THE STARCYCLE 2019 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

It’s that time of year again! The weather is getting colder, sweaters are getting warmer, and all of us are starting to think of the perfect gifts for our friends and family. To make things a little easier, the team here at StarCycle put together a list (and checked it twice!) of our holiday “must-haves.”

Not only did we put together a kickass gift guide, but we are going to be GIVING those dream gifts away to our #StarFam this year! (eeeeee, major excitement over here!) All December long, we are hosting giveaways on our StarCycle Brand Instagram account: @starcycleride. So, follow along and don’t forget to enter to win—we are giving away something almost every other day!!

1. BEAR Wellness products: Do you have a special someone who loves clean, beautiful wellness products? You should definitely check out BEAR. “All products contain activated, highly-therapeutic ingredients to deliver optimal bio-availability and to ensure nutrients are readily absorbed by the body.” We especially love their Nourish Essential Daily Superpowder, which “helps support a healthy digestive system, immune system, nervous system and promotes healthy, radiant skin.”

2. Parachute Bathrobe: OMG. If you haven’t tried Parachute products, you are missing out! We can’t think of a better gift than their Cloud Cotton Robe. “Soft, light and luxurious, this super comfy robe features fluffy 2-ply gauze, a snug waist tie and two hidden side pockets.” Now THAT’S something to lounge about.

3. Shimano Cycling Shoes: We hate to say we have favorites—but we totally do!! We love the RP2 style, because it’s sleek and comfortable. Pair these shoes with some Look Delta Cleats, and your loved one will be ready to rock the bike! Pop into any StarCycle studio and we can order a pair for you and get the cleats installed for you. #shoessss

4. Year Of Ours Apparel: Looking for a new and exciting athletic wear brand to gift this year? Check out Year Of Ours! They’re a female-led company based in LA, and their apparel is u-n-i-q-u-e as it is RAD. We’re talking lace up leggings, bold colors, and soft materials.

5. Nightingale Remedies: Are you a CBD fan and looking to spread the love? Look no further than Nightingale Remedies. Whether you prefer drops, creams, or patches, they have a wide variety of products all specializing in CBD pain relief.

6. Campo Beauty: If you’ve got an essential oil lover on your list this year, Campo Beauty has the perfect holiday gifts to make your shopping a breeze! Choose one of their sleek oil diffusers paired with an essential oil blend called “woods” for the perfect gift.

7. StarCycle Swag: Did you know every StarCycle studio carries a carefully selected collection of merchandise? That’s right! Stop in at any of our studios to choose just the right gift for your StarCycle enthusiast.

8. Greenleaf Juice: Everyone loves a good smoothie or breakfast bowl, so give a gift card to your pal’s favorite local juice shop! One of our personal faves (near StarCycle HQ in Portland) is called Greenleaf Juice, and they have an amazing menu to choose from!

9. Frozen Wellness: Another local Portland fave, Frozen Wellness Cryo House in Portland is the perfect gift to give your favorite athlete or fitness enthusiast. “Cryotherapy is a painless and easy application of extreme dry cold to the body to look and feel energetic, invigorated, youthful, and recovered. Frozen Wellness is a place that welcomes and cares for all people who enter.”

10. Golden Star Beauty: Keep your favorite friends (or yourself!) tan all winter long with Golden Star Beauty tanning products! Personally tested, these products smell amazing, are made of quality ingredients, and give you a good, rich tan. No orange tint ever! Our favorite of their line is self tan serum for face, which goes on clear and doesn’t clog pores.

11. GoldSheep: Last but not least is GoldSheep apparel. These are some of our fave leggings to wear when sweating, walking, shopping, driving… and just about everything else! Stick with a neutral color, or be bold with one of their fun and festive prints. We are especially vibing with their Tortoise leggings (and if you really want to deck out your loved one, they also have a matching sports bra and bomber jacket!!)

