VIDA Fitness & Aura Spa in Washington, D.C. has changed how indoor cycling is perceived by its membership. Looking for a way to tie-in the two-level rooftop at its U Street location with the remainder of the club, VIDA decided to host outdoor rooftop cycling classes. “Cycling classes have always been very popular at VIDA, so we figured it was a natural connection,” said Aaron Moore, the regional manager for VIDA Fitness.
It started with an indoor cycling class already held at VIDA, during which a professional DJ would spin for the 75-minute session. “When we opened the Penthouse Pool and Lounge for the season, we thought to ourselves, ‘why not take it outside?’” commented Moore.
The classes are held on the rooftop’s sun deck, which boasts a pool and is often used by members for sunbathing and relaxation. “It is just a nice open-air space,” said Moore. “The area has a great view of D.C.’s U Street corridor.”
VIDA began offering the rooftop group cycling class once a month, but had to increase its frequency to twice a month due to increased demand. “We don’t want to do it more frequently than that so as to provide a quiet, relaxing environment for members who use the club pool,” Moore said.
In addition, VIDA hosts a “Happy Hour” at the Penthouse Pool and Lounge after the cycling class ends “to celebrate a great workout, have some fun and allow members to interact with each other,” Moore explained.
VIDA Fitness charges $25 per 75-minute class, as part of the club’s small group training program.
According to Moore, members love the class. “[They] always want to put their name on the list for the next class as soon as the current class is over,” he said. “Members are always asking if they can bring guests, which has resulted in some new memberships.”
Logistically, Moore said it was “so simple” to implement the outdoor program at the U Street location. As all of the bikes have wheels, employees simply rolled the bikes out of the cycling studio and onto the rooftop’s sun deck.
VIDA Fitness’ new location, scheduled to open in mid to late 2014, will also feature the outdoor cycling classes. “Being outside just brings you closer to what it’s like to ride an actual bike outdoors,” said Moore. “It gets you out of that studio mindset of riding a stationary bike. You can also see the street from the rooftop, so it kind of feels like you really are riding a bike. We’ve had some beautiful weather lately, so it’s always nice to spend time outdoors, while still getting a great workout, along with the personalized instruction of a professional cycling coach.”
Moore would recommend other club owners try a similar program at their gyms. “If you have the opportunity to use a rooftop space at your club… do it,” he said.
By Sam Rogers
