every time I went I was challenged, uplifted, got a great workout and had lots of fun. Best $35 I spent this summer, for real!! Had I not been moving back to LA, I would already have purchased another bundle of classes.

For anyone interested in trying cycling for the first time, I HIGHLY recommend taking the free class with Linda (I'm sure the other instructors are great as well, but I've only taken Linda's class) and I guarentee you will be sold! Absolutely fantastic studio, if I could give it 10 stars I would!

I have been coming to UNION Ryde (the Newport Beach location) since 2016. I'm a bit biased, because it's the first spin studio I tried... (I have tried 3-4 other ones, in the area.) I love Mindy and her crew. I haven't had classes with everyone yet, because of my work schedule, but everyone who I have been in a class with, have been awesome. All the instructors help you with your bike and your beat. You work out a sweat! It's awesome. It's wonderful. Parking is easy and aplenty. If you're coming for the first time, come early to get settled and rent shoes, if needed. Bring a water bottle! They have a refill water station. They provide towels AND eucalyptus towels for afterwards. #obsessed

For anyone familiar with the Dodgeball movie, SoulCycle is Globo gym and Bike2thebeat is Average Joe's gym. If you're looking for intimate classes and a friendly community that's less intimidating, Bike2thebeat is your best choice. If you're looking to be competitive and work your butt off, SoulCycle hands down.

As a frequent patron of SoulCyle, I was excited to try this one in my area. I was definitely intrigued by the competitive pricing and the great reviews on yelp.

The instructor was super friendly, especially since my companion was new to cycling. She explained how it works, what it means when you're riding on the right/left, and what to expect. You definitely DON'T get that at SoulCycle. When I got on my bike though, I noticed that there were screws at the bottom of my bike (yikes!) and my bike was really rickety and made grinding sounds. At one point, my shoe came out of the holster and the pedal hit me in the ankle, breaking some skin and leaving me with a big bruise.

The workout itself wasn't very strenuous, I didn't even sweat at all. I added more resistance when I didn't need to but I think the A/C (which i'm sure most people actually appreciate) kept me cool? I could gauge how easy it was by the fact that I went to the Soul Survivor class at SoulCycle the morning after and was able to get through the class without feeling any post workout fatigue.

Overall, this place isn't bad. You can tell the community really likes each other and you don't get that "uppity snobby" attitude from the other members that you routinely get at SoulCycle. But to be honest, I'm not there to make friends, I'm there to work out and push myself, and for that I'd have to choose SoulCycle. I also thought it was strange that the instructor has to stop riding to change songs each time. They need to work on their transitions....

I did love the lavender towels at the end!