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6 things to expect at your first Ignite Cycle ride in Birmingham’s Pepper Place
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Ignite Cycle has been open for a month in Pepper Place, and holy moly, what a month it’s been for Birmingham’s only boutique indoor cycling studio! Bham Now took over a class recently, and we have a lot to share about our newest fitness obsession. Here are 6 tips we’re passing along for your first ride at Ignite Cycle.
Nestled on the corner of Pepper Place entertainment district, Ignite Cycle is the perfect place to spin yourself to a healthier body, mind
Trying something new can be intimidating, so we’re here to give you a rundown of what to expect. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
1. For the Love—Don’t Be Anxious!
The space Ignite Cycle was meticulously designed by owner Tiffany Martin to be an inclusive environment for all. The bike space itself is dark, lit only by candles and a color-changing light display on the back wall. My ah ha!
From the custom pre-ride bike fitting to the step-by-step instructions, the instructors make sure even the most beginner rider is up to speed on what to do. The positive energy modeled by the staff is also apparent from the other riders, who were more than willing to help us figure things out as we went.
2. Put Your Phone Down
Ignite has a strict no phone policy, and for good reason. The ride will be both a physical and mental exercise. Having your phone out, or even nearby, serves as a distraction that would take away from your ride experience.
So ditch the phone, and give yourself fully to the 45-minute ride. You won’t regret it!
3. You’ll Leave With a New Favorite Playlist
The instructors at Ignite take their class music seriously. Each instructor spends HOURS each week curating the perfect playlist for every ride. This is important because you ride to the beat of each song. I don’t know about you, but the better the music, the harder I’ll work!
You can find their playlists on the Ignite website.
Tiffany had the BEST playlist during our ride. Seriously. Please take that nugget of information with you—as a self-proclaimed music snob, she killed it with her music selection.
4. Prepare For a Whole Body Experience
Cycling at Ignite is about so much more than the physical exercise. Your mind will also be challenged and rewarded. The experience at Ignite is easily compared to what you’d get at the trendy and universally popular Soul Cycle studio.
“We like to think of Soul as the Mother of the boutique cycling movement. We’ve taken what they’ve made popular in rhythm-based cycling and developed our own m
Tiffany Martin, Owner of Ignite Cycleethod that gives our riders both a body- and mind-changing exercise experience. ”
She’s absolutely right. The mindfulness and positive words of affirmation that flow throughout the ride are like a built-in therapy session. Ignite becomes the space for you to both mentally push (and surprise) yourself and also self-reflect. The ultimate two-for-one deal!
In addition, each class has a song that is dedicated to arm work so that you leave with a full body workout.
5. Free after your ride? Good!
Located in Pepper Place, Ignite is perfectly situated to be the jump-off point for a perfect day or night with friends. Ride at Ignite, shower in their bathrooms (where no amenity is left out), and head out to one of the entertainment district bars or restaurants. Chances are, you’re going to feel like a rainbow-infused space unicorn with all those endorphins flowing after your ride. Why not piggyback off of that feeling and go out for drinks or dinner? Or both?!
6. What to Expect: The Basics
- Rides last 45 minutes and can be booked quickly on their website beginning on the Monday of each week.
- Ignite supplies riding shoes, which allow you to engage your glutes and hamstrings in addition to your quads.
- You also get a towel for your sweaty ride.
- Be sure to bring your own water and socks. If you forget either they have some for sale at the front desk.
- Showers are also available, which leaves you with no excuses for that early morning class.
See you on a bike!
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