Anjua Maximo, co-owner of GrooveRyde, can think of no worthy excuse to fall off the cycling gospel. The micro-gym has offered its Groove Cycle class livestream and on-demand since March, initially sporting an uptick of 35 to 40 people a day. “It’s really about people just honoring what they need,” Maximo says. But can the beat-bopping, happy-hollering, party-on-a-bike atmosphere really be replicated in your living room? Maximo’s testimony makes us believers.
Beat Maker: Music can make or break a cycling workout. A sublime bass drop or tempo escalation cues riders where to focus. “It’s about music that’s going to keep you motivated,” Maximo says. For GrooveRyde, that genre is hip-hop or EDM. Opt for a playlist that builds its tempo. “Maybe it’s more mid-tempo songs and your songs get faster as the ride increases,” she says.
My Space: A common excuse for not working out from home is inadequate space. Maximo says it’s time to dismantle the myth. “Create an area,” Maximo says. “It can literally be five feet by five feet — just enough to move that bike in and stretch.” If there’s not a laptop attachment on the bike, set up a table. And teach yourself nothing but cycling happens in that space.
Fashion House: Workout wear should be breathable, but often people don sweatshirts. “A lot of times we’re not comfortable in our bodies when we’re starting fitness,” Maximo says, “[but] that’s actually not the easiest stuff for us to move in.” Home can be a place to take advantage of athletic fabric. “I opt for something that’s going to be moisture-wicking,” says Maximo.
Mood Board: At GrooveRyde, a single spotlight beams on an instructor as bikes thunder and music electrifies the dark. To create a similar experience, buy cheap LED light strips on Amazon. Add a lantern that changes colors for flair. Get a speaker that pops. “You want to make it fun,” she says. “It’s really about you dedicating and committing to yourself.”
Budget Moves: While Peloton’s $2,000 range probably seems a bit much for most of us, brand names should matter less than useful accessories. Maximo says extra cupholders can double up to hold weights. “I’m all about making at home as accessible as possible for people,” Maximo says. A regular road bike can even be mounted on indoor stands — quite a money saver.