Needless to say, any of these gifts would get approval from us, and we maaaay have put a few of them on our personal Christmas Lists this year! Whether you’re shopping for your spouse, your friend, your sibling, or yourself, give one of these gifts this year for a guaranteed GOJ (gasp of joy.)

Don’t forget to check out our StarCycle Brand Insta account, and put those notificatons ON! because we’ll be giving away some of our dream gifts aaaall December long!

Happy Holidays,
The StarCycle Team

THE STARCYCLE MOBILE APP IS HERE!

Life just got a little easier – we’re thrilled to announce that the StarCycle App is here! We want to make it even easier to book your rides so you can spend less time online and more time on the bike.

Our FREE mobile app features include:

  • Book and buy classes for all StarCycle studio locations
  • Easy guest booking feature (since class is better with friends!)
  • One-click add ons for shoe rentals, bottled water, and more

Ready to get started? Download now from the App Store and log in using your username and password for your StarCycle account!

LEARN MORE ABOUT STARCYCLE PORTLAND STUDIO OWNER, DANIELLE

When Danielle Massari first walked into the StarCycle studio in Lake Oswego 3+ years ago, she had no idea at that time what was written in the stars for her. A mom of two, balancing a career and a busy family, she came to StarCycle seeking a place to push her limits physically, and gain clarity mentally. She found both but also discovered a community that would strengthen her from the inside out. The easiest way to describe how she felt about StarCycle, was that it was addictive. “I had no idea what I was in for when I stepped foot into StarCycle. I wanted a great workout and to connect with people in my community. What I found was much greater.”

After taking classes consistently (shout out to her regular 9am squad!), Danielle took the plunge into becoming a StarCycle instructor. She went through instructor training in fall of 2017, and has been a regular face on the schedule teaching at both the Cedar Mill and Lake Oswego studios. “Being an instructor is the greatest gift I could have given myself. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to step up on that podium and help people dig deep and find their strongest selves.”

Danielle couldn’t believe how much she fell in love with teaching and how she wished she could share this community she loved so much with even more people. Inspired by the StarCycle studio owners in Happy Valley who she’d seen take their love of StarCycle to their local community, Danielle decided to come on-board as a StarCycle studio owner. Danielle couldn’t be more thrilled to bring StarCycle to the Williams neighborhood of Portland, where her studio will be opening on the corner of N Williams and NE Mason! “Portland is such an amazing place to be. Vibrant, exciting, diverse. I have spent so much time on N Williams and really just fell in love with the atmosphere. When it came time to decide where I wanted to focus my energy, I really felt a calling to the heart of N Williams. I am excited to bring a whole new community of riders to StarCycle.”

To keep tabs on Danielle and her studio opening, make sure to follow the StarCycle Portland Facebook page. You’ll also be able to catch Danielle teaching at StarCycle Lake Oswego and Cedar Mill all summer long. When she isn’t teaching, she and her family will be at Tasty n Sons having brunch most weekends or sneaking down the road to St. Cupcake. “The community of N Williams brings so much to the Portland area. So many entrepreneurs like myself investing their time in building a great community.”

To learn more about opening a StarCycle studio in your local community, join our upcoming StarCycle Ownership Info Session on Tuesday, July 25th 11:00 AM Pacific Time. Register here!

STARBASICS: RIDER 101

Taking your first StarCycle class? Indoor cycling workouts have become increasingly popular in recent years, yet a lot of people (across all age groups and fitness experience levels) are a bit intimidated to try them. If you’ve finally decided to take the leap and sign up for your first indoor cycling class with StarCycle, you might be nervous. But fear not, we’ve got your back with some tips to help you crush your first class.

