Recently, Groningen added a new indoor cycling studio: Rocycle. The chain, already known from cities like Amsterdam, Berlin and Brussels, opened its doors at Boterdiep in early June. We took a class and share our experience. See if it’s something for you!
What is Rocycle?
Rocycle offers intense 45-minute spinning classes, where you train to the rhythm of rousing music. Think sprints, climbs, intervals and even a track with light weights for your arms. The room is dark, the music is loud and the energy is high. It’s all about rhythm, experience and group spirit.
How it works
You book your class via the website or the Rocycle app. After booking, you will receive your bike number by e-mail or in the app. Upon arrival, report to reception, where you will receive a friendly welcome and be asked for that number. Then grab your rental shoes from the rack (which are included) and head towards the changing room.
Facilities: well-kept and luxurious
The changing rooms are spacious, clean and well-equipped. Large mirrors, hairdryers, deodorant, cotton pads and even a straightener are waiting for you. It looks more like a modern hair salon than a gym. In the back, you will find toilets and showers. We did not use the latter this time, but so they are there.
My first class: what struck me
The class I took was on a weekday around 12.00pm. The room was not quite full yet – probably due to the time of day – and the audience consisted mainly of students. Remarkable: there were only women, not a single man in sight.
The instructor was a young, fit woman with an open appearance. She wore a sports top with ‘HYROX’ on it and explained that she had only been teaching spinning classes for a month. A month ago, she had never been on such a bike herself.
No problem for me – I have years of spinning experience – and she taught the class with conviction. Her enthusiasm was contagious and the atmosphere was relaxed. What I liked: she quietly walked by from time to time to check whether everyone was sitting correctly and gave subtle instructions where necessary. No harsh approach, but friendly and approachable.
One number was mega-heavy, with us alternating between standing and sitting. There were also a few fast songs, we did a lot of arm exercises and alternated between different positions on the armrest (from 1 to 4). We also did some push-ups and moves from left to right (core tightening!). Really incredibly fun to do.
Pilates on offer too
Besides indoor cycling, Rocycle also offers Roform: pilates classes on a reformer machine. A real competitor for Reformher, the studio where I now take my reformer pilates classes. Reformer is a gentle, controlled workout that focuses on posture, balance and muscle strengthening. Ideal as a complement to more intense cycling work.
Prices in groningen
A trial lesson at Rocycle in Groningen starts from €6 per lesson. After that, the cost of individual lessons is usually around €12. If you want to train more often, you can choose advantageous packages and memberships (subscriptions), where the price per lesson drops significantly the more lessons you buy. So you can decide what best suits your schedule and budget. Please note, for memberships, you can only pay by credit card.
Also nice to know: there are gift cards available, starting from €20, perfect to surprise a sporty friend.
Summary
- New studio on the Boterdiep in Groningen
- Indoor cycling of 45 minutes to music
- Booking via website or app, shoes included
- Tidy changing rooms with luxury facilities
- Showers, toilets and everything spotless
- Roform (pilates) also available
- Great atmosphere, accessible guidance
Curious? Book a trial lesson and find out whether this form of training suits you.
