BurnCycle

This is our FAVORITE workout in Portland! I could not be more proud of my wife as she goes almost every day… The people are friendly! The atmosphere is great! I have nothing but 5 stars and MORE !

I’m obsessed with burn cycle, if I could afford it, I’d start and end every day in that room. I recently signed up for their 3 for $ 40 (first time discount) and have been going bi-​weekly — my coworker isn’t always ready to get her booty kicked or else we’d be there weekly!
For starters, while it may not seem like a body friendly environment (everyone is around mid 20’s and tops like 130) they totally are. I’m overweight by about 80+ pounds and I know this. I haven’t ever really found anything that makes me feel good and accepted, but burn cycle does it. It’s dark for the majority of the ride, and everybody is focused on themselves. In fact, most of the leaders point you towards inner reflection, so who gives a crap what anyone else thinks!
The crew here is so good! I’ll maybe one day get how the whole bike adjusting thing works, but until then they’re more than happy to help and make sure I’m happy pre ride.
If you’re on the bigger side and are intimated by a class like this, please don’t be! Take a friend and kill it. I’m beginning to think one of my goals isn’t just to get fit – but to lead a class one day.

While on vacation, I decided to try out a few studios in Portland. I went to one of Jade’s classes and was hooked — so much so that I walked out of a bad class at another studio to go back to Jade’s class. The music was really great, the bikes were easy to set up on my own, and Jade had a lot of positive energy.
The studio is super nice, and the facilities are clean and spacious unlike a lot of spin studios. I’m giving it just four stars because there’s only one bathroom stall for women and I think too much of the class was done standing up.

This place is slick. And also quite possibly the greatest thing to ever happen to me.
The basics of BurnCycle: Riding a stationary bike in the dark, dance music blasting, and doing «choreographed» moves on the bike, with the instructor yelling inspirational things to you, pushing you to turn up the tension and sweat even harder.
It’s like SoulCycle in LA. But better.
You spend a good amount of time out of the saddle (which I prefer), also doing different upper body movements intended to work the core, and there’s a separate arms section with free weights towards the end of the class.
I’ve been to the classes of most of the instructors at Burn (including Will’s whose classes are always waitlisted), and IMO, the best instructor is Michelle. Hands-​down.
Here’s why:
— AWESOME playlists — she plays stuff like Beyonce, Steve Aoki, EDM (I’ve added to my music collection based on the music she’s played in class)
— She does TONS of core work (pulses and tap backs on the bike that work both upper and lower abs, as well as oblique work)
— Inspirational — she brings mindfulness in the mix, constantly reminding riders to focus on the present moment, to ride for yourself. It’s basically therapy with a side of cardio.
— She’s a pro — I can’t tell you how many instructors don’t time the sequence of bike moves to the music. She’s got it under control perfectly, also makes sure to balance both the L and R leading foot so you don’t overdo it on one side.
I like her classes so much that it’s one of the things I’ll lament if I have to move out of Portland.
The place has some first-​time rider promos/​discounts that make it worth trying out if you’ve never been before.
My only complaint with this particular studio is the one-​person men’s bathroom. Granted, the clientele is mostly female, but there are usually a handful of guys at each class and waiting in line just to pee before class is annoying.

It’s taken me a while to write a review about Burncycle, because honestly there’s nothing I can say that will properly convey how much I appreciate this place. I will still give it a try though.
I tried a class for the first time about 6 months ago, as an acquaintance is an instructor there. I’m not going to lie, I was very out of shape at this point in my life, and frankly super unhappy. The class was extremely difficult for me. I felt embarrassed and intimidated by «The Pack» of toned and athletic humans that surrounded me, especially being a shy and socially awkward person. But thanks to Kira’s kind words and encouragement, I left the class with a new found sense of pride. I had done the damn thing and was determined to do it again and do it better.
6 months later, I’m proud to say I’ve gone fairly consistently and am better shape than I was in college. I look forward to working out and have even convinced many friends and coworkers to join me. It is on the pricey-​side, but I have never once regretted attending a class. I have regretted NOT going though. This is the first gym I’ve joined that I can confidently say is worth the price. Aside from the classes and brilliant instructors, it is a beautiful and clean space to work out in.
After trying several instructors, I have to say my two favorites are Michelle and Ashley. They both pick great playlists for their classes and are extremely motivating and uplifting without getting too spiritual or sounding like a self-​help book – I know that works for some people, just not me.
If you are trying to decide whether or not to try Burncycle, I encourage you to just go for it. The hardest part is getting through the doors. You will be intimidated. You will sweat a lot. But you will get the hang of it. And to steal their lingo, the first time you really feel like you’ve «crushed your ride» you’ll leave feeling like the badass you are and you’ll be hooked.

