Santander’s summer spin up

Are you looking to spice up your spin? Then we’d like to introduce you to Santander’s summer spin up! 

If you’re a spin addict, you’ll no doubt be familiar with the awesomeness that is BOOM cycle. This summer they have decided to partner up with Santander and TfL to bring you a series of live spinning rides in iconic locations around London. The idea behind the collaboration is to encourage more Londoners to use other ways of getting around the city such as the cycle scheme. It costs as little as £2 to hire a bike, is super fun and environmentally friendly – all at the same time!

Team WHL were lucky enough to experience their first event last week, which was located at none other than the very top of the Shard. The class began at 7.15am in the viewing gallery (before it opened to the general public), and travelling up to the 73^rd floor with not a soul in sight to reach the open-air top of the city’s tallest building was certainly an awesome way to kick-start our morning. As we span and sweated it out on the Santander bikes, we realised there is little better distraction to achy legs than seeing the London Eye in all its glory.

So how do Santander do it? The front wheel of the bike is immobilised whilst the back one is on a series of roller plates so that when you peddle, the wheel moves. This is very different to a spin bike: it feels quite stiff and certainly not as smooth to peddle. Rather than having a resistance button, you use the bike’s gears to change the intensity. Most of the ride you will switch it up between gears one and two – only if your instructor is feeling in a particularly wicked mood will you step it up to gear three.

The class is very much like what you can expect at BOOM cycle, but has the added bonus of being held in a remarkable London landmark. Weights are used to work the arms and music is incorporated so you can spin along to the beat. Fiji water is on hand to hydrate, Santander sweat towels keep you refreshed, and a pass to your nearest Fitness First allows you access to shower facilities to freshen up post-spin (although make-up wipes and deodorant are kindly provided at the venue). After all that sweating and spinning, you’ll be treated to a delicious breakfast courtesy of Pip & Nut and if that wasn’t enough, you’ll be given a fab little goodie bag to take home with you, too!

All classes are free of charge, but you’ll need to sign up here to be notified when you can register for the next event. Make sure you’re quick as spots are speedily snapped up. Happy spinning!