FUEL UP + HYDRATE
Our signature indoor cycling workout is going to leave you sweaty and empowered (in our studios, sweat is a badge of honor). That’s one of the things our members love most about us! To prep for your first ride, you need to fuel your body in the right way. Set yourself up for a successful class by eating and hydrating properly before you get there. Drink plenty of water beforehand and bring a large, refillable bottle with you so you can hydrate during and after class.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO SIT UP FRONT
Try to arrive to class with 5-10 minutes or so to choose a bike and adjust it to your specifications. And don’t worry, your instructor is there to help to get everything set up perfectly. It might feel overwhelming to pick a spot up front for your first class, but as a new rider, this is actually the best way to become acclimated. From this view, you can see exactly what your instructor is doing and catch on much more quickly, rather than feeling lost in the crowd.

GEAR UP
Worried about what to wear? As a basic rule, dress for performance. Wear a tank top or a moisture-wicking shirt for temperature control. Something more fitted like leggings are much better than sweatpants or anything loose. At StarCycle, our bikes are compatible with Look Delta cleats; you’re welcome to bring your own, or you can rent them at the studio for $2 per class.

KNOW THE LINGO
Indoor cycling jargon can be a lot to take in at first. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the lingo you might hear in class ahead of time. Your instructor will definitely mention resistance knob, which you can control with the resistance knob on your bike. This control determines how hard your muscles will have to work to increase your revolutions per minute. You’ll have to match these numbers in class by increasing or decreasing the knob. You should also know what a “tap back” is before you go to class. This refers to when a rider raises themselves out of the saddle and then returns almost to the seated position before repeating the process again. It’s an exercise that strengthens the core, quads, and glutes and will probably be used in your first class. StarCycle is a total body workout, so get ready to use all major muscle groups on your first ride!

RIDE FOR YOURSELF
At StarCycle, your first ride, and every ride, is about you. The lights are down, the music is up, and you will be able to hone in on the movement in your body. Your first class might be a lot for you to take in, and that’s okay. Between the physically taxing indoor cycling workout, the music, the full body movements, and all of the new things to learned, you might feel overwhelmed. Remember that it’s okay to take a minute to slow down – you’ve got this! And you should definitely remember to breathe. Above all else, listen to your breath and to your body. By keeping your breath constant, you’ll allow your muscles to work the way they should and reap the mindful benefit of the StarCycle workout.

Some of our studios even offer a StarBasics workshop to help out new riders get acquainted with the bike and our signature format – check your local studio for more information. We hope these tips help to make your first indoor cycling workout a lot more fun and a lot less daunting.

ARE YOU READY TO SWEAT INTO SUMMER?

Summer is the season of fun, sun and time spent with family and friends. All that fun leads to hectic schedules and falling off your healthy routines. But fear not, StarFam, we’ve got your back! We specifically designed our Sweat into Summer program with this challenge in mind – so you can kickstart your summer feeling your strongest. All we ask is you show up for you, ride your best, sweat a little harder and push those limits (mental and physical) and we promise you will be walking into summer as your strongest, most empowered self!

Here’s all the info you need to know:

  • Challenge runs June 1st – June 15th
  • Ride 10 times in 15 days
  • Track your progress in-studio on our challenge board
  • Nail your 10 rides + win some sweet StarSwag!!!

Make sure to book your ten classes now, classes will fill quickly! Let’s do this! LET’S RIDE!!!!

#WHYIRIDE: HOW STARTING STARCYCLE AT 8- MONTHS PREGNANT CHANGED CELESTE’S LIFE

Celeste King is a badass mama of three girls, and she has been riding at our Felida studio since they opened last year! After a life of marathon running, she needed something different that would still challenge her during her pregnancy, and StarCycle was just what she needed. Continue reading to learn how Celeste not only gets a good workout from StarCycle, but it has helped shape her lifestyle.

Name: Celeste King

Home Studio: Felida, Vancouver WA

How long have you been riding?
I became a founding member when the Felida studio opened in October of 2018 and have been riding like a boss ever since.

