Blog
Over the past few years, we have seen a steady increase in attendance from male clientele. We won't lie - the women definitely still outweigh the guys, but we love that more and more men are choosing to sweat at REV!
We sat down with a few of our male clients to hear from them, what makes REV Cycle such a good sweat, and why they keep coming back! Read on for some Q&A and a Quick Fire round!
Meet Travis:
Describe Your First Experience at REV:
I was talked into trying a class by my two friends, Trevor and Katie. It took a few tries but they finally talked me into it. I was somewhat intimidated at first, but that went away quickly and I was immediately hooked after the first class. Between the atmosphere and the music I knew this would be a regular thing. Also the class kicked my ass so I used it as motivation to get in better shape.
What initially drew you to trying out a spin class?
The music. Nothing better than working out to great music. My friends know that the combination of spinning and music would be a hit for me.
What keeps you coming back to REV?
REV provides an efficient workout that is consistent. I try to workout regularly, so being able to get a great workout in 45 min that doesn't require thinking is great when life gets busy. In my opinion, it's the best way to start the day.
What other types of workouts do you enjoy doing?
I lift weights/strength train regularly. I rely on spin for cardio and a change of pace workout during the week.
Have you noticed any mental or physical changes after attending our classes?
Definitely - from a physical perspective, it's definitely the most efficient way to get in shape and it has done a lot to improve my overall core strength. From a mental perspective, there is definitely a high that you get after a good class and as I said before, it is the best way to start the day. On days that I know are going to be busy or stressful I try to make sure I start my day with a class.
Quick Fire:
AM or PM Sweat? Definitely AM
Favorite Bike? 22 or 20
Favorite song to ride to: TOUGH question, hard to pick just one so I will say anything with Kygo or Logic
Favorite move to do in class: Climbing and sprints
Meet Justin:
Describe your first experience at REV:
My first experience at REV was an instant community filled with hard work and fun, all before the sun had even fully risen.
What initially drew you to trying out a spin class?
A friend of mine actually asked me to join them on a Thursday morning at 6AM. I was instantly hooked and came back the next day. And the next day. And the next day. And you get the point. 🙂
What keeps you coming back to REV?
The workout for sure, but more importantly the people and the energy. REV has such an awesome staff and clientele that makes me want to workout (and sometimes sing while doing so).
What other types of workouts do you enjoy doing?
I love to practice yoga and distance hike. REV has also inspired me to try other types of workouts that I’m really enjoying. The instructors have taught me that I am fully capable of way more than I could have imagined.
Have you noticed any mental or physical changes after attending our classes?
I’ve definitely noticed physical changes which is great. More importantly, I know that whatever mood I’m in, I can go to RE and my mood will be even better than it was prior to class. It’s helped with self confidence, a sense of community, the list really goes on.
Quick Fire:
AM or PM Sweat? BOTH.
Favorite Bike? 5. We've been through some ups and downs and know each other's flaws completely!
Favorite song to ride to: Too many to list, but for now we’re going to go with "Kiss The Sky." It’s timeless.
Favorite move to do in class: Is this a trick question? I am all about those Tap backs, Tap & Leans, Tap-Right-Tap-Left, Hovering Taps, ISO, and climbs. Basically anything I get to move or use my whole body for. Bonus points if that includes shaking it a little.
Meet Taylor:
Describe your first experience at REV:
My first class at REV was a 6AM class with Lamar on President’s Day in 2019— normally I try to catch some extra sleep on days when I’m not at work (I work in investing—the market is only closed on a few days a year!). But I was really eager to check out the studio and to see what an early morning class was like, and I am a road biker so I’m used to clipping in, the hard saddle etc. so I set my alarm for 4:45am anyway. It was AWESOME— Lamar had me in and out of the saddle, doing tap backs, and had "Truffle Butter" playing at full blast on the first song. I was HOOKED, and have been a #REVular ever since.
What initially drew you to trying out a spin class?
My sister, Emily, had been going to REV over in McHenry Row for a long time, so she always raved about the classes and the instructors. But for me personally—I was just looking for a little variety and a way to give my knees a break from regular long-distance running. I knew REV had a studio in Brewers Hill (I work in Fells) and had early morning classes so that sealed the deal for me.
