Revolve

I started going to Revolve when it first opened and couldn’t get enough! The music was great, the instructors were motivating and the overall energy was rocking. Unfortunately I have given it several tries over the past 2 months and have been less than satisfied. I have tried various instructors at different times as I wanted it to be what it used to be however it is NOT :(It has lost its energy that it once had. There are so many other local cycling studios that are energized and doing really creative workouts on the bikes. Im saying this in hopes that Revolve will read and look at what the other local studios are doing and get it’s spark back.

Revolve is a good, solid indoor cycling studio. There are no locker rooms for showering (there’s a bathroom that is shared with other tenants in the building and a changing room), the locker section gets a bit cramped, the spinning room is pretty simple (and crowded but large), they don’t have an app for scheduling classes like some studios do, and you have to rent shoes for $ 2 (and clip-​in shoes are required, so either bring your own or rent). It’s hit or miss with the front desk staff — sometimes I’m greeted with a warm hello, other times, I’m basically ignored or occasionally I get a hi that really seems to mean «my mouth says hi, but my eyes say i hate being alive.»
That said, if you don’t care about that (and I don’t… and I don’t want to pay extra for these features), Revolve is a great studio at a good price point relative to other spin studios. Drop-​in price is $ 20, unlimited monthly is $ 149, and you can get packages so classes can be as cheap as $ 14 (if you get a 20-​pack). The instructors are all really helpful and energetic, especially for newbies like I was (they helped me adjust my bike and figure out how to clip in). The workouts are pretty much no frills, which I like. No weird pushups or dance moves with spinning — I just want to simulate a bike ride, not some sort of rave. Actually, I’ve never been to a rave, so I don’t know what I’m talking about. But the point is that it’s not a lot of frenetic arm movements during class. Also, aside from the general «you can push yourself» talk, there is no eyeroll-​inducing talk about how I should visualize my energy and change my life. I just want to work out; I’m not looking for a spiritual advisor. The music is good and motivating (earplugs at front desk if you’re loud noise sensitive). However, if you’re having an off day and really tired, you can really sorta dial it down and it’s fine — they really say that it is our workout and we should just do our thing.
First ride is $ 15 — I definitely recommend checking it out. I highly recommend rides with Francina or Crystal. Francina always has a great playlist — she is super energetic and positive and not in an annoying way. I always look forward to her classes — it sounds cheeseball, but I do have a good time and end up smiling in class because she’s so bubbly and fun. I really love Crystal’s workouts though — she also has a great playlist, and you can tell she really carefully plans out her rides (and she changes things up — I’ve taken several rides in a row with her, and each workout was different). I feel like I get the best workouts on her rides, mainly because they are so carefully planned out and she matches the pace with the beat of the music. In addition, the great thing she does is tell us ahead of time what we’re doing. For example, she’ll tell us exactly what/​how many intervals we’re doing and how hard we are pushing, and she’ll count down. Sometimes with these cycling classes, I won’t actually know how long they want us to push at a certain level (for example, when we are on a «hard hill» and are pushing really hard — are we on this for 30 seconds or 90 seconds?), so I’ll sometimes hold back a bit to reserve energy. However, with Crystal’s classes, she’ll tell you exactly for how many seconds we will be at our current pace/​resistance, so you end up pushing yourself to your max more. In addition, it’s kind of amazing, but she teaches back to back classes and she’ll push as hard as we are pushing (on the bike the whole time with us — not stopping to walk around or taking a break). This really does push me a bit more too.