What do you love the most about Starcycle?
Spin is not an individual sport. We are all there motivating and complimenting and socializing ~ it’s a community. I love the cardio workout and the music and the dimmed lights! Where else can you go to the club at 6 am for a dance party with all your friends 🙂

What is your favorite section of class?
I love love love around the world push ups!!!! I love looking up in the mirror and seeing all the strong, powerful, glistening humans all moving in sync with such concentration and motivation. I just feel this overpowering feeling of unity and teamwork. Spin is not an individual sport. We are all there motivating and complimenting and socializing ~ it’s a community.

#WHYIRIDE Story:
I started going to Starcycle when I was 8 months pregnant with my twins. I have been an avid runner for years, I ran endurance trails, marathons, overnight relay races but when I got pregnant with the twins certain issues arose and the little girls weren’t snuggled in tight enough for mama to continue running so my running was put on hold. Craving that cardio workout still, I heard word of Starcycle Felida opening soon and I was on board…. I couldn’t wait for them to open. I had done spin at other facilities and I knew I liked the workout but I had no idea what I was in store for. I went to the first class during their free ride opening week and I signed up immediately for the founding membership. How else can you be 8 months pregnant with twins and get a cardio workout and a serotonin rush??!! I even did the 6 am ride on the morning that they were born, just a quick detour on the way to the hospital. I ride allot, as much as I can fit into my schedule. I love it, and in fact now the twins are 14 months old and I am free to resume my running and I am still getting my cardio fix at Starcycle and I don’t see that changing.

What outside your life has changed:
My family has become part of the Starcycle community. On weekends, I bring all three of my girls (three, 3 and under) with me to spend time in the child care. They love it!! My daughters have made relationships with the staff as well as the other kids there. This is incredible to me. They are seeing all these strong, powerful and healthy people making this part of their life and this is what they see and will be a part of when they are older. I actually give my 3 year old the option of coming with me or staying home and she ALWAYS picks Starcycle… That’s my girl!

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6 YEARS OF STARS

Cheers to SIX incredible years, StarFam!

It’s been an epic ride so far; 6 years, 13 studios, 21 franchise owners, and thousands riders who come into our studios each and every day — we have never loved this community more! Thank you for every ‘WHOOP’, every drop of sweat, and every single time you clip into the bike. Here’s to six years down, and even more amazing things yet to come!

So, let’s celebrate! We want to give one lucky winner a 6th birthday celebration collection. All you have to do is follow us on Instagram (@starcycleride), tag a friend who you love to ride with or are trying to get their buns on a bike, and leave a comment with your fav emoji that sums up Star for you!

Do that, and you’ll be entered to win the following:

What are you waiting for?! Enter to win now!

5 REASONS TO RIDE WITH US

Indoor cycling classes can seem intimidating at first, but there’s a reason why once your start, you can’t stop. Just ask our members! Long time StarCycle member Amy C calls StarCycle ‘her sweaty obsession’. Once you get into the saddle for your first class, you’ll very quickly find yourself prioritizing your schedule to make sure you can always get to your bike at least three times a week. Don’t believe us? We polled our members for five reasons why our signature indoor cycling classes will win you over.