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Burn cycle.
I recently tried it for the first time this month and absolutely loved the workout. The staff was very friendly and the instructor Jesse was so fun. You really do get a great workout with the feeling of being at a party on a bike. I will be back as soon as i’m home from out of town! Thanks guys at burn cycle !

This is an excellent studio with motivating teachers and a welcoming if not overwhelming at times staff. I realized my big appreciation recently when I went to a studio out of town and the teacher there didn’t even compare to those that kick your ass at burn cycle. The upper body movements at burn cycle are especially great aspects of the workout that I took for granted and realized when I went to a flywheel that didn’t utilize the upper body much. These workouts will kick your ass and each dollar of the class spent is well worth it because they really try to motivate you and encourage you to do your best.

Don’t think for one second that a cycle class means you sit your pretty derrière down in a bike seat and pedal leisurely for 45 – 50 minutes. Your fitness goals will be achieved at a snail’s pace if that’s your idea of a workout, and if it is, then so be it, but BurnCycle will throw you for a serious loop.
You move up and down on that saddle like your life depended on it and pedal as fast or as hard as you can. Strike that. Not as hard as you think you can, but as hard as you’re able, which is always a wee bit faster or with a wee bit more resistance than you think your body is capable of. The beat of the music is what drives you and the two classes I did take, the music was definitely on point.
I love the price of BurnCycle (when compared to its sister from another mister, Soul) and I also love how the bikes are spaced out enough to where you can really work the core moves with your elbows fully horizontal without having to sacrifice form for limited real estate between riders. I also really loved the energy of the room. I usually sit in front, but was only able to grab middle seats at the classes I took while in town, and I’m not sure if it was the positioning or the actual group of riders/​instructors, but I really did thrive off of the room’s rock and roll, take no prisoners vibe.
If you do opt to use their shower facilities, they are a bit cramped, especially if one class is finishing at the same time as another is about to begin, but they do have towels, toiletries, and hair dryers if you do choose to rinse off after.

I heart BurnCycle as it is exactly the type of tortuous workout I was seeking. I want to be a hot sweaty mess at the end of 50 minutes, and with BurnCycle that goal is most certainly achieved. Not all classes are created equal as there are certainly some instructors that are better than others. Yep the music is super loud and terrible (ear plugs provided (thanks), music played still crap). Its also not cheap (add on $ 2 a pop for shoes if you don’t have clip ons), and we’re taking a pricey workout. For me it is well worth it. I’m not sore as noted after a Barre class or lifting weights at the gym, but it gives me a fantastic low impact workout, which gets my heart racing. I’ve also noted that my cardio fitness has vastly improved, which has translated to running farther and being able to hike uphill quickly without feeling like I’m going to pass out. I go roughly two days a week and love my BurnCycle workouts. Would highly recommend!
btw– no childcare offered and you can rent super clean $ 2 clip ons at the front desk. Also metered parking is surprisingly easy in this area.

The music was fun, the class was packed, and the vibe was good. The activities we did, well, they were something. More then ¾ of the class was in the ‘standing’ position on the pedals, which is not a sensible place to spend 30 mins while cycling. The addition of ‘full body’ exercises like ‘sit ups’, ‘chest presses’, and ‘oblique crunches’ were awkward at best, and honestly, I was unable to feel any activation of those muscle groups because I was doing my best not to let my knees get whipped around by the flywheel.
I can’t in good conscience recommend this style of exercise to anyone, if you want to do aerobics, take a Zumba class, don’t do it on a ‘cycle’.

This place gives me life. Their classes are extremely fun/​addicting. The music is the best I’ve ever experienced in a workout class. This class is not for the weak of heart, but that’s a good thing. Every class I’ve taken is a roller coaster ride. Shout out to Steph, she is AMAZING at keeping the class reaching. Four stars only because I wish it was more accessible (more class times and more affordable class packages)

I just moved to Portland from NYC and was worried I wouldn’t be able to find anything like SoulCycle, but BurnCycle is just as great (and almost half the price!)The staff is so friendly and made me feel at home on my first visit to the studio. So glad I found this place!

This place has quickly become my second home and I absolutely love it.
I lived across the street from the studio and had wanted to try it out for a while. So, when my friend at work suggested we try it, I jumped at the chance. From the minute I walked through the door, the positive vibes were palpable. The staff was friendly, helped me setup my bike, and made sure I knew the basic moves before we started.
Once the teacher came in and the music started, I was hooked. The workout was intense but felt incredible. I’ve taken classes with a few trainers, and while they all have their own style, they’re all motivating and really challenge you to do your best.
Don’t let the 2 lb weights fool you, they hurt like hell when you get to them, but your body will thank you shortly thereafter. I’ve been going for a month (I did the first month unlimited) and it’s become a strong part of my workout routine. (I feel like I’m cheating on BurnCycle when I go to kickboxing.)
Overall, their saying stands true, they are a Pack, but they’re a welcoming bunch who are happy to embrace newcomers. I should warn you, people aren’t joking when they say it’s addicting. I’m there 3 – 4 times a week, and build my social schedule around class times.
Come out for a ride! You’ll be glad you did!