I’ve been attending Revolve classes for about a year– not as my primary gym membership but rather to supplement marathon training, crossfit, and some yoga classes. Stephanie, who’s in charge, is helpful, friendly, and remembers everyone’s names– she is what makes this place really wonderful. They do have a revolving staff of front desk people– so for some of the negative reviews below– I wouldnt pass judgement on the general feeling of the place until you go a few times and get to know the regulars.
As with a lot of places, the instructors vary. I like Francina’s Saturday morning classes, and I’m a new fan of Amy’s too. There’s a few instructors who don’t really do a good job of pacing the tempo of the ride or weights to the tempo of the music– that’s really annoying to me. Most instructors are pretty good about asking if anyone’s new or needs help setting up the bike. I do appreciate that most have us get off the bikes to stretch– at another gym I once saw a girl fall of a bike while stretching! I do wish there was more stretching at the end of classes, but I appreciate maximizing our time on the bikes.
Most classes are 45 minutes long, with the exception of a few at 60 minutes. I like Mara’s spin+barre class on Wednesday nights, although I wish it was more challenging. Most instructors have great music– lots of upbeat pop and hip hop and lots of throwbacks.
They run a lot of classes back-​to-​back, so the changing/​check in area gets really crowded. I’d recommend not bringing a lot with you so that you dont have to spend time waiting to get a locker. There’s a space to change and a bathroom in the office building down the hall, but no shower or makeup facilities — you have no choice but to leave there really sweaty. You can rent shoes for $ 2, which are usually clean and in good shape, or bring your own to lock into the bike. Keep an eye on facebook for deals sometimes for class packages, too!

I’ve been going to Revolve for about 2 months now. I love that they accept class pass and have reserved seating so you never show up without a seat.
I’m spin enthusiast so I’m pretty picky about my teachers. As a whole, their teachers are pretty great which was surprising. My favorite is Gia-​Ninh, he’s really motivating and his class kicks butt. Neal is also really good and my next preferred instructor.
The studio is clean, offers towels, and filtered water if you bring your own bottle. They have lockers with combos for your stuff and the staff is always friendly/​helpful.
Overall, I highly recommend Revolve if you’re looking for a good spin studio in the DC/​Arlington area!

I’ve never taken a cycling class before and after Amy’s Real Ride today I think I may be hooked. I hate running, so this is a good way to get in a cardio workout. Amy was very motivating without being too in your face. I liked most of her music choices. I don’t know how this studio compares to Soul Cycle, but I’m a fan. The woman at the front desk also knew it was my first time and helped me find a bike and get clipped in and adjusted. Very helpful! I just wish you didn’t have to pay for the shoes.

Been going to Revolve for almost two years now and decided it’s time to write a review. Revolve has seen it’s fair share of awesome instructors move on in their fitness careers. One went to Solidcore another to Flywheel. Sad to see some of these awesome instructors move on, but luckily Revolve has maintained other good instructors. I’ve been to practically every instructor… Mara, Neil, Aimee, Crystal, Stephanie, Clare, Gia-​Ninh, and Francina. Hands down, Crystal is the best instructor at Revolve right now. She has great music, communicates what’s coming up next (so you’re not wondering), helpful with setting up the bikes (I’ve seen her take the time to help out newbies), pushes you to the limits, and has a deep voice. Something about having an instructor with a high pitch voice yelling at me just doesn’t motivate me (personal preference). Francina only seems to teach on the weekends and her classes are always full. She does a lot of position 2 (standing jog) and I’m not a fan; however, Francina is very personable and a lot of the clientele like her. Mara was one of my favorites in the beginning but I think she’s become a little too relaxed although she still rocks some good music. Clare is bubbly but doesn’t do a lot of resistance training, which I prefer. Stephanie loves to «stabilize» — her classes are pretty good but she doesn’t teach as often as she used to. If you are brand new to indoor cycling then check out Gia-​Ninh. He absolutely drives me bonkers, but I think if you’re new, you’ll appreciate the cues he provides. In my opinion, he talks way too much and the music isn’t loud enough. I do not «lose myself» in his classes. I would rate Aimee and Neal the same. Both are good instructors. I get good workouts and they are consistent. If you are experienced and looking for a challenge, sign up for Crystal’s class. FYI — her Friday AM classes are usually sold out.
Revolve has free parking in the garage. Only once did I have trouble finding parking. As others have mentioned, it’s pretty tight in the lobby. The biggest change I would make to this studio would be to add a large restroom with multiple showers. I don’t have the luxury of taking the elevator down from my Arlington apartment and going to class like some of the clients, so it would be great to have a shower to get ready for work at the studio. The bikes are due for change here within the next year I would say, and I hope they consider updating the sound system as well. I notice the instructors sometimes have a difficult time with their headphones. Also want to add that Stephanie is the studio manager and has always been very helpful. Go to her if you need anything. She’s very knowledgable on the best cycle gear and sales.
Overall, Revolve is a good place to get your indoor cycling workout. I am a little bias because I’ve been coming here for a couple years but I’ve tried other places and keep coming back to Revolve. I been to plenty of regular gym cycling classes (LA Fitness, Sport & Health, Golds, Fitness First) and Revolve is definitely a step up from a regular gym. I also tried out Zengocycle in Merrifield and was not a fan of all the upper body movements and light resistance training. I have not been to Soul Cycle, Fly Wheel, or Swet-​Ride but plan to check out those locations soon. Compared to those other studios, though, Revolve is the least expensive which helps in the wallet department.
My advice — sign up for a class with Crystal, introduce yourself to the staff, and say hi to the other clients, and enjoy your ride!

