When you take a cycling class at CycleBar in Wyckoff, you are getting more than a great workout. Owner Pedro Trujillo has built a culture of friendship and fitness that extends far beyond its storefront at Boulder Run Shopping Center.
Having immigrated from his home in Venezuela to the United States at the age of 29, Pedro’s education included a Master’s in economics, which eventually led him to a position with BD in Franklin Lakes. After spending 15 years in the corporate environment, Pedro decided he wanted to do something aligned with his love of a fitness-based lifestyle. Always a fan of cycling classes, he began researching spin franchises and found Cycle Bar, opening his doors five years ago in October 2016.
Spinning provides cardio health benefits in a low-impact atmosphere. You can work out at your own pace, and it’s extremely convenient, open to people of any age or fitness ability. Many of Pedro’s clients have shared with him that their doctors have been pleasantly surprised with cardiovascular results once they began practicing a cycling regimen.
“Cycling classes are great for a person’s mental health as well,” says Pedro. “A good cycling workout gives you a sense of accomplishment and can release pent-up emotion. It’s not just physical; it can help people going through difficult circumstances to clear their heads.”
When hiring instructors, Pedro brings in candidates who exhibit a love for people and the community. “Our instructors have a sense of belonging, and they love sharing what they do with others to help them achieve their fitness goals. They are dedicated to the profession and their clients; their hearts are in the right place.
Each instructor brings their style and personality along for the ride. They curate their playlists so they have the freedom to take ownership of the class while adding their own dash of creativity. Instructors can also change the “Cycle Theater” ambiance through dramatic lighting, synched to fit the class's mood, music, and feel. Cycle Bar management oversees everything to ensure that members are happy and the classes exceed their high expectations.
Cycle Bar offers a variety of class styles to suit every preference. “Connect” classes focus on the rhythm of the music without worrying about numbers or stats. “Performance” classes are stat-based to drive cyclists to challenge themselves throughout the class. “Classic” rides are a combination of both. Access to the app allows members to track their performance and goals to see their history and measure their progress over time.
Class hours suit all types of workstyles and lifestyles—accommodating early morning commuters as well as moms after dropping the kids off at school. There are evening classes available for those who prefer to train after work. “We make it convenient by offering cycling shoes, water, and towels,” says Pedro. “All you have to do is come in wearing your workout clothes.”
If you’re new to indoor cycling, don’t worry. It’s as easy as riding a bike. Cycle Bar staff gets new riders acclimated to the studio at their first visit and helps them set up the bike properly.
As a community-based business, Pedro feels a strong commitment to creating a sense of community throughout the studio. “We create a space to come exercise, meet people and create social interaction. We hope our members become friends both inside and outside of Cycle Bar. As humans, we all need that connection.
To that end, Cycle Bar also offers charity rides as fundraising events. They arrange for an event at a low fee for a non-profit, and the charity sells tickets to its supporters. “It’s a nice get-together for the community,” says Pedro, “we work hard to make it affordable and easy for organizations.”
Cycle Bar offers term memberships as well as cycling packages. There are discounts available for teachers, students, nurses, and the military.
Pedro has also recently acquired another fitness concept called Row House in Washington Township. A similar model to Cycle Bar, except it’s with rowing machines rather than cycles. “I’m fortunate to have been able to come to the U.S. from Venezuela. I’m pursuing the American dream,” he says.
cyclebar.com/location/wyckoff
