Spynergy

I really wanted to like this place but there were a few issues that I think will keep me looking for a better spin studio for myself. For simplification purposes I’ll break it out into pros and cons.
Pros:
— Friendly staff
— Great workout
— Easy to schedule classes online
— Varied range of participants (old, young, fit, overweight, etc)
Cons:
— Really Small Space– I’ve never been to a spin studio this small before.
— Nowhere to Wait– Everyone was on top of each other waiting to get a bike before the last class ended.
— You are literally on top of your neighbor during the workout. Maybe this is normal for some spin studios? The other’s ive been to were not like this where people were so packed together that you could feel other people’s sweat dripping on you (which, im sorry, is gross lol)
— No A/​C (or at least it didnt seem like there was). Unbelievably hot. They did have a fan in the corner but it didnt do much of anything that i noticed.
— Bad music. Maybe this is teacher dependent but they played love songs from the 70s and some 80s/​90s stuff (and a few songs i had no idea what they were). I was expecting more current music (pop, hip hop, electronic dance, etc…). Or at least if you are going to play old stuff– make it fast/​upbeat old stuff. Music that gets people pumped up not falling asleep. It was a tough hour to get through, not because of the intensity of the workout but because of the slow music.
— Never received guidance on bike setup despite asking for it.
I talked to a few friends afterwards who have also been there and the consensus was that they go because its close but otherwise agreed that the music is typically awful, its small/​cramped, hot, and because its so cramped you should expect to be sharing sweat and germs with your neighbors lol.
I’m hoping to find somewhere to take spin classes that is maybe a little more current with their space (in terms of size/​cleanliness) and music selections. But if you live in the area, enjoy this type of workout, and the other stuff doesn’t bother you then you should check it out. I just wasnt able to ignore those issues enough to want to go back.
Pricewise though they aren’t bad. I think compared to other places around they might even be less money but personally I’d rather spend more for a better experience, assuming one exists around here.

No response to several calls and emails regarding a beginner package I purchased. They must be content with their current membership load.
Call me picky but a response is not only required but the polite manner to handle business affairs.

As a passionate runner for 25+ years, I didn’t think I would ever find an alternate workout that would be as satisfying. But I have and I am hooked on it: spinning. So much so that for the past 10 years I drive from Chicago to Winnetka every Saturday and Sunday morning to satisfy my need for an intense workout.
I know there are locations closer to me and in my neighborhood. I’ve tried them. But none come close to providing the vibe and energy that come from the amazing instructors at Spynergy. It is a welcoming environment and there is a genuine sense of community that comes from within, there is nothing like it!

During my search to find a new spinning studio in the North Shore (RIP Flywheel) I discovered Spynergy on Unilocal.I went to sign up online for a 9:30am class with one of the owners, Jen, the very next day and discovered that even the waitlist was full. The sign of a great spinning class? I was determined to find out and so I booked a class with Jen a full week later and scored a bike (phew).
I arrived 10 minutes early for class and lined up airport security style with a few dozen women outside the studio. Thank goodness it was a «warm» winter day (by Chicago standards) because no spinning class is worth standing in the cold for. The infamous Jen herself made her way thru the line to say hello to everyone. As soon as she saw me (not a typical member of her cult) she asked if I was new and welcomed me to Spynergy. Loved the warm welcome!
There’s nothing fancy about Spynergy (especially in comparison to flywheel & some other spinning studios), but doesn’t make it any less of a good workout. Jen had amazing energy and after a few minutes on one of her bikes I understood the cult following. The music was good, but I would have loved some more current hits. Then again the ages in this class ranged from women in their 60s to New Trier students (why were they in school?) so she did a good job of choosing music that appeals to everyone.
The minute I left Jen’s class I booked it again for the following week (the schedule opens online one week in advance) so clearly I was a fan. I’ve also now tried Michelle’s class, which was also a good workout.
They have a large TV in front of the spinning studio where they show you which song they are playing. I’m surprised they don’t use the TV to play the actual music videos, but perhaps they do in the other classes that I haven’t had the pleasure of attending (yet).
The walk in rate for a class here is $ 20, which is a bit steep for spinning, but if you buy a series of classes it averages out to almost just $ 13/​class. Great deal based on the workouts I’ve experienced!
I’m still bummed that Flywheel didn’t cut it in Highland Park, but do think I“m going to be a very happy spinner at Spynergy.

As soon as I book a ticket home to visit my parents, the second thing I do is check the schedule at Spynergy, a truly great spin studio. Yes, it’s mostly Winnetka housewives in spandex, but for some reason I’m totally addicted. It’s a great workout – you see people of all body types (though most are fit and bedazzled with diamonds) – and if you’re new, just tell the teacher and they will be more than happy to walk you through the class.
Though I’m not a regular, it seems like a lively, social community, a feeling that is also conveyed during class time. After climbing a hill, you really feel the entire class made it together. And yes, sometimes there is light «whooping» or «hollering» that occurs.
In terms of the classes, Nancy Chase and Shane have the best music by far, with Jen recently also joining the A team. While Tory teaches a great class, I sometimes find her music a bit too U2, Coldplay, Springsteen, 80s heavy. That said, I imagine I’m not her target audience, so if Bono et al are exercise jam masters, you’ll be happy as a clam.
If you do ride card it’s fairly reasonable – I believe it can get down to $ 13 or $ 15/​ride – but fellow Unilocaler, Cassie D. is correct that $ 20/​session w/​o it can get spendy.
Yet, I find it’s worth the price – for $ 20 you can make sweating for 50 minutes quite enjoyable.

Great little spinning studio in Winnetka. I’ve been taking classes here for about a month now (1−2/week) and have thoroughly enjoyed each one I’ve taken (well, as much as anyone enjoys that kind of intense exercise).
The instructors are experienced and varied and they are good at varying their own classes as well (for example: Tuesday and Thursday morning 6 AM classes are both taught by Shane and Thursdays never feel like a repeat of Tuesdays). The online reservation system is easy to use and ensures that you won’t get to class and find yourself without a bike.
There are lots of bikes (44 I think), all with clip ins and some with straps for regular gym shoes. There are also some extra bike shoes in bins up front that I think people can use (I have my own so I’m not sure). Clean facility.
So why not 5 stars? Well, first off — it’s pricey! Would almost be cheaper to belong to a gym and just go to their spin classes (but I’m having a lot of trouble finding one with classes that fit my weird schedule). Second — I wish they had more evening classes. Sometimes I just don’t want to go at 6 AM but there really aren’t many options for after work.
Overall, a wonderful asset to the area!