Photos by Denise Truscello

That I’m even writing about something exercise-related, should tell even the most lackadaisical visitors to this site, how taken I am with XCYCLE Indoor Cycling.  And while I think any team that finds a new niche in Las Vegas is good for the city, the team at XCYCLE conveys an enthusiasm that is really appealing, without that whole obsessive fanaticism that’s turned me off of most workout techniques.

It all goes back to when Kurt Melien (now President of Live Nation Las Vegas) and talent manager, Larry Rudolph bonded, while hammering-out the details of Britney Spears’ residency at The Axis at Planet Hollywood.  They figured that they’d gotten along so well, that they should introduce their respective significant others – Kurt’s wife, Ginger (a former Wall Street executive); and Larry’s fiancée, Jen Barnet (a trained dancer and graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition).  It was an instant match, and after spending some quality time together, the two women decided to open a modern indoor-cycling studio, in Summerlin.

Combining their backgrounds in finance and fitness, with a nod toward entertainment, Ginger and Jen were off and running (or cycling, as the case may be).

I took a tour of XCYCLE – conveniently located, at Boca Park, between Kona Grill and The Cheesecake Factory – and in spite of my knee-jerk inclination to think “Feh!” whenever the topic of fitness arises – I couldn’t help but be taken with the entire operation.  In addition to the attitudes of everyone involved, from the two co-Founders, to the carefully-selected instructors; the facility is intimate, modern, and laid-out in a very thoughtful manner.

Every time I was shown or told about another feature of the studio, I found myself thinking “That’s totally how I’d have done it,” or “Now, that’s clever,” or even “How fun!”  Then I did the unthinkable.  I actually heard myself asking about how the classes work (very simply), if they’re only for experienced riders (different classes based on experience), and if there’s a class suited toward a pear-shaped, middle-aged guy who’s had four knee surgeries in as many years (yes).

Much of what appeals to me about XCYCLE is summed-up beautifully by Melien, who told me “Our clients leave, taking with them more than just a workout.  Our instructors are obsessed with not simply maximizing the workout, but also helping every client leave mentally lighter.  Not to mention that we use killer playlists that let their personalities shine through.”  (And before y’all ask - yes, I’m going to be curating some playlists for XCYCLE!)

Now, from everything I’ve read and heard about many other spin-studios, with their intimidating instructors who bark orders with a Reich-like intensity, I've always been turned-off.  Way off.  But this very contemporary concept of combining a cardio workout, the low-impact to the knees of the stationary bike (specifically these top-of-the-line Schwinn Carbon Blue bikes), the environment of a yoga studio (is everything better in the dark?), and well-curated dance music – well, I think they might be onto something, here.

Add to this Jen and Ginger’s meticulous attention to such niceties as lockers with built-in USB ports for charging one’s phone, eucalyptus-scented towels handed to riders after each class, shoe rentals, and locker rooms stocked with upscale spa products; and I was sold.

Enough so, that I’ve already booked a class.*  Sure, there’s always the chance that I’ll have a cardiac episode, and fall off my bike, clutching my chest – but the objective is that, as I advance from one level to the next, this becomes less and less likely. 

To be continued…

XCYCLE Indoor Cycling
Boca Park – Las Vegas
Click HERE for info

Get into it!
#XCYCLE

*Editor’s Note: In case you want to observe me pedaling my way to a better me, I’ll be at X101 – The Basics, on Saturday, June 4th!