As a former cycling instructor, I am always excited to scope out new boutique cycle experiences. I’ve been wanting to check out Zengo for a while and see how it compared to some of the other trendy spin studios in the Washington area. I visited the Mosaic location in Virginia.
Zengo now has 4 locations in the DC Metro area-so how does it stack up to other workouts?
Zengo is a 50 minute “full body, cycle-centric workout…delivering hard core cardio and strength training in less than an hour” (Zengo).
While walking into the studio, I immediately felt the “zenlike” atmosphere and the spa like setting. Zengo seemed more relaxed and less hustle and bustle than I sensed at some of the other boutique studios I’ve visited. The front desk area also had a small boutique with fitness wear.
My instructor, Jason, was incredibly motivating with a killer playlist with a variety of old and new tunes with different genres. He explained the workout would be 50 minutes long including: 5 minutes of weights, 5 minutes of stretching and a 5 minute “Zen” song.
The studio lights are dimmed and the feeling is very intimate yet welcoming and relaxed. I did not feel the intense “cult like” atmosphere I have felt in other studios where I kind of felt like everyone knew something that I did not. The class would be appropriate for beginner or experienced cyclers.
Like other boutique cycle classes, there is a lot of upper body moves such as push ups and tricep moves done to the beat of the music. Additionally, Zengo includes a 5 minute weights song where you pick up the 1, 2, or 3 pound dumb bells to perform bicep curls and shoulder raises. 3 pound weights might sound light but I expect my arms will be sore.
One of the different components of a Zengo class is the “Zen” song. The instructor will turn off the lights and direct you to “grind” it for 4-5 minutes where you are led to “find your reason for being there”, dig deep and turn up your resistance. During this song, the instructor will stay mostly silent letting you concentrate on your workout. I really liked this! About 40 min into our workout, I took this time to give myself a little extra push of the resistance.
Have you ever been in a class where students start walking out while the instructor does the cool down and the stretch? Me too, and as a former instructor, I always found that really distracting. My instructor, Jason, asked riders to leave before the stretches or commit to staying the full five minutes. What a great way to handle that situation.
The verdict? Lived up to my expectations and I got a killer, sweaty workout. I liked the “Zen” song and my instructor was motivating and engaging. My only con, if I have one, is that I wish the class would have been a full hour instead of 50 min.
If you are in the DC area, the first class is free-check it out!
Boutique spin classes? Love them or hate them? Ever been to Zengo?
Linking up with Ann Marie, Michelle, Nicole & Angelina Marie
Sounds like a really cool place. I love that the instructor asked to either leave now or complete the full 5 minutes of stretching. It’s so annoying when people leave in the middle of a cool down or stretching. Those last 5 minutes are still an important part of the program. Nice review. Would love to check it out.
I totally agree! You will have to come to DC and go with me
Interesting play on the spin class. I haven’t attended any of these boutique classes. As a cycling purist I really dislike being directed to use my upper body in a way I never would when riding or racing my bike. That said, I could see some elements, like the Zen song, being really cool. Good for you to get out and try it!
When I did my instructor training a few years back they really frowned upon the upper body stuff. I am not exactly sure how I feel about it in the class. I liked it better in this class than I did in some of the other places I have been.
I tend to agree with Kelli! I’m not so sure I agree with the upper body work while riding. Seems dangerous, as I was taught in my certification. Fusion classes seem to be the rage, though.
I was taught that too years ago. They are all the rage you are correct. I think you can do it if you pay attention to your form
Sounds a lot like Soul Cycle!
It is similar but a totally different vibe than I got at Soul Cycle. I felt like people were a little too cult like there!
A full hour? You must be a sadist! Sounds like a great class.
naturally! You would like it
SO happy you liked it!! Jason is one of theor great instructors. I’m going there for my weekly zen at noon 🙂 yay!!
He was great! Enjoy your class and one of these days we need to sweat it out together. They have halloween ride combo with spark that I may do.
How do you compare this to spinning? I don’t know how I’d like the light weight lifting–but I’d like to try this out.
It is very similar. In the past, I did not like the weights with the spin but I did like it there. Fun for a change of pace. I believe you need to stop pedaling in order to do the arm weight exercises with proper form.
It looks like you had a sweaty good time! I love taking cycling class and I really miss it. Great job though and love the pants I have the same ones 🙂
I did! I love the pants too
Very cool! Zengo sounds more my style, I really get too intimidated by the cult-like establishments. DC has all the great places to workout, not fair!
We do have a lot of fitness venues but I hear Philly has lots more options now too
Sounds like a fun class. I LOVE the whole idea of the Zen song…having to dig deep and find your purpose is a great way to recenter yourself before getting on with the rest of your day!
It really was!
I really like the idea of the zen song! And I hate it when people leave the class during the cool down, it’s really distracting. Especially during the final relaxation portion of a yoga class.
