In the coming months, the Northern Virginia region will be home to yet another space for fitness junkies to break a sweat, as premium cycling studio brand CycleBar will officially open its doors in Tysons Galleria.
The studio—taking the place of previous tenant Legal Sea Foods on the lower level of the Galleria—will be CycleBar’s third Northern Virginia location, adding to the franchise’s growing presence across the East Coast.
According to Don Brazelton, the owner of the soon-to-open franchise location, plans for opening a CycleBar location in Tysons have been in the works for nearly three years. It wasn’t until last spring when this specific space became available that he and his two partners, Mark Van Kirk and Maurice Freeman, decided to officially settle into new digs.
“We looked at several locations and either it wasn’t as convenient as we wanted or the economics didn’t work,” says Brazelton. “It had to meet the physical accommodations of our studio: high ceilings, sound system requirements, everything. The experience is similar to a stadium, and it took time to find that.”
CycleBar prides itself on providing a premium experience, giving participants a high-intensity workout in a comfortable, empowering atmosphere. For Reston-based Brazelton, who has been involved in the fitness world for years serving as a personal trainer, swim instructor and cycle coach, the premium aspect, as well as the emphasis on hospitality and community, are what pushed him to become involved in the franchise.
“We celebrate your success before, during and after every class,” Brazelton explains. “You get water bottles, you can borrow shoes, you get a towel, all for free, unlike a lot of other studios in the area. It’s not just what is happening in that studio, it’s the entire experience from the front door until you leave.”
While there is no set date in place for the opening of CycleBar in Tysons Galleria, Brazelton is hoping to open before spring’s end. // Tysons Galleria: 1600 Tysons Blvd., McLean
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