The location, facility and staff are top notch, but I must say I didn’t care for the ridiculously loud music. If you want to preserve your hearing, wear earplugs. I wish I had known they were available at the front desk. I had a really hard time hearing the instructor over the music, but the routine is relatively basic, so you really don’t need to understand every word. Just follow along visually.
The workout was okay, but a lot of the upper body and core work seemed quite contrived. Also, the room was so hot and humid that I felt like much of my sweat was «artificially induced.» Yes, I worked hard, but not as hard as my drenched shirt would lead me to believe. I call this the «Bikram» effect — where the room conditions deceive you into thinking you got more out of a workout than you did.
I can appreciate what they are doing here, and it seems like a lot of people like it, but it’s definitely not for me.

The best workout I’ve had in my 3+ years in Portland. That’s all you need to know; sign up!

Burn Cycle is a phenomenal cycling studio and unrivaled by any others I’ve tried in the PNW. Imagine reminiscent to Soul Cycle, but replace the kitschy «soul» element with a hard core, athletic and inspiring workout. The instructors are all completely ripped and genuinely care about the students. Always open to before and after coaching and motivation.
The online booking is very convenient and allows one to secure the bike positioning of their choice. The facility is beautiful. Very contemporary and sexy style.
Thanks to much for bringing this gem to PDX!!!

Yep, love the Burn.
I also love the Soul, the Peloton, the Fly, the Rev, and basically any spin-​sanity class that pumps loud music in dark rooms and expects you to stay. on. that. beat. What I did enjoy about Burn over the others was a lack of that spiritual, think-​about-​your-​life-​as-​I-​symbolically-​blow-​out-​these-​candles crap. I don’t need that. Know what else I don’t need? Crazies in the front row that are worshipped by the instructor with that passive aggressive «oh, great job front row» praise. Yeah, we’re still back here, one row behind you, literally working our asses off too. And yes, we see you.
Skip all that and come to BurnCycle. You’ll work hard, you’ll sweat, and you won’t be judged because this workout unequivocally kicks everyone’s butt. And isn’t that the dream?

My boss tried to kill me.
Both of us are trying to get into better shape, so as a team-​building experience he suggests I join him for a class at BurnCycle, a group fitness class he does three times a week. I think to myself «I’m in pretty good shape, and I’ve done spin classes before. What’s the worst that could happen?»
The answer to that question: Attempted murder.
It wasn’t a solo operation. He recruited the efforts of Josh, the Thursday 5:30 instructor. He’s fit, friendly, energetic and motivating. The perfect cover for his plan to make my heart explode. They assign me the bike immediately in front of Josh, all the better to monitor his efforts.
«HOW YOU DOIN’ THURSDAY???» he periodically calls out to the class. Most people just let out a WOOT, but my internal responses went more like this:
1) Nervous but enthusiastic, Josh! Thanks for asking! I’ve never used the shoes with the clips before, and your terminology for hand placement and movements is hard to keep up with, so I’m kind of confused. But I’m confident that together you and I can make this happen!
2) Wow Josh, I’m surprised! This is really challenging! How am I supposed to do pushups on the bike while peddling at a different speed? But if all these other people the class can do it, surely I can too…
3) Well Josh, truth is I’m concerned! You keep suggesting we turn the nob to right, and there really aren’t that many breaks in your program! I’ve sweated through both my shirt and a towel, and I’m completely flustered by all the movements! I didn’t come to a cycle class to be reminded of how terrible a dancer I am! This has to be almost over, right? Oh, we’re only 20 minutes in? Efff…
4) JOSH! How can you ask me that? You see me floundering, don’t you? I’m Right in front of you! Please, please slow down. Wait, why are you making me pick up weights???
5) I hate you Josh. I know what you guys tried to do, and you failed! I will find you when this is over and pay you back for what you have done to me. Watch your back, pal.
And then it was over! Truth be told, while I DID find the class ridiculously intense, the time went by quickly and it never crossed over into something that I honestly couldn’t do. After the class I was a hot, sweaty mess. But I was also incredibly proud of myself. I can see why people would do this on the regular.
I’ll be back. On a bike in the back of the studio.

Love this place! It is the exact replica of Soul Cycle (NYC, LA, SF) …except for the name, color and the bikes.
Amazing workout, great music and awesome instructors!
Try it once and I guarantee you will be addicted!

Burn cycle is a very modern and and hipster fitness center. This place is full of so many good-​looking hipsters. It’s in the center of downtown Portland. They have great deals on workout sessions and or gym isn’t too small it’s actually pretty big.