Studio Velocity

Velocity is a Brazilian take on the spin class craze. It falls somewhere in between Soul Cycle (everyone riding together, motivational sayings, dimming of lights and a section of weights or bands) and Flywheel (there are leader boards and most classes include at least one sprint race). There is no candle light, and it doesn’t get as spiritual or dancey as Soul does in the U.S. The music is generally super high energy American hip hop or EDM mixes. Sometimes they have special themes or longer classes which they send out in the newsletter.
As with any fitness studio, the quality of the class depends a lot on the quality of the instructor and their mood. So far my favorite teacher is Bruna. She seems to always be high energy and have a well planned class.
The studio is impeccably clean. It’s still pretty new, so the shoes (bike shoes are required and included in the price of the class) and towels are in good condition. They have nice locker rooms complete with hair dryers and products in case you forgot anything. They also have lockers though you need to bring a lock.
Some things they could improve on: creating the ride as a pack culture, since a lot of people still come and just do their own thing (do that at the gym people); making sure everyone is riding with good posture and has their bike properly set; figuring out the class schedules so that regulars don’t get bumped by corporate no shows. Lastly I get really annoyed at the fact that the packages «expire» — usually they will let you extend but I just think it’s annoying. Either do a monthly subscription or a package but do t try to do both.
Overall a great sweat and good fun.

WARNING! This is not your mom’s gym spinning class! Classes vary between 45 – 60 minutes and they are intense, done a few classes there and so far have not gotten out of class complaining it was ever easy or not challenging. Their prices are premium, but what to expect from a place like that in SP; included in the price, you can wear their spin shoes, and a towel. If you have your own SPD or SPD-​SL cleats bring them, don’t just wear your regular sneakers because their pedals are either SPD or SPD-​SL, no shoe strap or a regular pedal. They are serious about it, about time!
You must be somehow fit or resistant to spin nonstop for 45 – 60 minutes, and while you are doing it, they’ll throw some punch, abs, curls routine, you name it… Ah, the only and main complaint is that through all classes I have taken so far, them all blast teenager dance music. Other than that it’s all gravy.
Another differential they have are two real time monitors displaying everyone’s performance REALTIME! Don’t fret though, neither the instructor will come around and adjust the strength nor your name gets displayed there, only bike numbers, phew!

After eating and drinking your way around São Paulo head to this grey and yellow temple of sweat!
Great music, great staff, excellent work out. The Velocity team is good at keeping its clients motivated with special deals, themed classes and after-​class treats.
Book your bike online and bring your competitive streak — they show how hard you’re working on a screen in the class…