Riders at the Boho Cycle Studio Photo by Jay Paul
After slogging it out in their restaurant-industry day jobs, an indoor cycling studio should be the last place that AnnMarie Grohs and Shannon Greenwood would want to be. But the multitasking founders of Richmond's new Boho Cycle Studio spend as much of their downtime here as they can — and they are just as likely to be taking a class as teaching one. The pair opened the North Sheppard Street studio in October, both to satisfy their own obsession with the sport and to offer novices and seasoned cyclists alike a no-impact cardio workout in a dedicated, intimate environment.
Aiming to create, as Greenwood puts it, "a place where you will have a really great time," Boho offers a boutique experience with an informal atmosphere, lavender-infused towels after workouts, bathrooms with extras such as hair ties for those coming straight from work, and cycling-shoe rentals for $2 per session. There are 20 classes a week, including a weekday slot at 6 a.m., and the choice of two class formats. In a Boho Cycle class, you may be asked to change speed or resistance, and switch between standing or sitting to keep things interesting; the Boho Body classes incorporate an upper-body workout and light weight exercises on the bike.
As well as being heart-healthy, Grohs and Greenwood say a stint at Boho Cycle is good for injury recovery and weight loss, estimating a potential calorie burn of 800 to 900 per one-hour class. They report they've had riders at the studio ranging in age from their teens to their 50s. With 10 instructors
on the roster, there should be a class style to suit everyone:
A recent session featured dimmed lights and glow sticks, and there's been talk of introducing a "karaoke ride." Private parties are also available, for groups of up to 20. "I want to get some bachelorettes in here," says Greenwood.
Walk-ins, discounted class packages and monthly unlimited packages are available; visit bohocyclestudio.com for more information.