I tried a class here tonight and I don’t get any of the negative reviews. The music was great! Our instructor Neal was motivating but patient if you were out of shape (like me)
They helped my adjust my bike to have a perfect ride. I really liked the clip in shoes o felt that helped me push harder without feeling like I could lose the pedal.

One word: disappointing.
I’ve been spinning for over a year, 2x a week average, and have done spinning at: Sculpt DC, Biker Barre, Zengo, and Revolve. I have done two classes at Revolve. Quality is slightly above golds gym, but barely (I have had better spin teachers at Golds Gym Ballston). I went there using ClassPass and don’t think I’ll go back even for the «free» ride.
The first instructor I had reminded of a nice girl (sub) you may have gone to camp with when you were in elementary school — not motivating and very disappointing. This was a morning class and I remember almost passing out halfway through. Music was ok (some 90s boyband pop thrown in which was the highlight of the ride).
Second teacher: far better. He tried to motivate us and even got off the bike to come motivate each of the riders (a technique I find gets me really going). He did adjust my bike completely incorrectly — I asked him whether I needed to adjust something and he insisted his way was correct. For the next 1 – 2 days my ankle hurt. This is a huge no-​no for me.
On a positive note the arms part of the workout was fantastic.
Front desk: not the friendliest front desk. Tend to ignore you most of the time.
Locker room: awkwardly set up and involves you to sit on top of everyone else before/​after class. I did not need to shower there so can’t comment on that.
Sound system: Terrible. Just awful. Sounds like a screech half the time. This may need to be replaced.
While this place is in my neighborhood, I would rather spend the time and money to go out to DC /​Mosaic spin studios than come back here.

Meh… The classes are nothing special… feels like im at my gym. It’s hard to hear the instructor and the music is okay… not really motivating

Where to begin. Where to begin.
Well at the beginning of course!
I walk in, sign myself in on the list, and desperately try to catch the eye of the woman at the main desk.
(After several minutes):
Her: yes?
Me: I’m new!
Her: ok.
(About twenty seconds of silence)
Me: so where do I go, where are the lockers etc?
Her: (perfunctory explanation) and where are your shoes?
Me: oh I just brought regular shoes. I didn’t realize.
Her: (clearly praying for patience with this idiot) no WE clip in HERE.
Fortunately they have shoes there so I was fine. I then go in to setup, but am having trouble. It again takes me FOREVER to get ahold of the instructor for help. At which point class is about to start so I don’t really have time to get my bike set up the way I like it.
But of course after all of that I got to take out all my frustration with a really awesome spin class right?!
Nope. So so pathetic. Completely uninspiring. Plus, the instructor had about eight different weight levels she was using and didn’t explain what any of them should feel like. About halfway through the class I realized that her «moderate» is what I think of as «small hill.» Who knew?
Never ever going back.
Final note: the class has mirrors everywhere, which I personally don’t need in a spin class. The instructor’s music was basically all remixes, which is not my bag, and she kept turning the lights on and off, which is also not my bag (pick a light level! Just pick it!). I didn’t factor those into my star level since those are largely preference things. But I did not enjoy them.

