CycleBar Leaside is the first Canadian studio for the US indoor cycling chain. It feels like you’re walking into a bar, complete with a DJ booth in the corner.

The company was founded in Boston in 2004 by brother-sister duo Bill Pryor and Alex Klemmer, with an aim to Rock Your Ride and make spinning more affordable. The company grew rapidly and expanded quickly with dozens of locations.

The workout combines traditional spin elements like tracking RPMs and calorie consumption with high powered, synchronized dance movements.

This location in Leaside boasts a start-of-the-art sound system and light show in a 50-minute, high-energy workout. My initial reaction upon walking into the massive studio was an audible ‘whoa.’

CycleBar’s uniqueness comes from its high-tech cycling theatre, complete with a massive video screen behind the instructor. The enhanced sound and lighting make the experience feel like you’re in a club.

Near the end of the workout scores are displayed on the screen and riders are encouraged to race to the top. Combined with the dark mood and music, my competitive attitude sets in almost instantly.

The studio is large, surpassing other spin studios in size with ample room between bikes so riders have enough room to tap it back and ride side-to-side.

CycleBar combines the key ingredients to a successful cycling experience; great instructors (dubbed CycleStars), upbeat music with flawless transition and a great environment.

CycleBar take you through a rigorous cardio experience, leaving you drenched in sweat by the end of class. The classes are a challenging endurance mix of hills, drills and side-to-sides.

The weight portion of the workout is different and rather than free weights, CycleBar uses three or six pound weighted grip bars.

Classes are a fun mixture of Wine Down Wednesday, MashUp Monday or Happy Hour classes. There’s also a basic intro class for beginners, the classic 50-minute ride, themed rides and strength rides focusing on upper body strength.

Classes begin as early as 6 a.m. with the last class at 7.30 p.m. on weekdays. A drop in class is $24, $10 for new rides or $199 for a monthly unlimited.