After opening her boutique-style cycling studio, Cycle Chi, in Vienna roughly a year ago, owner Krista Chichester has expanded to offer classes for kids between the ages 10-16.
Inspired by her sons, 11 and 12 years old, respectively, who love coming into her studio and riding the bikes, Chichester launched the kid-friendly classes in November. The Cycle Chi kids classes are designed for children at any skill level and athletic ability, helping them work on their physical fitness by honing endurance and strength. Chichester says the classes also help kids train for any number of sports they’re involved in at school: football, soccer, lacrosse, swimming, basketball, tennis, dance and beyond.
“I’ve seen kids who started out not being able to ride more than 20 minutes and now are burning 400 calories in a class and don’t want to get off the bikes,” Chichester says.
Chichester also notes the positive feedback she’s received from parents. Parents have been shocked at how much their kids enjoy the cycling classes, which can make fitness fun while giving them the chance to use grown-up workout equipment in a gymlike environment typically reserved for adults. Chichester says the experience bestows kids with a sense of accomplishment and responsibility.
Cycle Chi’s kids classes are every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Each class lasts 45 minutes and ends with stretching.