So far so good. I just moved to Arlington, and I’ve been trying out the local work out spots in order to find a new routine. For my Philly friends, this place is more like Flywheel than Body Cycle. They have morning and evening classes, and so far it’s never been packed. You can register ahead of time, but you have to cancel 24 hours before the class, which is an insane cancellation policy. It seems like a lot of people just show up. There are plenty of bikes. All of the classes have been tough, and I do enjoy the arm section, although they have classes without that part if you want a traditional spin class.

First impressions are really important. I called to get some information on joining the studio. My initial question was, «am I able to try a class to see if I like the studio?» Her response was incredibly rude. «We don’t have any free classes if that’s what your asking. The first ever class costs $ 10.» I just can’t get myself to join that studio. There is a much nicer way to say what your saying. 10 bucks is not much but the delivery was terrible. I guess I’ll never know how great revolve is.

I’ve been going to Revolve since 2012 and used to LOVE it. However, this past year, the quality has noticeably declined. What I used to like about it:
— Motivating, experienced instructors
— A convenient schedule that hardly ever fluctuated (so I could structure my week and workouts around it)
— Friendly, helpful support staff
Now:
— Other than Francina and Becky, all the experienced instructors have left. The newer instructors are a bit all over the place, hard-​to-​follow, and not as motivating. I still love Becky’s classes (challenging, great strength-​training workout as well as cardio), but she’s hardly on the schedule. Francina’s classes are consistent, full of good music, and fun, even if not the most challenging. However, these are the only two instructors that I can currently recommend.
— So many times this past year, I have signed up for a class to only have it canceled or have a last-​minute instructor change. I tend to do 6 a.m. classes, and it’s only worth getting out of bed if it’s an instructor I like. Additionally, there have been multiple times that the instructor has been a no-​show, and, this morning, the front-​desk person was a no-​show (or at least very late).
I didn’t stick around due to being on a tight schedule and needing to get to work. This is a bummer since I count on a certain number of workouts a week and, if you’re getting up for a 6 a.m. class, you need to structure both your morning and evening before to ensure enough sleep and energy.
I’m sincerely hoping that management is reading these reviews and listening to feedback. Again, I used to LOVE this place and am hoping for a turnaround.

Watch your credit card charges here
My daughter notified them that she was moving and got bills for the next three months!
We still have not gotten full refund of the overcharge.
Very difficult to get to the right person and get corrected
Buyer beware

I realize I haven’t left a review for Revolve despite the fact that I have been coming here regularly for close to 3 years. As a disclaimer, I lived in the apartment building above the studio, and could literally get to a class 10 minutes after waking up — so I can’t speak to issues with parking, locker rooms, etc.
Until recently, I would have given 5 enthusiastic stars The instructors here for most of the time I’ve been going were fabulous. I’m not familiar enough with the spinning industry to assess how common instructor arrivals/​departures are, but there has been significant turnover in the past year, unfortunately involving several of my favorite instructors. One of my favorite things with Revolve was the consistency of the classes and instructors — for example, I would base my workout schedule around Angel’s extended ride on Wednesday mornings, but there is no longer that type of schedule. I hope the studio is able to find quality instructors to make up for the loss of so many top notch teachers in the past year alone (Angel, Dorothy, Grant, Alex, etc).
As noted in a few posts below, the staff is fantastic and always very helpful.

I really, really like Revolve. The staff is super friendly and helpful. The instructors have been great, even though they do need to work on music volume, because you can’t hear them over it. Classes have been fun and intense. You don’t need a lock for lockers and there’s a changing room and restroom (in the shared arcade; no shower though). I don’t like the idea of charging for shoes, though (classes are so expensive already). But they do provide towels and seat cushions.
I just wish they weren’t next to Bakeshop.