What keeps you coming back to REV?
It’s a few different things. In no particular order, one reason is the workout—I always leave feeling like I’ve sweat out every last drop of water in my body and my legs feel like they have climbed Mount Everest. It’s the best kind of feeling (that might shock people) and it gets me charged and ready to crush my day at the office. The other reason is the community. I’ve met so many great people—instructors, fellow REV riders, the awesome team at the welcome desk—that are often among the first people with whom I interact during the day. They are all just so incredibly kind and driven, engaged in their communities, and fun! I’m lucky to call many of them friends.
What other types of workouts do you enjoy doing?
My absolute favorite type of workout is anything that gets me outside! I am a big marathon runner (I ran the Chicago, Baltimore, and NYC Marathons this fall and have another marathon coming up in Virginia Beach) and am also a big road cyclist (don’t beep at me!). I also love yoga and attend classes at CorePower 4-5 times a week.
Have you noticed any mental or physical changes after attending our classes?
Whenever I leave class—but especially in the morning—I feel incredibly grounded, awake, and like I can conquer the world. It’s a testament to the energy of each class itself. Physically, I’ve always had big legs (I grew up playing football and lacrosse, so never missed a leg day), but REV has taken my quad strength (and size) to a different level.
Quick Fire:
AM or PM Sweat? 6AM Brewers Hill #YaHeard
Favorite Bike? Brewers Hill Bike 29. Never fails me
Favorite song to ride to: "Million Voices" by Otto Knows
Favorite move to do in class: Tap Backs. Close seconds are Jami’s slow (they are REALLY slow) shoulder presses and Ashlee’s weight jabs.
Meet Alex:
Describe your first experience at REV:
I was nervous going into the first class, but it ended up being fun and I came out alive! The standing sprints were tough and my legs were on fire the entire class, but the music combined with everyone's energy made it fun and helped me push through it.
What initially drew you to trying out a spin class?
A group of friends started going regularly and kept encouraging me to come try a class. I was also interested in adding something new to my current workout routine, so I eventually gave in and now there's no going back!
What keeps you coming back to REV?
Fun people, awesome REV staff, and the energy during class is always super high. Like most other people, I have days where I'm tired and less motivated, but as soon as that first sprint starts, I'm immediately energized and ready to work.
What other types of workouts do you enjoy doing?
Outside of spin, I mostly do weight training. Depending on the season, I'll bounce between functional strength workouts and good ole' fashion hypertrophy training.
Have you noticed any mental or physical changes after attending our classes?
Absolutely! Because other forms of cardio (in my opinion) can be monotonous and boring, I hadn't been doing it consistently over the past few years. Starting spin classes immediately boosted my mood and and my metabolism, and I always feel great after class.
Quick Fire:
AM or PM Sweat? PM sweat
Favorite Bike? Any front row bike!
Favorite song to ride to: Anything in Sean's REV45 Country Ride playlist.
Favorite move to do in class: Rapidly alternating in and out of the saddle.
Meet Mark:
Describe your first experience at REV:
I attended my first class with a buddy who had been raving about REV, and specifically Sean's class. Front desk staff were extremely accommodating, supplied shoes that fit, and got me properly set up on the bike. While it kicked my ass, I instantly knew this class was something I could keep going back to.
What initially drew you to trying out a spin class?
After years of trying to workout on my own, I noticed I wasn't really challenging myself or keeping to an exercise routine. I knew I needed to find something more structured that would keep me in shape. I am in McHenry Row all the time and have friends that spoke highly of REV, so when I saw a deal for a first time customer, I decided to give it a try.
What keeps you coming back to REV?
What other types of workouts do you enjoy doing?
Running, Swimming, Volleyball, anything outdoors.
Have you noticed any mental or physical changes after attending our classes?
The most productive days I have are after a 6AM workout. I have more energy throughout the day and I feel much more sharp at work.
Quick Fire:
AM or PM Sweat? AM
Favorite Bike? 17
Favorite song to ride to: Hard to say - anything 90s or 2000s hip-hop/rap -- this week's favorite was probably 50 Cent "In Da Club."
Favorite move to do in class: Climbs! It's brutal and gets heavy but once you reach the top it makes sprints at the end much easier.
