Flywheel Sports – UES

Every studio I visit, every class I try in this chain, it just gets better and better. The instructor was fantastic, totally kept me engaged, and the class flew by. This month’s ‘routine’ is arm heavy and a shoulder killer, but I made it though, where as the first time I did a similar routine, I almost died!
I was not screaming ‘this is torture’ in my end over and over, which happens more often than not ;), I was working on working out, and being planted next to a girl who told me she takes this class everyday pushed me a little, I have to admit.
Clean class, great open locker area– I love how the spin studio is upstairs and not on the same floor– less frantic energy between classes and in general. This location also has 4 beautiful private glass enclosed shower rooms if you need to get ready for work or an after work date. It is the most spacious, modern, cleanest of the locations.

I choose to come to Flybarre UES since it’s close to work, and the space is nice and clean. You check in on the 3^rd floor and then go down to the 2^nd floor for Flybarre classes. I never have had a problem with any issue with checking in, etc. There are a few shower stalls, but at least there are separate locker rooms for men and women (I hate having to go to a single WC to change my gym clothes). Love the Flybarre classes!

Everything Laura C. says is true. The Flywheel method is the best out there, but this particular location needs some serious TLC. Everything about the space feels cramped and old. The bikes in particular desperately need to be replaced — it seems every single one has such serious wear and tear that your ride is negatively impacted. Being there, you can even sense the frustration over this issue from the staff (who spend the 5 minutes before, and often after, class starts trying to help people adjust/​fix their broken bikes) and the instructors (who, despite their best efforts, are very distracted by the adjustments that are still happening well after class starts). Flywheel, please spruce this location up like you did with Flatiron — we Upper East Siders aren’t able to utilize other locations as a workaround!

After trying numerous classes — Matthew’s class is the best. He is motivating, great music & pushes you to do your best.

I’ve been to this studio three times, and haven’t had the best experience. I gave it two more tries after I was disappointed the first time because as someone who lives in the area, it’s just so convenient. This is definitely an old and small studio that needs some serious TLC. The showers looked grimier than the showers at other FlyWheel studios in the city. The studio is older, so one time the toilet was clogged, which in itself is fine, but the staff didn’t bother to put up a sign on the bathroom door. Keeping in line with this theme, the bikes seem to be older too. I visited through ClassPass, so my bike choice was limited, but twice different bikes I used had issues. The clientele was older and more eclectic than I’ve experienced at any other studio, and the music choice /​strenuousness of the class was definitely tailored to that. I need music with some intensity when I’m spinning — it’s hard work! Being in my mid-​twenties, it wasn’t what I was looking for.
Here are the deets you need to know if this is your first time coming:
The studio is upstairs, don’t worry, you’re in the right place.
Shoes, hand towels, water, lockers with electric locks and post-​class fruit are provided free of additional charge. There are two bathrooms and two changing rooms, they weren’t very busy any of the times I was there as most people were definitely from the area.

The flywheel class I attended was definitely challenging but… I did not feel the cohesiveness I feel when attending soul cycle. This class was a competition. I felt the main goal was to compete with each other and out do other people. What I like at soul cycle is that we try to be a unit and even if you are unable to keep up, your ride is about you doing the best you can for yourself. As a newbie to flywheel, instead of showing me class logistics, the helper in the studio couldn’t figure out how to set up my bike and did not tell me about the fly barr they use for arms on the side of the bike. The instructor was focused on shouting out who needs to go faster and was not inspiring at all!!! Yes, soul cycle is more expensive, but I can see the reason why.