I totally agree and never really knew how to handle it when I taught classes.
I’m so jealous you live in such a city that has so many choices. I had never heard of Zengo Cycle class and it sounds like a great class!
We have not run into someone leaving before the class was up, but I think that is very disrespectable to the instructor and the other people in the class if it can be helped! The instructor handled it very well too!
Thanks for this it is always neat to see what is going on in bigger cities.
I love to read about classes in other areas too so I know what to check it if I ever visit.
Oh my gosh, sounds like so much fun! I’d love to try it out! Thanks so much for linking up 🙂
It was a great time and thank you!
Sounds like fun! I love the shirt on the wall too! 😉
They had some super cute shirts! I tried to restrain myself 🙂
I have never been to a boutique style workout of any sort. I love spin classes at the gym. I feel so much like part of the class. Thanks for sharing, glad you enjoyed.
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I love spin class at the gym too but it’s always fun to try out some place new as well. Have a great day!
This sound like my kind of class!!! I always grind harder when the lights are out. I l would love to try it out. I wish I were closer.
Me too! That would be fun huh?!
I’ve never heard of Zengo! This looks like a great work out, I’ll have to see if we have any near me.
It was a blast and I love to check out new classes.
I have never been to one but it looked pretty cool! WE are just little city folks here 🙂
It takes a few years for the cool stuff to come from NYC to DC and maybe a few more to get to you 🙂
I have never been to a cycle boutique. Only have taken classes at gyms. That’s great that they incorporate weights! I know what you mean about people leaving class during cool down. As an RPM instructor I know people have jobs and life to get to so I just appreciate them coming to my class, even if they can’t stay for the whole time.
That’s true people do sometimes need to leave early. As an instructor, it would be fun to go check out a boutique class. Offer to do a write up and they will comp you 🙂
I love the idea of this, its sounds more fun than just a spin class! I will have to keep a look out for one! Have a great week!
I’ve been to Zengo in Mosaic and loved it too.I think Jason was the instructor as well! I have a 5 class pass there, I need to get back there soon!
Would love to meet up there sometime!
Sounds like a fun class. I’ve gone to Revolve a few times and like it a lot. I don’t think I’d like one of the classes where you “compete” with the other rides, so I’d probably like Zengo too.
Maybe we can hit up a class together some time!
I’ve only tried FlyWheel, but this looks fantastic. I would like to try it!
Similar to fly wheel without the leader board. Hope you have a chance to check it out sometime
Zengo looks awesome. I would love to try it.
It was a great workout 🙂
This looks awesome. Love the dim lighting and relaxed vibe,
Very cool!! I want to check out some classes here and try something…
Trying something new is always fun for new motivation
I am so jealous you guys get to go to these fancy classes. One day I’ll have the time to do that. This looked like a lot of GOOD FUN though and a great workout.
You should drive down one day and play with us DC folks 🙂
You know I’ve never even been to a spin class, never mind a specialty one! This sounds really cool though. It’s great you get to check out all these exciting classes! Thanks for linking up!
You’ve never been to a spin class?! You must add that to your to do list 🙂
I have been wanting to try this! Awesome review and the instructor sounds like someone I would like 🙂
I hope you have the chance to check it out sometime it was a great workout
How much fun!! We don’t have this yet in Asheville,but I wish we did!
It was lots of fun!
Sounds like a great class, I used to have a spin bike but I have never actually taken I true cycling class, this makes me want to!
Oh really!? I think you would like it on cross training days
Sounds like a great class, and I really like the idea of the “Zen” song time 🙂
I didn’t think I would but I really did!
Sounds like a really cool place! I used to do spinning and loved it. I wonder if this place will come to MI?!? I like the zen portion of the class, sounds like it would be a great workout.
Now I want to go to this class!!
Lol hope you have a chance sometime great workout! I am working on my Mighty nut recipe for Monday 🙂
Sounds like a very fun idea for a spin class:) You guys have some awesome options out there!
You know we really do!!
Believe it or not, I’ve never been to a spin class (even though I once took a day long course to teach spin to earn CEUs to renew one of my certifications). This sounds interesting. I do like the idea of getting a full body workout. I have a friend who recently opened a studio, which is obviously a lot closer than Virginia :-). I should at least try it out.
I used to teach spinning so I find it fun to go check out other classes. Hope I’ve inspired you to go check out your friend’s studio 🙂
That sounds like fun! I wish we had stuff like that out west. I used to love FlyWheel in ATL!
I do like flywheel too and got very obsessed with the leader board when I did it 🙂 Shocking right?!
This looks cool! I like it because it looks like it’s slightly similar to other studios, but has special little tweaks that make it unique. Great review!
Yes exactly! Hope you get to check it out one time
This looks like a lot of fun! I have never tried nor heard OF Zengo! 🙂
I love to hit new spin studios to what the new trends are.