Go With the Flow at This New Financial District Cycling Studio

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Just when you thought there couldn't be any more variations of indoor cycling classes in NYC, along comes Flow Cycle. Located on the ninth floor of a Financial District office building, cycling classes feature RealRyder bikes that are only sort of stationary—don't worry, you won't go crashing into any walls in the tiny studio (there's only a dozen or so bikes there), but your balance will certainly be tested.

The challenge here is that the bikes tilt from side to side as you ride, especially when you're out of the saddle (also known as standing up). It takes a bit of practice to get into the movement, explained instructor and studio co-founder Aisha Prielozny, known to her students as AC. But once you get the rhythm down, the ride will deliver an extra blast to your core and upper body.

Participants here face a projection screen displaying simulated riders on a loop course, which AC uses intermittently throughout the class. Sometimes she'll challenge students to sprint to the front of the pack—other times, she'll turn it off to go "uphill" to a slower beat, allowing riders to focus in the dark room.

Most songs end with a full-on sprint, so be prepared to sweat. "I'll see you at the end," AC typically says as she sprints along with you, bowing her head down.

Now, down to the nitty-gritty: Most classes are 45 minutes long. The bikes feature a mini-screen that tracks your time and distance, but not the your resistance level. Riders can bring their own clip-in shoes or ride in regular sneakers with cages attached to the pedals. Single classes are $22, and a ten-pack goes for $200.

And perhaps the best part of the whole class? The cold, moist towels AC pulled out of the fridge for students after stretching.
· Flow Cycle [Official website]
· Hey Indoor Cycling Studios: What's Your 'Thing'? [Racked NY]
· All Feel the Burn Posts [Racked NY]