I have been spinning at NYSC for years now and a few years ago I took the plunge and took a class at Flywheel UES. I loved it, but their $ 30+ price tag per class was not something I could afford at the time. I am now back at Flywheel thanks to ClassPass. I took my second ever FW class this past Saturday with Brie.
From what I have heard from other Flywheelers, this UES location is the worst one, but I’ve never been to another location in which to compare. The front desk staff is always welcoming and friendly. Going to a class like this as a newbie can be VERY intimidating but the staff does a good job in explaining everything to you. I also feel having the staff members in the studio right before class begins is so helpful. I still don’t know how to clip my shoes in so they’re always there to help me with that (and remove my shoes when I just take them off because I also don’t know how to unclip!)
The class itself is an experience. The room is almost completely dark and the music is very, very loud (they even provide free earplugs!) But the music is good and the instructors (from the two I’ve had so far) were great. So much energy, so encouraging. And it doesn’t hurt that the instructors look like fitness models, so its very inspiring!
As far as perks go, your class fee includes free shoe rental, towels, bottled water and toiletries in the bathroom. I am giving this location minus one star because the bathroom was pretty grimy. I hear they are renovating so I’m sure this will improve but for a «boutique» fitness studio, I expected better. I also hear the showers are pretty bad and yes, there was a line for them after class. I did not experience the showers though.
If you want a really awesome workout that doesn’t feel completely like «work» then I highly recommend trying FW at least once!

I freaking LOVE FlyWheel (see my review of their Flatiron location). After moving further uptown and switching to this studio and comparing it to the nearby SoulCycle, I am even more devoted, if possible. Everything you’ve read about the two rivals is true, but let me break it down for you here: FlyWheel is where you go to WORKout hard with highly skilled instructors; SoulCycle is where you go to dance on a bike often with no resistance on the bike to an albeit cool instructor. Seriously. I’m also so happy that FlyWheel instructors rotate, so I can always get a good ride with one of my favs, and I’ve also discovered a new gem who has gotten me my highest score on the torque board to date. It does get crowded in the waiting area, but I can always find a seat. Lockers are big and water/​shoes are free.

The class was great, and I want to love it, but I have to shower where I work out and dear God, that was a disgusting experience. This studio is for locals only, don’t even think about those showers!
Which is a shame because the workout itself is really awesome, and the stats make the whole experience appealing. Plus free water!
The prison showers are really off brand. Fingers crossed this is fixed at some point soon.

Usually go to tribeca but Kari Nicole teaches a Fly 60 class here so I ventured away from my usual studio. It is smaller here but I know they are in the process of remodeling so it will be better laid out soon. The staff is super friendly and helpful and it is very clean. Like other Fly studios — you will leave sweaty, challenged and satisfied.

I give 4 stars instead of 5 for a few reasons, mostly related to clientele. I can’t tell you how many times i have gotten stuck behind someone stinky or a person who feels the need to fart in class, (like no one is gonna smell that?).
The second complaint involves the group which I call the «poodle women». These are the annoying women that feel the need to continuously scream or Unilocal like a dog, out loud, at least once during every song, so everyone in class can hear their excitement. (There is a special place in hell reserved for you ladies).
The club is a bit small and cramped (and pricey), but other than that, I think the classes are great and like the competitive environment, the online tracking tool they have is pretty cool too.

Don’t be 10 minutes late for a class– between subway issues, jumping in a cab, and the $ 32 for the class (which they promised to refund and never did). It cost me about $ 50 bucks to get there and not take a class. The 1 star review is not for me being unable to take the class (that’s was circumstances fault) it’s for them telling they’d credit my class and then never doing it.

I went to Flywheel after taking classes at Soul and a local neighborhood studio to really get a taste for which NYC boutique spin class is truly king. Flywheel offers a fantastic workout, no doubt — probably the best of all studios. Love that shoes and water are included in the price and that rides are discounted with each package level. Also love that they use a weighted bar in the strength workout rather than hand weights.
I find the computer portion a bit distracting, and it made it tough for me to focus on performing in my actual workout as I was so wrapped up in hitting new numbers precisely every five minutes. Also, as an experienced spinner, was really shaken when I clipped out of their bike mid-​workout — their clips don’t seem as secure as other studios. For all the raves about the reporting feature post-​workout, I expected more specifics and robust analytics but was disappointed to have a variety of ranges and not much explanation.
I would probably try one more time, but unfortunately Flywheel may not be my style. Only time will tell.