Well, what can I say… first, let me say that after reading other reviews, I didn’t experience this to the fullest. I have my shoes and have been taking RPM for years so I didn’t need any help. I moved to the area a few weeks ago and am still trying to find something that I will stick with. Anyway, I was invited to come along by friend to come here. In her defense she normally take evening classes and swears by the Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 6:30 classes. This review is of my experience a couple of Wednesdays 10am class.
2 STARS for cleanliness.
Teacher performance — The teacher did not introduce herself, but I later found out later that she is the lead teacher at revolve. She looks good and you want to take class from her, but I don’t think she has ever been on a real bike. She was lazy with her resistance and kept saying things like ‘don’t bounce’ while she was bouncing and her hips were sliding left and right when sitting (the 2 minutes out of 60 that she was on the bike). I have my doubts about the other teachers if she is their lead.
Teaching — there were barely any form corrections and so many people were bouncing and slouching. For me, this motivation style is annoying — walking around saying «yes yes yes yes yes get it get it get it yes yes yes faster yes» like something R rated is happening and worst of all was not genuine because you didn’t have to change anything for her to act like that. It happened for the whole class. She actually ‘that’s my girl’ to a girl. I thought to myself I hope that is your child because that was really patronizing.
The weight training was unsafe and lack any education. Telling people with weights in their hands and elbows up to bring their hands from shoulders to straight palms up IS NOT safe for elbows. I couldn’t believe people actually did this.
Music — I didn’t get it. There was nothing rhythmic about any song. You can’t talk the whole time either, Revolve. And then, being on the beat and moving your shoulders to the beat are different things. She was slower or faster than the beat the whole time. What is the point of the music being on then? People might as well turn up with their music and you just tell them if it is a hill or not.
Overall — unless it’s free, I’m not going back and if it is free, I will test out the other teachers. I’m not a fan and it’s how much?

— I am sorry to say that this is the typical «nickel and dime you» place. They charge like $ 2.00 for using their spinning shoes, so add that to your per class cost. What bothers me most is that they don’t give any disclaimer about these costs when you book.
— Another thing they don’t warn you about when you book is the cancellation policy. I went to cancel at 8:00 am one morning for a 10:00 am class and I was not even refunded for part of the charge. The worst part is that I tried for 20 minutes after that to find the cancellation policy on their website and I was unable to locate it. As a customer I don’t appreciate this shady practice of hiding important information.
–The bikes are not digital like Flywheel, so it’s not quite worth the cost.
— My class was with Alex, and I really couldn’t hear her over the music. If it’s your first time in her class, be ready to feel lost.

Great spin studio! Clean, staff is nice and helpful if you have questions and there are plenty of bikes.
Bikes are reserved through the online system which is good and bad. If you want a specific time or a specific instructor it can be a pain if you’re not in front of a computer (I think by Monday at 9am is when the classes open for the week) b/​c certain classes will fill up immediately.
I really enjoyed the AM Spin/​Barre class… very challenging!

Meh. Take this review with a grain of salt, because I just might be the only person in the DMV who was just not that impressed!
*The Good
— Very clean studio
–Friendly and helpful staff, ready to assist with lockers and bike setup
–Keycode lockers to store your stuff
–Towels and water cooler provided free of charge
–Sign up for classes the Monday of. This allows everyone a fair shake at getting their classes, and you reserve your bike ahead of time. Back right corner I’m looking at you!
The Bad
–Mediocre spin classes. I had my bike turned up full resistance and wasn’t feeling much. And trust me, I’m no he-​woman!
–The first teacher I took was pretty uninspiring, and it was odd just staring at myself spinning away in the mirror.
The Dangerous
–Not only was the barre class a joke, it was downright dangerous. We rode for 45min, and then did 15min of floor barre moves using the squishy ball. Not a single correction was given, even over the microphone. I’ve been taking barre classes since April, and I’m no expert, but I have a general idea of proper alignment. Not a single tail was tucked in there, knees were jutting all out of place, and you don’t really get the benefit of the moves in barre if you’re doing them completely wrong. I didn’t even bother finishing up my 10 class pass after that.
Overall
–Meh, not for me. But these girls do put a whole new spin on, «drop, pop, and lock it.» As in potentially popping knees and backs out of place! I’ll pass.