  1. The Health Benefits
    There’s nothing quite like indoor cycling class to give you that amazing workout you’re always looking for. Bonus! StarCycle takes it up a notch my incorporating total-body elements into every single class. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that adults get 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise five times a week (or 20 minutes of vigorous cardio three days a week) at the very least. Our cardiovascular workout will strengthen your heart, tone your entire body, and you won’t have to deal with the physical toll of a high-impact workout. It’s seriously one of the best possible things you can do for your body and overall health. And why not have fun while doing it? At StarCycle, we make every class a dance party on a bike.
  2. The Stress Relief
    If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, heading to one of our studios and getting on the bike is one of the smartest decisions you can make. At StarCycle we create an environment that allows you to leave your mental baggage at the door and cycle your worries away – one beat at a time. And of course, because cycling workouts are on the intense side, you’ll produce more endorphins leaving you feeling stronger and shining brighter the rest of your day.
  3. The Killer Music
    For those who love to get lost in the music and find that moving to a beat is therapeutic, there’s no better way to workout than an indoor cycling class at StarCycle. Music is a fantastic motivator during exercise. Research has found that athletes tend to work out harder when they listen to music that has a faster tempo. The beat of the music can help you reset and allow you to stay driven during class, thus ensuring you get the best workout possible.
  4. The Team Mentality
    Although some people enjoy an independent workout, there’s no denying that working out in a supportive group can push you to do your best. All that synergistic energy can have a positive impact on your overall experience. It turns what could be a boring workout class into a super charged 45-minute ride full of twists and turns. It turns the concept of ordinary exercise on its head. Our community is incredible and our team of instructors are there to cheer you on every step of the way.
  5. The Party
    For some people, thinking of a workout as “fun” might seem like a stretch. But even those who haven’t particularly enjoyed exercise in the past will find there’s something special StarCycle. The variety of the moves, our community, and the energetic focus will allow you to appreciate exercise in a whole new way. We make exercise fun! Once you start attending classes at our bike studios in Portland (and beyond), you may soon find yourself hooked on cycling. It’s that fun.

Want more info on how you can become a member at one of our studio locations in the greater Portland metro (Lake Oswego, Cedar Mill, Happy Valley, Vancouver, Felida) or Denver Metro (Highlands Ranch / Centennial)? We’ve got great news! Now through the end of the month we’re offering $20 off your first month of membership. Find your local studio for more information.

THE PERFECT GIFT: STARCYCLE HQ’S TOP PICKS!

It’s that time of year again! Have you found yourself hustling to find that perfect gift, only to come out empty-handed? We’ve got you. All of us at StarCycle HQ put together a list of 15 gifts that are sure to have your fitness-minded friends seeing stars. Added bonus: most of these gifts are gender-neutral, so feel free to treat your guy to these too!

  1. Do you have a friend who loves candles and room perfumes? Give them an elevated version with Mad et Len Pots. Use the dropper to release a scent that is both earthy and light over a gorgeous bed of amber crystals. The rustic black metal looks beautiful on a coffee table or desk, and the hints of mint, basil, and cypress will leave anyone feeling refreshed.
  2. Not only are these stackable rings beautiful and versatile, they are also designed and created by a brand called Betsy & Iya, which is female owned and was founded in Portland, just like StarCycle! Win- win.
  3. Did you know StarCycle is a technology- free class? Our founder says, “by disconnecting from technology, it allows your mind to be present.” Instead of scrolling at night, this alarm clock allows you to put the phone away, and clear your mind for a good night’s sleep. Plus, the illuminated lights disappear when not in use, so it is minimal and discreet! Just snap your fingers to see the time.
  4. There’s no better gift during chilly winter months than a stylish beanie- especially to put on after a sweaty workout sesh! Check out this StarCycle beanie in your local studio. (Pro tip- this is a PERFECT stocking stuffer.)
  5. BeautyCounter’s Overnight Resurfacing Peel is the perfect gift for those who care about their skin, but don’t have a ton of time. This gentle formula minimizes the look of pores, fine-lines and dullness while you sleep!
  6. Parachute’s Signature Bedding Set is made of 100% Egyptian cotton and feels A-MA-ZING. Not to mention that for every bedding set purchased, the company donates a life-saving malaria bed net. (So really, you’re giving two gifts for the price of one!)
  7. Give the gift of relaxation with the Naturopathica Sweet Birch Magnesium Bath Flakes. The bottle boasts that it is an essential daily soak for yogis and athletes, and we’d have to agree! One of our fave instructors says, “Even after a week full of teaching classes, my muscles actually feel relaxed and repaired after this soak.”
  8. These matte gray spin shoes by Shimano are sleek and sophisticated. Plus, they are durable and breathable to help you get. the. job. done. Buy them online or check in with your local StarCycle studio for a pair!
  9. Herbivore’s Rose Quartz Facial Roller. Dating back to ancient China, facial rolling helps relax, de-stress, and even aids in supporting the Lymphatic system to detoxify the body!
  10. Do you have a friend who is all about being active? Athia is a new skincare line formulated by active women, for active women. Treat your loved one to the Athia Bundle, which includes a cleanser, a moisturizer, and a night cream.
  11. We LOVE this Mini Merry Bag by India Hicks. Not only is it super cute (of course we’re crazy about the embroidered star) but it is also the ideal size to stow away inside your go-to purse. Stash some dry-shampoo and mascara for after class, and you’re ready for a night out. Added bonus- check out this matching eye mask for when your night is over!
  12. Sometimes the best gift to give is an amazing experience. A StarCycle gift card is the perfect gift for fitness lovers, music lovers, and people who just like to have a good time. Who wouldn’t love the gift of a dance party on a bike?
  13. Have you EVER seen a more chic way to drink a morning smoothie than in this Hammered Copper Tumbler? Here’s a secret, these are great for milkshakes too.
  14. We all know someone who would benefit from these… Lululemon’s stink-resistant socks! For that person you know who loves to grind at the gym and work hard, these socks have silverescent technology to knock out the stink before it can linger. There’s also micro-cushioning in the heel and toe for added comfort.
  15. Now THIS is a game-changer. Give the gift of VineBox, and you can send a personalized wine flight directly to their door. These flights come in test tube- like bottles, and are curated by season! Choose to give a 6 month subscription or a full year.

