Strive Indoor Cycling comes to Concord, NH

Have you noticed how popular spin classes are lately? I keep seeing it all over the place … on TV shows, overheard from my friends, and just about every fashion blogger I follows seems to swear by its benefits. I’m no fitness buff, but I must admit it piqued my interest. Then I found out that one of my regular customers, Meagan Ferns, was opening her own studio here in Concord! Seems like now’s the time to learn a little more about this growing trend…

Meagan opened Strive Indoor Cycling earlier this month and it’s already catching on! You’re gonna want to get in on this, I promise. Whether you’re an experienced rider or not, she’s set Strive up to include everything you could ever need: your shoe rentals are included in your class price, there are complimentary showers, and Meagan can answer any questions you have if you’re nervous!

If you’re not familiar, Wikipedia defines spinning as: “Indoor cycling, often also called spinning, as an organized activity, is a form of exercise with classes focusing on endurance, strength, intervals, high intensity, and involves using a special stationary exercise bicycle with a weighted flywheel in a classroom setting.” 

There’s usually loud music, the room is nice and dark, and participants describe it as a fun way to do group exercise and a great way to “get out of their heads” for a few minutes during their day. This stuff will pump you up, that’s for sure! I’ve been following Strive Indoor Cycling online and you can see how jazzed everyone is when they’re done with one of Meagan’s classes. Definite FOMO (that’s “fear of missing out”, FYI) happening. 

I asked Meagan to answer some questions for me:

I know you'd been instructing for a while before Strive, but what made you want to switch from a regular rider to the one leading the workout?

Great question! It's funny because I vividly remember the first spin class I ever took, and I absolutely hated it, my feet were killing me, I couldn't hear the music and my bike was right next to the giant window facing the parking lot which left me feeling vulnerable. I don't think I returned to the bike for another 5 years after that experience. 

A year after I graduated college, I moved down to Boston and started a new job. If you've met me then you'll know that I am a very social person and I was trying to find a way to meet more people outside of work. I wanted to find my "tribe" but also create a healthier lifestyle which I was lacking at the time. Slowly I started attending different classes all over the city… boxing, HIIT, Pilates, Barre… you name it, I did it. But one stuck out to me. The Boutique Indoor Cycling Studios of Boston allowed me to get in an incredible full body workout but also allowed me to let loose in a safe space where no one was watching me. I was able to work out for myself, individually, but alongside others at the same time. Class allowed me to check out for 45 minutes and not think about everything else happening in my world. I never even wondered when a class was going to be over because I was having so much fun! I was hooked! The instructors were amazing. So positive, so motivating and so much energy! I knew right away that I wanted to be up there motivating others too. I don't know if there was ever an exact moment where I decided I wanted to be an instructor, I think it was just something I always saw as a role I wanted to take on once I experienced my first class. I just had to decide to do it and work for it.

-It's so cool that you're sharing space with the barre studio, what made you strike up this partnership?

Yes! It has been wonderful working with Katie Behner, owner of Pointe Barre Studios! Our space is unique because we have THREE different fitness businesses at the same address. Yes, I said three. In the coming months, Studio603 will also be expanding into the third space! Inside 10 Hills Ave. there are now three separate studios on 3 different levels which share a common check-in space. This allows us to connect with all the different members of our community who come in for different classes. 

As most relationships start, I met Dinah Martell, owner of Studio603 through a mutual friend and Katie thereafter. After discussing our shared love for the boutique fitness market and how we wanted to grow it in Concord our shared goals and dreams started to fall together into a reality. It has been wonderful working with both these smart, positive women and I am excited to continue that journey!

-What is the one thing you'd like someone who's feeling a bit "chicken" about coming to a spin class to know?

You're not alone! The idea can be intimidating. There are three things I always tell new riders. First, YOU are in charge of your resistance. You are the only person that knows how heavy your wheel is and you are the only person who will be adjusting it. You can make it as heavy or as light as you need, you have full control. The second thing I tell riders who are intimidated by trying something new and looking silly is that we ride with the lights low! Trust me when I say no one is watching you. And the third thing I make sure to tell them is that it is important to listen to their body. There is no need to push your body harder than it can go. The choreography in class is always optional so if it doesn't feel right, take a break! It takes 3-4 classes to really get the hang out of it, so don't be hard on yourself if it's difficult at first!

-What's your favorite thing to do in Concord when you're not teaching?

You'll probably see me strolling around downtown Concord with my pup, Bunker! (he’s on Instagram too, @adoodnamedbunker) If not, then you may catch me eating out with friends at different local restaurants. I love a good wine down Wednesday at the Common Man paired with my favorite Mac & Cheese pizza or you may see me hidden in the upstairs corner of Hermanos sharing a plate of garlic chicken nachos. As a member of the Junior Service League of Concord, you may also see me volunteering around the community! 

Strive Indoor Cycling is located at 10 Hills Ave. You can find them online at www.striveindoorcycling.com and on Instagram @strivecycling, and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/strivecycling. Class times vary by date, please check the website for details. 

Elyssa Alfieri is a freelance stylist, social media maven, vintage lover, and all-around Concord super fan. You can usually find her at her consignment shop, Lilise Designer Resale (or LDR) downtown. She also really wants you to know LDR is dog-friendly.