While there is nothing like cycling in the outdoors with wind at your back as you feel the road get away beneath you, there is now an indoor cycling experience that’s as close as it gets. And, it is now available to experience in Dubai.
It’s called the RealRyder and, simply put, it aims to offer up a riding experience close to that of a road bike. At first glance, the RealRyder bike has similar features to other indoor cycling bikes, such as adjustable handlebar and seat positions, a resistance knob, water-bottle holders, and pedals with both cleats and toe straps. But the RealRyder’s distinction is that it enables riders to tilt, lean and rock the bike.
The bike rotates on a couple of pivot points that allow the back of the bike to move freely, as well as allowing the rider to actually turn the handlebars as if you were turning a corner. These features lend themselves to a much more realistic riding experience that also bring additional fitness benefits!
We tried out the RealRyder at Souplesse Cycle powered by RealRyder in Motor City, Dubai – currently the only place to offer this kind of cycling experience in the UAE – a boutique studio with one cycling room with around 22 bikes. As the as the lights are turned off to reveal a “sky of stars” on the ceiling the one hour class kicks off, led by a qualified RealRyder instructor, participants are taken through a number of cycling tracks to some pretty cool, upbeat tunes. And it gets sweaty, very sweaty!
With the Real Ryder bike’s ability to move freely, instructors have the opportunity to incorporate movements into the class that really help the participants to work on abdominal strength, core conditioning and stability, balance and co-ordination that you won’t find on stationary indoor cycling classes. Leaning the bike to the sides as you continue to ride is a great test of core strengthand adds an extra punch to the workout. Riding off the saddle “uphill”, you get the extra work in trying to keep the handles still when required. Let us tell you, it was tough!
The lighting, ceiling, music and ability for participants to view their individual heart rates on screens at the front of the class work well to create a great class atmosphere. Another cool thing about the classes is that RealRyder instructors are given the freedom to choose their own tracks and choreography, so each instructor has their own style, classes are varied, and track requests are easily accommodated!
Rather than just pedaling, the RealRyder gives a real riding experience. It’s great for serious cyclists who want to escape the heat this summer or get in extra training, as well as those who simply want a bit of extra fitness benefits from their indoor cycling class!