I don’t like the gym, never enjoyed spin, never been a morning person. Now I get up at 4:30am in order to spin at 6am. What does that tell you? I love Flywheel!!!
Front desk staff are nice, welcoming, happy to answers questions or explain process if you’re a newbie. Each spin instructor is unique, different motivational styles and music mix to help you move. Always someone on hand to adjust your bike, help you feel at ease, offer tips. No matter how long/​little you’ve been spinning you’ll feel comfortable in this crowd. Shoes, towels, free water on hand.
The site could do with a few more showers, especially for those who don’t live nearby and need a good scrub after class and before work. One shower doesn’t cut it.
Aside from the shower all I would recommend is an app to manage bike reservations and performance history. It’s not convenient logging in through a browser on your smartphone when you’re out and about on Sunday at 5pm. I really like being able to track my performance soon after each class.
Fave Instructors: Natalie C in the am and Jesse A,
Worth the $ 32/​class

LOVE FLYWHEEL!
When I took my first class the guy behind the desk was SO helpful. He showed me where everything is located, how to check in on the tablet when I arrive and how to set up my bike. It’s really expensive (32 bucks a class!) but the spin shoes, bottled water, lockers and towels are all included in the price, which makes it slightly less painful.

AMAZING workout. Shoe rentals and water bottles are included in the price, which makes the $ 32 seem less painful (but really… that’s expensive for one class, even if it is the going rate in NYC.)
I love that you can track your resistance and speed both during class and from one class to another online. The instructors are beyond helpful and will help set up your bike, correct your form, etc.
I do wish there were more changing spaces and more bathrooms. I also wish there was a shower. But most important, I wish there were more locations in the city! I’d love to go more often, but I just can’t afford to. Maybe if they offered student discounts or something…

I LOVE Flywheel.
Why, you ask?
1) You don’t have to rent your cycling shoes (or feel guilty about having to rent cycling shoes because you’re not dedicated enough to spinning to own a pair)
2) Free water bottles
3) Structuring class around torq, speed and power makes it easy to keep on track with what the instructor actually wants you to be doing
4) You can benefit from the collective energy in the room, but compete with yourself to learn/​improve and push your limits
5) You can track your progress and results online via your account
6) Complimentary fruit in the lobby — a nice touch if you need a post-​workout boost
Flywheel runs like an efficient machine — all you have to do is show up and follow along. I love that. I also love how even though it’s popular, there’s no attitude or pretense the way there is at some of the other high-​end fitness studios around NYC — it’s a very mellow vibe, and the people who come are just there to get their ass kicked by a good spin class.
I don’t love how packed and crazy it is in the lobby area pre-​workout, and the relative shortage of changing facilities and restrooms at this location.
I’ve tried lots of spin classes in the city (SoulCycle, Revolve, Julian Walker, etc.) and this is by FAR my favorite. I’ve enjoyed class with Alison, John and Leah the most of anyone I’ve tried. DO IT!

The elite of spin classes. Tried out my first class (on the house btw) last Saturday with Leah. Holy workout. I thought I was a pretty good spinner attending my 2 classes a week at NYSC but this changed my mind set.
Check in is simple and they have shoes for you if you don’t have your own. I thought the people at the front desk could have been a bit more helpful being my first class, but what can you do. Full 45 minutes of intense spinning followed by an email with calories burned, miles biked, and pounds lost… yes please.
Didn’t get 5 stars because the price is insane for the average person. Here’s to hoping they throw some Groupon, LivingSocial, Bloomspot, I live in the area so I should get a discount deals out in the very near future!

This is one of those cases where the whole is not greater than the sum of its parts. By in large, the instructors are great — do a good job at mixing up strength and endurance focus, good music and motivating. I also love the little torque and «power» machines on each bike that help keep you honest with how hard you’re pushing yourself.
The reason I can only give this 3 stars is because, quite frankly, for a place with no locker rooms, no showers, no room to even MOVE in the waiting area, no one wiping down the bikes in between classes, service staff with no courtesy — there is NO reason to pay $ 30 a class. Simply not worth it for the moderate upgrade in the quality of the classes.
Good to do every once in a while to mix it up — but I think I’ll stick to my gym spin classes in the meantime.

Went last night, awful instructor at the thursday night @7:30 class.
So boring, bad music, he was talking the entire time. the class was half-​full and there was zero energy. I didn’t feel like I got a workout at all. Soul Cycle classes are more fun and more distracting with good music, beats, and moves. Here you are preoccupied with numbers, rpm, power, etc. NO thank you.