Get your spin on: what is rhythm cycling?

Do you like music? Do you enjoy dancing and moving to the beat? Do you want a workout that allows you to leave your worries in a pile of sweat on the floor?

If you answered yes, yes, and hell yes, then congratulations, you’re about to be introduced to your new favourite style of training; meet rhythm cycle.

If the word cycle was enough to put you off, then pause, take a moment and hear us out, because this is unlike any traditional spin class you’ve been to.

What is rhythm cycle?

It's a group cycle class that revolves around music. Participants ride in time to the rhythm, where the beat not only dictates the pace and intensity of the class; it sets the tone. Incorporating choreography, upper body movements and dumbbells - this is a full body, cardio workout with a mindful spin (pun fully intended).

A traditional cycle class can be geared towards simulating road riding, whereas rhythm cycle breaks the mold completely. You’ll be jogging on the bike, jumping out of the saddle and dancing like nobody’s watching (or like everybody’s watching if that’s more your vibe). You’ll be moving as a group, and when you turn to your neighbour for a sweaty fist-bump, you’ll feel a sense of community you didn’t know you longed for.

The benefits of Rhythm Cycle

Cardio that doesn’t feel like cardio: Studies have shown that dancing can improve mood and cognitive function, reduce the risk of dementia and stress, increase levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin, and help develop new neural pathways. Another study in the Journal of Fitness Research showed that after 6 weeks of spinning, the group had greater improvement in fitness, leg strength, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fat mass compared to the non-spinning group. Imagine what happens when you combine spinning and dancing…

Epic playlists. Electric vibes: Your instructor will carefully curate a playlist that will leave you on a high, long after your final sprint.

Low impact. High reward: This is cardio that’s kind on the joints but tough on the muscles. Great for building stamina and strength, without pounding the pavement.

Mindfulness meets movement: Each class is driven by intention. Between the beats, there’s space to reset, reflect and reconnect to your why.

Common misconceptions of indoor cycling – busted

Myth 1: “It's just dancing on a bike”

Truth: Yes, there is rhythm and choreography, but every movement is designed with purpose. This class engages your whole body, boosts your endurance, and builds strength. It’s fun, yes, but make no mistake - this is a challenging workout.

Myth 2: “You need to be fit to try it”

Truth: Rhythm cycle is for anyone who loves music and movement. The workout can be adjusted to suit different fitness levels, and you are literally in the driver’s seat, so you choose your level. This class will build your fitness, but you don’t need to be fit to start, you just need to start.

Myth 3: “It’s more about performance than purpose”

Truth: Yes, there is choreography. We ride to the beat. But every class is grounded in intention, whether it’s power, presence or pure release. Rhythm cycling is as much a mental reset as it is physical training.

Does Virgin Active offer rhythm cycle?

Yes! Cycle Spirit is Virgin Active’s rhythm Cycle program, currently offered at our Bondi Junction, Pitt St, Northern Beaches and Zetland clubs. We provide specialised Cycle shoes, so all you need is a towel, a bottle of water, and an open mind.

If you’re still not convinced and you prefer a more traditional spin experience, we’ve got you covered. Cycle Burn is our metric-based program that uses the bike’s console to measure your performance. Through high intensity interval training on the bike, your instructor will set targets to keep you accountable; no dancing required.

Whichever Cycle program you choose, we look forward to seeing you on the bike soon.

Watch Natalie speak about both our Cycle programs here on our Instagram.

About the author

^{Natalie (Nat) Davids is the Head Coach of Exercise to Music at Virgin Active Australia. With a background in entertainment, Nat traveled the world for over 9 years performing professionally as a dancer and singer on cruise ships. She transitioned into the fitness industry in 2018 and quickly fell in love with rhythm cycle.}

^{Today, Nat leads the recruitment and training of group exercise instructors across Virgin Active’s Exercise to Music programs, including cycle, and plays a key role in innovating and evolving the member experience through music-led movement. Whether you’re participating in one of Nat’s Cycle Spirit, Cycle Burn or Barre classes, you can expect her energy, creativity and global performance background to take you on a musical journey. You might just forget you’re working out.}