Ibiza Spin at Pure Ride, Moorgate

Pure Ride - Moorgate

What they say

A better you, one Ride at a time.

We know fitness doesn't just transform your body, it changes your life.

We've got the motivational instructors, the best gear and a fresh approach to fitness. You've got the body and the ambition to improve it. Let’s work on this together. If we didn't believe in it, we wouldn't do it ourselves.

Studio 1 - spot me in the front row!

What I say

Well known for their intense and impactful traditional spinning classes, Pure Ride have recently widened the boundaries with the introduction of their 'Ibiza Spin' - and I was delighted to be invited along to the launch party one Thursday evening at their first class studio in Moorgate.

Check in machines

Upon entering, I was greeted with a row of 'Check-in' Machines, where participants scan the special QR code they are given for each booking. Talk about high-tech !  No more standing in queues waiting to sign in at reception or, worse, finding out someone else has sneaked in the class and pinched your bike!

Reception

After checking in to your allocated bike, you simply head down to reception to pick up a pair of specialist spin shoes. Clipping securely into the peddles, theses shoes allow maximum connection between the legs and the bike, engaging the hamstrings and glute muscles and resulting in lean toned legs. Not only this, but the sure clipping also allows you to safely spend more time up and out of saddle...something I was about to discover as being essential for the Ibiza Spin workout we were about to experience!

Clip in cycle shoes - time to engage those glutes!

Picking up a selection of Ibiza 'glow bands' from the table outside the studio, Pure Ride certainly made sure we were fully prepared for the Ibiza theme,  and it was time to begin our workout!

Time to glow!

What we did

With different studios doing slightly different classes, Steph participated in the Performance class. Designed by Sir Chris Hoy, Peformance combines power, endurance and lactate threshold training to ensure you maximise calorie burn and increase your fitness at every class. I, on the other hand, went into the  dance studio to experience the Dance Ride...which is where things got exciting!

Working hard!

With hand weights resting on our bikes, we began the class with a gentle warm-up, followed by a sprint interval session, then a hill climb. Fairly standard, right?

Wrong! Next is where it got interesting. See, with the dance ride, it's not just about working out, but enjoying every stage along the way. With a medium resistance on the bike, we began into our real session- a high energy ride with a party atmosphere, combining dancing, cycling and free weights into a full body workout. With a routine  forcing us up and out of the saddle, doing high fives and hand claps with the person on the bike next to you, and a full on Mexican Wave sweeping round class - I never knew working out could be so much fun! Complimented with flashing lights set at different speeds and colours to match the music tempo, it really was like being in an Ibiza club.

Two instructors to demonstrate the 'partner' sequences

Intensity 9/10

With the spinning intensity of a normal class, combined with the hand weights to add extra resistance and a muscular workout, this one was hard work! In addition, it was also very much  a 'brain workout' - trying to co-ordinate your hands and arms to perform the right movement, in the right dance sequence, at the right time. Because this required so much concentration, you almost forgot about the fact your legs were spinning round at speed with resistance, resulting in an intense workout with really realising....until you stepped off the bike and felt that lactate hit!

Bike with dumbbells

Ammentities 9/10

As part of the 'Pure' budget gym group, I must admit that I hadn't expected much from Pure Ride in terms of the amenities provided - similar to their Pure gyms, I expected it to be a few 'bring your own towel' showers and perhaps a water fountain, if you're lucky.

Water Stop at Pure Ride - more than your token water fountain!

But I was very wrong and, infact, Pure Ride had everything you would expect from a luxury boutique gym.... and more! Enough showers to cater for a full class (no queuing up required!), each fully fitted with shampoo, conditioner, body wash and face wash (something most gyms fail to see as a requirement - but for me it's just an important!).

Pure Ride branded toiletries

And, for after, vanity stations with deodorant, hair products, cotton pads and body lotions means you're all set to go fuss free.

All your esentials. The illuminating face moisturiser = my new favourite beauty find! 

Not only this, but with a well stocked 'shop' as you enter, you can buy everything from water bottles and protein bars to your new workout gear.... as if I need any more temptation to purchase more sportswear!!

Too much temptation!

Price: 8/10

As the more luxury and specialist counterpart to their chain Pure Gym gyms, Pure Ride at Moorgate charges £20 for a single drop in class. Whilst this is at the lower end of the London average for a studio class, it is relatively expensive in comparison to the Pure gym memberships, which begin at around the same price for a unlimited use. Having said that, with Pure Ride offering much more in terms of amenities, frequency of classes, and specialist instructors providing much more focused and high intensity sessions, you do get what you pay for!

Special offers for the die hard fans

Plus, if you do become a bit of an addict, the prices get cheaper the more classes you book - so sign up for the 10 ride package at £95, and that £20 per class suddenly drops to £9.50. Bargain!

Would I go back?

Bubbly to finish!

Absolutely! Given this was the launch event, we finished our experience with a little party; some well deserved bubbly, a DJ spinning the Ibiza styles tunes, and a few selfies in the super cool changing room mirrors! 

When the mirror tells you that you're looking hot ... :)

Whilst I very much doubt this would be the way all workouts at Pure Ride would end (that would be too good!!), for a hard hitting and high intensity, yet fun, enjoyable and entertaining experience, I would definitely make a return trip to try out the other classes they have on offer!

Thanks Pure Ride - it really was a great day!