We hope this gift guide helped you check off your list this year (and who knows… maybe you found yourself a thing or two. Or three. Or four…) Happy Holidays, from all of us at StarCycle!

A PARTY ON (AND OFF) THE BIKE

When StarCycle was first started in 2013, we wanted to create a workout that was fun and effective, within a community that was supportive to everybody and for every body. Four years later, we have created an indoor cycling experience like no other: we call it a dance party on a bike, and everyone is invited.

But our dreams of creating our own company didn’t begin and end with just the workout. We wanted to build an entire business model that was refreshing and unique. A company that allowed us to work hard, but also understood that we are moms who play an active role in raising our children. A place where we could challenge ourselves to try new things, while supporting one another when they didn’t work out the way we had hoped.

Ultimately, we wanted to have fun with our jobs and to build something that would be fun for other people to be a part of as well. And we’re doing it: we’ve opened two studios of our own and have four franchise locations (our newest studio opened just weeks ago!), with more to come. Our studio owners, along with our team, bring so much insight and energy that I feel lucky to work with each of them. And we hear from our clients on a daily basis how they feel happier since coming to StarCycle.

Is all of this a walk in the park? Heck no! While our workout is super fun, it’s hard. You’ll sweat like never before. You’ll have classes where you simply can’t keep the beat, no matter how hard you try. Owning a StarCycle studio is the same: it’s incredible but it’s also a lot of work. But I’ve found that anything worthwhile is challenging and this journey with StarCycle continues to be the ride of my life. When my daughters have a soccer game, I can make the time to be there. When school is out of session, I either bring them to work with me (we have craft-based child care at all of our studios) or work from home. I’m working hard, but within my own terms, and I respect that of everyone who’s part of our team. And I have to say, any hiccup that comes with being a business owner is made so small when I see how vibrant our clients look after class, when our team shares how much they love being a part of this company, or when our studio owners tell me it’s the best job they’ve ever had.

We’re still growing and evolving StarCycle, but we always want to keep it real and keep it fun. If you’re thinking about joining this party, either as a client or as a studio owner, we’ll keep a bike open for you!

XO,

Dionne

To learn more about opening a studio in your community and be your own boss, click the franchise tab in the header. To ride with us, find a studio near you.